The Mighty Pelican

[HenryC]

I've owned two boats, a MacGregor/Venture 22 which I sailed on San Francisco Bay, and a San Francisco Pelican, which I sailed on the Florida Gulf Coast.  (I kind of got that backwards, didn't I?).  The MacGregor was a good boat, and served me well, but the Pelican was my first boat, and she will always be my true love.

This is from the May/June, '06 issue of Good Old Boat magazine.

http://www.platypusboats.com/f/GOB_MJ06_Pelican.pdf

[capt_nemo]

Henry,

I was impressed with the design and reported sailing characteristics of the Pelican when I first came across it years ago. Even remember finding the referenced article (well written by the way)  when researching the design. Went so far as to get the plans for it as well as the Great Pelican when trying to decide what boat to build.

Settled on a Selway-Fisher Highlander 12 for design and ease of construction.



I'd still like to experience sailing a Pelican. I can fully understand your timeless love affair with the boat.

capt_nemo

[HenryC]

The Highlander looks like what I always wanted, a Pelican with a sharp bow that wouldn't beat you to death in a Tampa Bay chop.  She looks like a sweet little lady. I really like the reef points on the main, too!

HC

[capt_nemo]

Everything you see was HANDMADE by yours truly (including the sails). It was challenging to rig her traditionally like she would have been in the 1800's. All the wooden blocks were made from scratch, including the sheaves/grommets, and I had to learn/practice a lot of rope work to make the standing rigging. It was a lot of fun and a very satisfying journey of discovery.

And, she sails quite well indeed.

capt_nemo

[archimedes]

Wow!  Great job.

[Mike]

Beautiful work...and beachable.  Did you have plans for the blocks?

[capt_nemo]

Archimedes,

Thank you, means a lot.

Mike,

No Plans. I just did some research and chose my own dimensions. To make it easy I epoxy glued three LONG pieces of wood together, two ¼" Red Oak (from Lowe's) cheeks separated by pieces of ½" Oak at top and bottom to quickly form the openings. TIP: Mark off all block patterns and holes on the LONG piece and drill all holes first before cutting off the blocks to size. Makes it easier to hold and position while drilling. Some folks start with a solid block of wood and go from there. Check out Google for ideas and techniques.

capt_nemo

[Bob23]

Iv'e seen this boat and even though the pictures are very high quality, they don't do it justice. This boat is absolutely beautiful and even more so when you can feel the wood. 
Capt Nemo even grows the trees for his boats...from seeds!!!!! lol
Bob23

[capt_nemo]

Bob23,

Bob, don't go telling tall tales like that, your nose will grow longer. Besides, when you were at my house didn't I swear you to secrecy?

capt_nemo

[Citroen/Dave]

I still have a set of plans, somewhere, for a Great Pelican 16 with Junk rig.  I purchased them in the '60s. I later found a builder in Sarasota, I think.  My dad even made a scale model for encouragement.  Life ensued.  I will remain loyal to my C16 for the remainder . . .