photographs courtesy of Carl KaufmannIn profile, CHIPS bears a strong resemblance to the Herreshoff 12-1/2, one of the boats that inspired Carl's Block Island 19 design.
These two guitars and the mandolin are examples of Carl's skills as a luthier.
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What a beautiful boat and those instruments, amazing! To be building such beautiful things in one’s nineties, now that is an example to inspire all of us, particularly those of us who are getting on in years.
Thanks for the heads up that Carl is in his 90s. At 76, I’ve often wondered how long I can keep building small boats. His work is amazing. Regarding the motor mount, I installed a side bracket on my Somes Sound 12-1/2 and it was a total nuisance. Plus, removing or installing the electric trolling motor while sailing is not as easy as you might think. A long canoe paddle was all I needed. Thanks again for the inspiration.
That is one busy man and indeed an inspiration. I’m 71 and just starting on building boats. Have done knives and dulcimer and tools or furniture, some kits, some scratch. I am amazed at the industry and energy demonstrated and take it to heart. I salute you sir. Thank you.
Carl has shown the way for those of us who believe the best is yet to come. I much prefer the notion of “re-firing.” I’m totally inspired. For anyone thinking about when would be the best time to retire, it’s time to consider how you plan to re-fire!
I would love to know the upwind performance comparing centerboard up vs down.
Are plans available for the Block Island 19? I’m looking for a design in the 19-21 foot range.
I also would like to know if plans are available for the Block Island 19. Thank you
Make that three of us wondering if plans for the Block Island are available.
I prefer a little weather helm, because it lets me feel how the boat is performing. I owned for 18 years a little 21′ cruising cutter designed by Ed Monk Sr., and built in 1935. I wanted to avoid employing a crane when it came time for mast maintenance, so I installed it in a tabernacle. When it came time to reinstall the mast, I didn’t give it quite as much rake as it had originally, and ended up with neutral helm. I could no longer feel the rudder lifting the boat to windward, and had to watch constantly to to avoid luffing or stalling. The tabernacle worked fine, by the way, with a come-along and a scissors pole pivoting off the shroud chain plates. I save having to get in line at the boatyard.
Phil Bolger comments on this somewhere.
A lovely wee boat!
That word “jibboom” (jiboom, jib boom) though – the spar in question is a club. Any who’s had to share a foredeck with one can tell you why. A jib boom is an extension of a bowsprit in the same way a topmast is an extension of a lower mast.
As well as a fine craftsman, Carl is also a gifted teacher. He donated his time to teach an acoustic guitar building course to my woodworking students (and me) at the Block Island School. It was an amazing experience and these “kids,” now around 40, still talk about it. Now that’s education!