'Micro' fits within my definition of a Micro-Sailboat .

Now that she has been sailed under various conditions over a good many days cruising, it is appropriate to make an assessment of her suitability for her purpose - that is, does she come up to my expectations of being an ideal single-hander for day sailing and weekend cruising?

The original brief which I had set myself was to design and build a lightweight boat with no hassle at launching and recovering. She had to accommodate myself with a comfortable berth for over-nighting; to have sufficient storage space to carry camping gear for life aboard over a period of several days, (if necessary) and to sail reasonably well for cruising purposes.

Weight/launching and recovery

So far I have not been able to weigh the boat at a public weighbridge, but I would estimate she comes well under the recommended weight for single-handing of 350 lbs/160 Kgs, (being the complete weight of the integral hull, including bilge keels, spars, sails, rudder and tiller). I can easily slide her up a beach on her bilge keels without damage to her hull. Handling her on or off the trailer is not a problem - especially with the powerful trailer winch which I use when recovering the boat from the water.

Because she turned out to be a bit heavier than I expected, it was necessary to stay the rig with two shrouds and a forestay. I judged that the tabernacle alone, would not be strong enough to support the gaff mainsail and jib when pressed in strong winds, say force three and above. At first I used a frame attached to the trailer for supporting the mast, but this took time to erect. Now I use a quicker system, which is to always house the mast in the tabernacle. When in the lowered position it sits on a crutch attached to the rear locker frame. The shrouds and halyards are always permanently attached to the mast. I'm pleased with the new arrangement because the launching time can be as little as ten minutes, although it is wise to ensure the wheel bearings have cooled sufficiently, in the event that they may be submerged.

Accommodation

Being able to use the full unimpeded space of the cockpit to lay out a six foot inflatable mattress means the aim of having a comfortable berth was achieved.

My original concept was to make a folding hood over the cockpit, so that erecting it would be instant. Such an instant arrangement could be used if shelter was required from the rain or wind. In the event, I could not devise a method of making it so that hiking the boat would not be adversely affected. Therefore I made a ridge tent supported by the boom. In practice this works exceedingly well. There is sufficient space under it to place the galley box on top of the cockpit deck, where it can be used for preparing a meal or a hot drink.

Having so many storage compartments for gear, two of which are completely watertight, has been more than adequate for my needs. Likewise they have been very convenient for practical use, for example, food, navigation equipment and tools are stored in the stern locker; the anchor, warps and fenders are in the bow compartment. Waterproofs, hat, waders, and warps are kept under the side decks; bedding, dry clothing, books etc., are keep in their semi-waterproof compartments under the cockpit deck This is a sealed-off area by the use of a removable washboard.

Performance - sailing and rowing for cruising and pottering

Kellan Hatch, a member of the 'Small Boats Internet Discussion Group' posed the question, "Bill, Beautiful pictures of a beautiful boat! Now that you've logged some more time sailing her, are you still pleased with the performance of the bilge runners? "

That is a question direct to the point, since there are only a few designers of small boats who advocate them. Is it based on their experience or prejudice?

Over the period of this assessment, ie., having done six cruises on tidal waters from as far north as Holy Island to as far south as Poole Harbour, I am more than satisfied with the bilge keels. In smooth water the performance to windward is not significantly less efficient than many other cruising dinghies, but one could not expect that to be the case when compared with a dinghy such as a Wanderer with a deep centreboard. Her performance on the reach and the run is almost invariably better than other dinghies of her displacement and water line length.

There are many advantages of bilge keels, such as: adding to the rigidity and strength of the hull; enabling the boat to sit level on the hard; protects the hull from damage; gives good tracking; has no moving parts to be damaged; and does not get jammed up with stones or mud, such as happens with drop boards or centreboards.

Rowing Cruiser

'Micro' can be used purely as a rowing cruiser on protected waters such as the upper reaches of the River Thames. Without the windage of the mast, rigging and sails she can be rowed steadily for long periods at about a couple of knots. Her weight and fairly easy lines enable her to maintain momentum in a moderate conditions, but to cruise her on open water one would need to be strong and fit. Outriggers for the oars and longer oars would undoubtedly improve her capability as a rowing cruiser.

On the whole, I consider 'Micro' more of a sailing boat than a rowing boat. Rowing is her secondary method of propulsion. Since she is designed to be eco-friendly, she is not fitted with an engine, although I would consider an electric outboard, because this is virtually non-polluting.

Conclusion

All in all, I am very pleased with the end result and I am looking forward to many more days and perhaps weeks of enjoyment using the new boat, unless she is sold meanwhile, which will enable me to crack on with my next project.

16th June, 2002. Bill.

P.S. Since composing this page 'Micro' has been sold and I am now looking forward to building a 50/50 Sailing/Paddling canoe. (See left hand menu bar.)

28th January, 2003.