: I haven't posted in quite a while, and I guess I really miss this forum. My
: bad back has reduced my ability to paddle but it always seems worth the
: pain when I finally get out in my night heron. I'd love to build another
: boat and I've been looking into all kinds, but especially sailboats.
: Recently I came across a design which I liked so much, and knowing a lot
: of forum members are sailors, that I had to share it here.

: Frontview: http://i550sportboat.com/BuildPhotos_files/i550bl.jpg

: Backview: http://i550sportboat.com/BuildPhotos_files/i550bk.jpg

: Cool Huh! Yet can be out racing/sailing for $10K-$15K

: The designer's website: http://i550sportboat.com/i550.html

Side note, I have all sorts of back problems too. When the paddling season actually starts the paddling helps me alot. Proper rotation does wonders for stengthening the back muscles too. It's one of the reasons I still use the wing paddle, that stroke requires a bunch of rotation.

Bill H.