The PT11- Puzzle joints assembled and pre-glassed, The transom (with temporary transom former) shown pre-glassed and mast step bulkhead is coated. Everything is sanded and ready to begin wiring together. 
Category: ALL
The PT11 Nesting Dinghy
The first PT 11 Nesting Dinghy kit has been cut as of April 15th and construction has just begun. The photo shows the plywood parts only and the finished prototype in the background.
We have really been attempting to set up the pictures to the highest instructional advantage so actual building progress is happening is small steps. We will be updating the blog regularly with construction photos.
Sleeping aboard the PT Skiff part 1
One of the questions I often get is if it is possible to sleep onboard the PT Skiff. My answer is YES.
When we went camp cruising, here is what we figured out in case a campsite ashore was not available. I finally set it up again and took a few snapshots.
Another arrangement is to put single mats on the grates in the aft cockpit. The grates are 6ft 3” long.
We felt like our idea for sleeping aboard allowed for the least amount of additional equipment and was a very lightweight solution. We used our tent’s rain-fly as a forward cover and I will post some pictures of that in the near future. A canvas dodger would also provide cover for the front and a tarp or canvas shade could provide cover for the back. AEB
A day on the water in the nesting dinghy…
On March 5th, we unofficially joined in the 20th Annual Shipwrights Regatta in the nesting dinghy with a rig borrowed from a previous prototype. We started out of the harbor in a light shower and extremely light winds but the sun actually showed its warming face between clouds for the better part of the afternoon. Russell and I missed the skipper’s meeting but the committee graciously said we could join in.
We took off on the third start after the racing and cruising boats with 4 other inshore boats and then took the long course instead of the short course for lack of better directions. There appeared to be a lot of confusion on what the course was so we went after the bigger boats. It was our good fortune to see when the lead boats hit contrary current and a no wind zone at the same time and we were able to skirt around at a totally comfortable pace. We actually managed to be the second boat around the first mark even though we (along with a couple others) passed the bell on the wrong side... oops.We rounded the second mark amongst the lead boats and then hit some glassy water of our own just before the finish line.
It turned out to be a fun and relaxing day and we were happily surprised about the way the Nesting dinghy performed. Can’t wait to get out there in more wind and see what happens.
Some pictures follow and the link to the PTSA race report. See side bar..
Nesting dinghy in Shipwright's Regatta A little video clip...
Nesting prototype in California
We are back in PT after an interesting, albeit wet, trip to California with the nesting dinghy prototype. We arrived just in time to catch the downpour that lasted nearly a week while the cold and rain we left in Washington turned to sunshine.
We made the best of it by visiting a few brilliant and dear people who shared their enthusiasm and their wisdom about boats, business and the nesting dinghy.
On the first clear day we put the boat in the water in Monterey and rowed out of the marina, There were some swells piling up on the other side of the pier so Russell dropped me off and joined a paddle boarder and a young surfer to catch a few. I managed to get a couple of short videos. On another day we got the boat in the water in San Francisco with a friend of ours and set up a borrowed sailing rig. Unfortunately it was dead calm and we had to get back on the road and over the mountains before the next snow set in. It’s all in this clip: Surfing the nesting dinghy prototype
Now back in PT, Russell continues the design work in earnest to make it all work as close to his ideals as can be AND as a kit. The sailing and small outboard options directly affect the basic kit components and have to be essentially clear before we can cut the ‘final’ version of the 11’ model.
The Shipwright’s Regatta in Port Townsend is happening this Saturday, weather permitting, and we plan to be on the water sailing the nesting dinghy. See you there or here when we post again. A few photos follow...AEB
Nesting dinghy trials1
The latest prototype of the nesting dinghy is currently being trialed.
LOA: 11ft
BEAM:4' 2"
NESTED LENGTH: 6'
NESTED HEIGHT: 19.5" at one end, 16.5" at the other end.
LOA: 11ft
BEAM:4' 2"
NESTED LENGTH: 6'
NESTED HEIGHT: 19.5" at one end, 16.5" at the other end.
We have a SHORT VIDEO of the boat rowing and of assembly in the water.
Next, we are making a road trip to California with the boat in the back of our little Toyota truck. We are making a tour of some of the smartest people we know to get their input before finalizing the details of the design.
The next and final prototype will reflect minor changes from this one, that are intended to increase performance, ease of construction and lower production cost in an effort to keep the kit price attractive.
For now, in spite of a list of creative names, we are tentatively calling this boat the PT 11. We are inviting everyone interested in this boat to send in their suggestion for a design name, keeping in mind that it will eventually have sister designs of different sizes.
If we decide to use your suggestion as the market name of the boat, we will give you a nice discount on a kit.
Your feedback is always welcome. Russell & Ashlyn
Nesting Dinghy Progress
I know some of you must be wondering what is with the long silence and lack of images on Nesting Dinghy progress. What we have so far is a rough working prototype that will be the basis for the final prototype soon to begin. The good news is that this hull rows really well and has great initial stability in contrast to previous versions. The connecting hardware prototypes look great and work great making assembly a matter of a few seconds. The nested package is more compact than before and it fits neatly in the back of our little Toyota truck. We are working through the sailing rig and oar/oarlock & foot brace arrangements. Final design work will happen late Feb into March and then Russell has to crank out the new boat and manual. If I can manage to get some half way decent photos (weather and time permitting) I will post them soon. This blog is finally waking up! Cheers, Ashlyn
Self Bailing modification
We now have the option with some nice drawings for making the PT Skiff self bailing. Follow this link to see it! http://ptwatercraft.com/ptwatercraft/PT_Skiff_self_bailing.html
Carbon Eyestraps now available
Russell has begun producing carbon eye straps that are now for sale on our website. There are more photos. Check them out on our hardware page!
Nesting Dinghy is happening
Things are moving forward on the Nesting Dinghy. With the idea of incorporating what Russell feels are important properties, and taking into consideration the wishes expressed by some of you following this boat, Russell has revised the design. A test hull is presently being built.
This hull is different from the prototype pictured on our website in 2 main ways.
1. reduced size of the nested package
2, changes that increase stability & usability
Once tested, he will begin working on the actual prototype and the builder’s manual.
