Norwalk Island Sharpies
Steve Pawlowskis
I came across an article in the August 1992 issue of Sail magazine about a
31' sharpie design by Bruce Kirby that was built for Barry Peale of Milford
boatworks in CT (Mudlark was boat's name). Does anyone know if this is one
of Kirby's standard designs or was this a one-off special. My impression or
the Norwalk Island designs was that they were simple boats with fairly low
tech rigs, which this one was not. After seeing this article I couldn't help
but compare the sharpie to a J32 (a personal pet "dream" boat, if only they
made them out of wood, and sold them for $10,000 I'd buy two!) They come out
fairly close in regard to overall size and accomodations. How do you think
this design would stack up as far as performance and comfort? How practical
would it be to home build, overall cost etc...? Are there better designs out
there. Your comments are appreciated.
HugeDogs
Steve wrote:
>I came across an article in the August 1992 issue of Sail magazine about a
>31' sharpie design by Bruce Kirby
>Does anyone know if this is one
>of Kirby's standard designs or was this a one-off special.
In the appendix of Reuel Parker's "The Sharpie Book" there is some information
(drawings and specs) on the Norwalk Islands 26 designed by Bruce Kirby.
Parker's book says that plans are available from: Bruce Kirby, 213 Rowayton
Avenue, Rowayton, CT 06853.
I would imagine that plans are also available for the 31' version you mention.
BTW, I reccommend "The Sharpie Book" for anybody wanting a good overview of the
sharpie type and plenty of lines drawings for study and dreams.
--David Anderson
Ashley
Bruce Kirby's range of Norwalk Island Sharpies includes boats in the
following sizes: 18' 23' 26' 29' 31'.
Here in Australia, they are becoming quite popular with a few 18', five 23',
six 26', about 4 29' under construction. There are about 20 boats, of all
sizes built and on the water - including a 29' with a junk rig variation!
Ron and Janet Jesche have built a 31' and have been living on it in Adelaide
for 2 years now. You may be able to contact them through Duck Flat Wooden
Boats at duck...@dove.mtx.net.au
Robert Ayliffe of Duck Flat Wooden Boats has been a marvelous presence in
the resurgence of wooden boats in Australia, and is the Australian agent for
the NIS plans.
I find Bruce Kirby's NIS designs stunningly beautiful - I nearly bought the
29' plans to start as my first boat, but I have started more conservatively
on Jaques Mertens 14' Sharpie.
Of interest, the 23' has a very good racing record over here, and whilst not
designed for offshore sailing, there is a 23' regularly daysailed offshore.
I note the current trend with the NIS here is to place the ballast
externally in the smaller boats as in the 29' and 31', and to use a modern
and efficient foil design (by Michael Storer) for better performance
(requires a slightly wider centreboard case).
Duck Flat WB have plans of several modifications to the NIS range including
the efficient foils which may be available for purchase - it's worth the
ask - they include them with purchase of the plans from them.
Ashley
Sorry to re-post, but I didn't see my original message come up. (I'm getting
the hang of it).
P.H.Vanderwaart
I met Kirby on the original NIS 26 at a boat show many years ago. He
was about to refit that boat with fiberglass spars and a bigger rig
than the original with aluminum spars.
Kirby has always been interested in the latest of racing designs, and
would never be slow to add high tech features, within reason. As an
example, I bought the plans for the 22 (never built). They show full
airfoil shapes for the rudder and centerboard where almost any other
designer would show a flat foil with tapered edges. These things do
make a pretty big difference in performance.
On the other hand, the construction was much more complicated than,
say, a Bolger boat of similar size. Bolger rarely shows any fit as
difficult as the fit of the cabin top handrails on the very highly
cambered cabin top. But then, I am not a builder of any experience.
Great boats, but I bet a used J would cheaper.
Peter.
p21
Thanks for the input. I'm still intrigued by the design. Think I'll get the
study package anyway. Actual prospect of starting a building project of this
size is a couple of years off as I am only ready to start the dingy this
spring! The input from rec.boats.building has been a great influence for me
as I originally considered "character" boats like a Rozinante, Friendship
Sloop, or Cape Cod Cat as possibilities, so I think that by looking at the
NIS line I'm getting somewhat more practical.
While I appreciate Bolger's design approach, for some strange reason I want
to challenge (punish?) my self with something with a little more pizazz.
But if I come to my senses after I complete the dink, I just might consider
a lapstrake Chebacco. Even Bolger thinks it is frivolous compared to the
sheet ply version! Has just enough charm for me.
Thanks again
Steve
P.H.Vanderwaart wrote in message <69torp$5...@bgtnsc01.worldnet.att.net>...
>
>I met Kirby on the original NIS 26 at a boat show many years ago.
...................snip...................
pjhaworth
I've recently returned from a holiday in Adelaide (Australia) where the Oz
agent for NIS plans Rob Ayliffe of Duck Flat Wooden Boats arranged for me
to have a sail on a NIS23 whilst visiting their Summer Boatbuildinbg School
(thanks Rob and Peter). After a very pleasant, but unfortunately short
sail, I think I am converted, I want one!!!. All I have to do is to sell
an MGA restoration project, and I've got the money for the plans and hull
materials, although, I too will probably be a while away from starting to
build. My previous boatbuilding experience has been in building a couple
of Mirror dinghies, but from what I have seen of the construction method
and plans, I feel that I am capable of undertaking the NIS 23. As regards
the 23 vs 26, the 26 certainly seems to be twice the boat for only 3'
longer, but the 23 suits the available building space and budget. Whilst I
generally appreciate 'character' boats, I'm afraid the Bolger designs do
nothing for me, but remember, beauty is in the eye of the beholder....
--
Peter from the state of Tas in the land of Oz
p21 <pawlo...@sprynet.com> wrote in article
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