Preview: How To Build the Caledonia Yawl, Part 1 – A Good Boat, Up-Close

14 Responses So Far to “How To Build the Caledonia Yawl, Part 1 – A Good Boat, Up-Close”

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  William Gehring says:

  I took Geoff’s “Building the Ness Yawl” at the WB school. Great course and exceptional teacher. Then took John Brooks “Finishing Out Small Boats”, another great offering. Then I bought plans for the CY and spent the next five years building in my driveway. It appears in Launchings section of WB #268. I turned 73 when Kohana was launched. This video series by Geoff saved my bacon on many occasions.

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  jan labij says:

  Nice boat, simple rig – what’s not to like. Although I had one yawl, and that was enough for one lifetime.

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  Charles Neuman says:

  I like the rowing option, and I’d gladly row back to port if the wind dies. However, I’m often in a situation where the wind is 10-15 mph with gusts to 20, and I have to go directly upwind to get home. I doubt that’s rowable (can anyone verify?). My small outboard would come in handy in a situation like that.
  The designed motor well doesn’t allow the motor to kick up, and I wouldn’t want to keep the prop in the water. Another option is having the motor attached to a gunwale near the stern if it can, or attached to a bracket that is attached to the aft part of the boat somehow. I’ve seen various options on the internet. Anyone have any experience to share?
  If I could solve the motor question, then this would probably be the boat I want to build. I had been looking at Welsford’s Pathfinder, too, but now I’m leaning more toward the Caledonia Yawl.

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    Steve Stone says:

    Hi Charles. Rowing is definitely not an option into a breeze in the CY. She doesn’t do bad sailing to windward, but an engine would be the ticket and there are others with more experience on that than me. Good options for a torquedo either in a well or on the rail. The right engine can come out of the well when not in use and stowed away.

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    Geoff Kerr says:

    The motor wel,l as designed, fits the boat nicely; it is not obtrusive as far as interior logistics. It fits a 2.5 hp nicely and that is more than enough power. Simply lift the ob out and stow it under the aft thwart when not in use, and you are no longer dragging a prop while sailing. I build a liner box with a faired bottom to fill the well, and with a lid that becomes a handy catch-all locker.

    At the request of past customers I have on occasion armored and blocked up the rail to allow clamping an electric motor directly to the side of the boat, and also once fabricated
    a very sleek S.S. bolt-on bracket for a canoe style mount. Those were useful solutions too, but I find the idea of sailing around with a motor hanging over the side of the boat appalling, not to mention just waiting to foul the mainsheet.

    I agree that one will not get anywhere trying to row to windward in any breeze. That said I’ve sailed Ned Ludd for 24 years now and have yet to buy an outboard. The boat sails wonderfully, even in light air that has other motoring, and at the other end of the specturm I’ve sailed home to windward in some pretty snotty conditions. My summary suggestions are: sail a lot, row when it is calm and you must, and if lifestyle and local conditions demand, buy a 2.5 hp four stroke outboard and build in a motorwell.

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      Charles Neuman says:

      Thanks for the tips, folks. I use both a Honda 2.5 and the Torqeedo 1003 on my 19′ fiberglass boat, so I’m comfortable with how they would work in a boat like this. I like the idea of simply pulling the motor out of the well when not in use. Having to stand up and move an outboard around when the water is choppy is not ideal, but I sense the CY has enough stability. Plus, both of those motors are light enough that it could work. It’s just another task that can be perfected over time.

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  John Simlett says:

  I keep watching this video!!!!! I can’t sail … but what the heck … t I must build one, and learn to sail later. afterall, I’ve got youth on my side, i’m not 80 for 18 months yet.

  got to finish my lobster boat first …. the boss says!!

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  Mac McCoy says:

  What is Geoff Kerr’s ph.#
  Or business # ?

  Wondering if he would build a Caledonia Yawl for me?

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    Larry Cheek says:

    See Geoff’s Facebook page, where he’s doing business as “Two Daughters Boatworks.” His contact info is in there.

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    Steve Stone says:

    Hi Mac. For Off Center Guides, you can always go to their Guide/bio page via the ‘Guides’ link above. And, we’ll always put a link to the person’s website below the video in the “Navigate Further” section. In this case, you can find a link to Geoff Kerr’s Two Daughter’s Boatworks facebook page above, where you’ll find his contact info.

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  James Okelly says:

  I am rebuilding a 40 year old westsail 32 from the hull up and I have decided to build one of these along-side her for daysails. That video series was the most awesome watch I have laid my eyes on, boatbuilding-wise.

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  David Jeffery says:

  One explained, it becomes obvious. But I needed the explanation. Many thanks. –David

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  David Jeffery says:

  On the Caledonia Yawl does the tiller stick remain on port, or does one need to work it round the mizzen mast when tacking…and especially gybing? Thanks.

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    Steve Stone says:

    Hi David. No need to work it around the mizzen mast. It stays on one side, but the flexible joint allows the tiller to follow you wherever you are in the boat (within reach given the length of course). That movement of the tiller to follow the skipper is one of the pluses of that design.