: Steve- Did you see the posts over the last 3 or 4 months about the Sea Pups?
: I think the design, (done by Tom Yost) perhaps modified somewhat, would be
: very good for what you're doing. As you may know, we built four of these
: with dads and sons, and they are truly excellent boats. Our costs ended up
: being about $150 per boat, but I think that could be trimmed down in
: various ways. You need strongbacks, but you could build in 'batches',
: re-using the strongbacks. The Sea Pup is designed at 19" beam, and
: only one of the boys has flipped his over. (Repeatedly!) I think if you
: took the design and expanded the beam to about 22", they'd be very
: stable. Actually, for some of the smaller boys, I'd think the 19"
: would be fine, but they are a bit tender for a big beginner. Of course,
: you'd want to keep the seats as low as possible. Regardless, I think you
: couldn't go wrong with the fabric we used- the PVC stuff that they use to
: make the 'moon bouncers' that show up at kids' birthday parties. It was
: only $5 per 61" wide yard, and once it's glued, you're done. Patching
: is ridiculously easy, and would be ready in minutes. If you have any
: questions about the design, feel free to email me. Keep us posted on the
: project. Best of luck- I can't think of a better way to create some great
: memories for the boys. Steve Phillips

Thanks Steve,

The Sea Pup had crossed my mind. But my lousy memory had placed it in the category of "too complicated", but it seems to be a straightforward design. Do you think it would be possible to get the cost down if we could buy materials in bulk? I think we would be building at least 15 and as many as 35 of these. I'll have to send Tom an e-mail.

Steve