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Some years ago I had to repair my glider and while I was in the
internet searching for information of epoxy glue I did find Hannu
Vartiala's web site of free boat plans. After looking
for a while I thought that it would be fun to try to build a Portuguese
style dinghy.
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The beginning, Portuguese style dinghy. |
After a search in garage was I standing in my yard with two sheets
off plywood and some old epoxy and a bit of this and that. And,
of course, a mind stupid enough to start the work. The dinghy
was easy to build and worked as expected.
It made me think about building a sailboat. Would it not be nice
to use air movements, not only for soaring, but for sailing too?
As it happens, I live near Lake Lievestuore, which is connected
by a small river and a couple of small lakes to Keitele-päijänne
canal. The canal is a part of Kymi
river water system. Big enough to allow a lifetime
of boating without a change of having time to see it all.
I started to search internet for a plan worth of building and
finally I decided that Michalak's
Viola 26 is what I want. However, after rethinking
and revaluating my skills, resources and real needs , I did order
plans for AF3.
A boat looking like Viola but smaller and thereby hopefully cheaper
and easier to build. Nowadays I do own a set of plans for a Viola
too, hopefully I'll build her someday.
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AF3 parts first together. |
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Snow is nearly gone and boat waits for paint
and few details. |
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Inside painted. Notice the dolly. |
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Finally ready for first trip. |
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Sunshine and clear, fresh water, that’s
it. |
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Sometime it’s calm. |
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Then it is time for a river trip. |
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With help of faithful trolling motor and a pair
of 100ah batteries. |
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Just when you think the river ends…. |
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Behind the corner you´ll find a nice pond. |
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Sometimes you need to be humble; concrete is
harder than your head. |
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Can it be more relaxing? |
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Winter is no problem for a true boater. |
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Although the water might be a little hard. |
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And the fish are not so hungry either. |
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A self made boat is never really ready; you
need to modify it regularly. |
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