: I'm looking to build a nice rowing skiff. Not a flat out rowing shell, but
: something that I can use both for rec. rowing and to take the wife out in
: for a nice evening. I want something that weighs in around 70 lbs so I can
: cartop it, is reasonable performer, and employs a simple build method (no
: steam bending ribs :-).
: The CLC Annapolis Wherry fits my idea, but the kit is a little over my
: budget. The Redmond Whisp would also seem to fit my criteria. Does anyone
: have a set of plans for the Whisp? Its built using the glue lapstrake
: method of Tom Hill. I built one of Tom's small canoe's using that method
: about 8 years ago and its a simple method. I figure I could build the
: Whisp for half the price of the CLC wherry. Any other design suggestions
: welcomed,

: Thanx's

: Brian

Brian: You might take a look at Jim Michalak's designs. His are stitch and glue designs that are quite light because they have absolutely nothing extra. I met someone who built a Redmond Whisp and hated it. He said that it rowed OK solo, but when he tried to take a passenger it dragged its stern and got a lot slower. He then built a Michalak 'Roar' which he loved. Michalak has a number of rowing boats in the 12 to 15 foot range you might consider. Look at the Roar II and Oracle. All his plans are very inexpensive. Lots to read on his site:
http://homepages.apci.net/~michalak/

Ralph Merriman