I've built two small boats now and have come to the realization that I'm much more of a sailor than a boat builder. With that said......I'd love to see pictures of your flatbote! Do you, by any chance, have a website? Michael

As I understand it, you'd be better off with the Potter 15' . . . I was told by a boat broker that the Peep Hen is a poor performer and not at all seaworthy . . . Perhaps I was misinformed? The Peep Hen is no racehorse, and her bottom is flat save for the box keel-I'm talking really flat, as in no rocker. I assume this is a cost savings that allows the bunks to lay right on the hull. That said, the Peep is built to a very high standard, has positive floatation, and more reserve stability due to her very high freeboard than anything else in her class, at least in terms of production boats. Her interior is relatively huge. In a blow, she'd pound, be slow, and wouldn't go to windward for squat. However, you'd be very unlikely to drown, barring rocks...

A lot depends on the waters you sail. If they are small waters, your options open up dramatically. If you are willing to build your own, many, many more options become available. I suggest you check out Jim Michalak's web site for a wealth of possibilities. Many of his free standing rigged designs launch in 10 minutes!

I understand your delimma, because I've been grappling with it myself for years. I finally ended up designing my own, sixteen foot microcruiser, which I'm calling Flatbote. She has lots of deck space, 7' bunks below, and 3' 5" of headroom as well-20 sf of it! Aesthetically, she's a red headed stepchild, but she will hopefully do what we ask of her in fine fashion. Target launch time is 10 minutes. Oh yeah, she's got lots of rocker, too.

SCA is interested in publishing an article on Flatbote, or entering her in thier upcoming Micro Cruiser design challenge. I plan to build her in late winter. Wish me luck!

Steve Tyree P-15 #2098, "Amy Ann"

P.S. Just realized that you're going to be sailing on San Francisco Bay. That makes the M-15 a shoe in, in my opinion.

Cheers

Steve _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats