Years ago, I had built and sailed a 14′ flat-bottomed skiff, but the time had come for something with more capacity, capability, and comfort. A few times my wife Ramona and I had been caught in rough conditions that made me feel more than a bit uncomfortable, and I didn’t feel confident heading out to distant shores with the little boat. And sleeping under a tented boom, well, I’d had enough of that. Still, it was nice to have a boat I could tow home and store in the garage where I could keep it in good repair.Selway Fisher’s Ptarmigan 17, as drawn, met most of my needs and could be adapted to suit the rest. The options detailed in the plans took care of my wants, and the design appears to accommodate amateur builders with a range of skills and requirements. There are drawings for both stitch-and-tape and glued-plywood lapstrake construction. You can also choose between a simple catboat rig and a yawl rig. With all the options for customization, I wouldn’t be surprised to see 10 different boats built from the same set of Ptarmigan 17 plans. The glued-plywood lapstrake construction accentuates the hull's curves. Stitch-and-tape construction without the laps is an option included in the plans.
Pat Beninger
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Wow! Amazing!
Do these plans include the modifications of the self draining foot wells and benches and storage space? Or are those changes a builder would have to figure out on their own?
Stacey, I modified the design according to a few of my own preferences. One was for a self-bailing cockpit floor and the other was for seats that would shed the rain water. These adaptations are well suited to our climate here on the west coast of Canada.
Hello Steve,
You have built a very charming pocket cruiser. You obviously have some accomplished woodworking skills. Are the protruding frames above the deck and the strong bulwark attached to them a modification to original design plans? A lovely and practical feature. How is the deck sealed around frames to ensure waterproofing? Is there room for a portable loo and small galley flat in the cabin? Any frustrating weather helm issues with the yawl rig?
Lawrence
Thanks, Lawrence. Yes, I did extend the frames to allow for the small bulwarks. I used epoxy putty to fill any voids then covered the deck with a 6-oz glass cloth set in epoxy. I have not had any issues with leaks as of yet.
I suppose you could fit a small portable loo if designed in during construction; same for the galley. I might suggest a galley that could be set up when needed and stowed especially at night when you need the space for the berth.
I don’t recall any issues with weather helm as of yet, and am more than happy to have the option of dousing the main altogether should the conditions require it.
I watched your video of your Black Swan project and of your Ptarmigan 17 build. I am certain Paul Fisher must be very pleased and honoured by your handiwork. Congratulations!
Lawrence
Do you suppose the cat rig could be replaced by a junk rig fairly easily, with the sacrifice of a through-cabin mast?