The book, "Build the New Instant Boats," by Harold "Dynamite" Payson provides all of the plans and instructions you need to build this beauty. Here are just a couple of tips which I learned the hard way.
1. If you weigh more than a supermodel, consider substituting 1/2" plywood for the seats, rather than the 1/4" recommended. I found several builders on the web who complained of collapsed or bowed seats with 1/4" plywood.
2. I added the false stem, because my stem was actually cockeyed. (But this is such a great boat, it doesn't affect its performance!) I'm all for Bolger's belief in simplicity, but the bow just looked too plain. Reuel Parker's, "The Sharpie Handbook" inspired me to add this simple but historically accurate bow.
3. My mast is made from a 16' fir 2x4. I sawed the 2x4 into five pieces, with a 3/4" square core and 1/2" outer pieces. It works great and I didn't have to buy two 2x4's. (I'm cheap in case you haven't noticed.)
4. I used epoxy for everything, but got a great deal on oil based porch floor paint at my local hardware store. My boat sits in the garage when not in use and gets out 2-3 times per month, so this is fine. (Again, cheap)
5. I made my own sail, thanks to Jim Michalak's website. It's made from a WalMart tarp, believe it or not, and it works just fine. I couldn't bring myself to part with $300 for a sail for my garage special. (Again, cheap)
6. Jim Michalak's site also helped me build the pivoting leeboard and rudder which aren't part of the original plans. But with them, I can cruise right up to the shore and launch and recover with no problems.
7. I added the sheet horse on the transom. That's the yellow line that holds a block for the main sheet. This takes a lot of the pull from the sail. I can't imagine trying to hold the sheet without it. Simple to build, just drill two holes in the aft deck, feed through the line and secure with a figure-eight knot. I did splurge for a Harken sailing block though. Not cheap, ($12) but worth it.
I can't recommend this boat highly enough for beginner boat builders or sailors. If I could do it, you can too. The most exotic tool I have is a table saw, but I could have gotten away with a circular saw. This is just an awesome boat!
Dedications
To Phil Bolger and Dynamite Payson - Your design and building instructions were wonderful. Easy to read and understand even for a non-carpenter like me.
To Jim Michalak - Thanks for the essays on sailmaking, and pivoting leeboards and rudders. Anyone can learn a wealth of info about boatbuilding by just reading Jim's essays. And they're free! (Again, cheap)
To Michael Galvin, and Mark Zeiger - These gents both built June Bugs and were kind enough to publish websites detailing their experiences. Thank you my mentors. And, check out the neat boat dolly on Michael's page. A 2x4, 2 wagon wheels and a couple of lag screws could save you from a hernia!
What's Next?
I already ordered the Black Skimmer plans from Dynamite. She's a 25' cat yawl rig sharpie, with berths for two in a small cabin. Promised the Mrs. I'd build some bookshelves first though. Maybe in a few years . . .
If you'd like more info on this great boat, don't hesitate to e-mail at
