Author Topic: Bowdidge Marine Build anyone? (Read 13841 times)

WindHond · « **on:** May 21, 2020, 04:48:01 PM »

Howdy fellow watermen and woman.

First post here, been lurking for some time and really enjoying the knowledge spread around here, hope I can add to it.

Has anyone finished or attempted a Bowridge Marine DIY boat build? www.bowdidgemarinedesigns.com ?

There seems to be a couple of nice mono hull builds available. I know of a guy in the Cape somewhere that is finishing up on a Pro Tournament 21ft build. Lots of work involved, but do-able.

FishStyx · « **Reply #1 on:** May 21, 2020, 06:18:09 PM »

Hi and

... Yep, been following Michael's build closely since he started. He's doing a fantastic job. I've been toying with the idea of a build. When I was a kid, I built a Mirror sailing dingy with my dad. It was a wonderful experience. We sailed (and rowed and motored) that little boat for many years. A few years ago, I got looking at the "Marissa" by B&B Yacht Designs, and was very tempted to go for it. Lockdown has re-ignited my desire to build again. I have a great Yamaha F50 sitting on a stand (got it running beautifully in the first week of lockdown)... It's begging for a small center console like the Marissa.

WindHond · « **Reply #2 on:** May 21, 2020, 09:17:12 PM »

Have you got a link to Marissa? Tried googling "doing Marissa yourself" but that went south pretty quickly....

I've also been toying the idea of a build for a couple of months. First I have a DIY project that would help me get the workspace needed for a build.

Visenvryheid · « **Reply #3 on:** May 21, 2020, 10:09:31 PM »

Quote from: WindHond on May 21, 2020, 09:17:12 PM

Have you got a link to Marissa? Tried googling "doing Marissa yourself" but that went south pretty quickly....

I've also been toying the idea of a build for a couple of months. First I have a DIY project that would help me get the workspace needed for a build.

Classic..sure that went way south!

colin · « **Reply #4 on:** May 22, 2020, 03:06:10 AM »

Windhond we need more with your sense of humor around.

REEFMAN · « **Reply #5 on:** May 22, 2020, 07:28:24 AM »

"doing Marissa yourself"....

WindHond · « **Reply #6 on:** May 22, 2020, 08:50:24 AM »

I think its a massive commitment and a learning curve for me personally. Metal work I can sort out in 2 ticks, but I have never touched something close to this.

The Sea strike 18 fits my requirements well with size, towing weight, storage and cost of motor/s.... On the motor option, as a very novice boater, fitting 2 new motors is quite an expensive exercise as opposed to one larger single unit. I know the 5nm limit will prevail, unless there is a kicker motor fitted that could propel the vessel to 5 knots. I know having twins mounted has a larger safety net, but all in, initial buying and installing cost, maintaining an extra motor, extra gauges all adds up cost wise. Any inputs on this that Im not thinking about?[size=78%] [/size]

John F · « **Reply #7 on:** May 22, 2020, 11:19:37 AM »

Quote from: WindHond on May 21, 2020, 09:17:12 PM

Have you got a link to Marissa? Tried googling "doing Marissa yourself" but that went south pretty quickly....

I've also been toying the idea of a build for a couple of months. First I have a DIY project that would help me get the workspace needed for a build.

Maybe part of the old "Bulgarian nurses" troop?!?!?!

This is a long dream of mine as well... I'll probably do it maybe in 10 years... for the moment I'm happy in picking up projects and restoring proven hulls to their former glory.
After the Yeld, I'm busy now with the Acecraft 660 DV (well, the covid19 put an halt to it)... rebuilt the transom, and the bulkheads and stringers... I'm almost ready to close the deck... but that's subject to another thread!!!!

FishStyx · « **Reply #8 on:** May 22, 2020, 11:23:20 AM »

Quote from: WindHond on May 21, 2020, 09:17:12 PM

Have you got a link to Marissa? Tried googling "doing Marissa yourself" but that went south pretty quickly....

I've also been toying the idea of a build for a couple of months. First I have a DIY project that would help me get the workspace needed for a build.

Looking at the pics, I wouldn't hesitate to do Marissa

... https://bandbyachtdesigns.com/marissa/

She's a pretty little boat and runs on very few horses. If i remember correctly, she was designed as an entry into boat building design hosted by Wooden Boat Publications. I think she won the comp.

FishStyx · « **Reply #9 on:** May 22, 2020, 11:26:49 AM »

Quote from: WindHond on May 22, 2020, 08:50:24 AM

I think its a massive commitment and a learning curve for me personally. Metal work I can sort out in 2 ticks, but I have never touched something close to this.

The Sea strike 18 fits my requirements well with size, towing weight, storage and cost of motor/s.... On the motor option, as a very novice boater, fitting 2 new motors is quite an expensive exercise as opposed to one larger single unit. I know the 5nm limit will prevail, unless there is a kicker motor fitted that could propel the vessel to 5 knots. I know having twins mounted has a larger safety net, but all in, initial buying and installing cost, maintaining an extra motor, extra gauges all adds up cost wise. Any inputs on this that Im not thinking about?

I'm fine with a 5nm limit... However, I'm not fine with anything through the surf with only a single motor. I was looking at the Sea Strike

WindHond · « **Reply #10 on:** May 22, 2020, 12:00:15 PM »

Yes the 5nm limit is ok for me personally. I have no intension of surf luanching. DSBC at best or harbour launch.

Well, the seed has been planted, lets see if she grows.

FishStyx · « **Reply #11 on:** May 22, 2020, 01:12:50 PM »

Quote from: WindHond on May 22, 2020, 12:00:15 PM

I have no intension of surf luanching. DSBC at best or harbour launch.

Until you're forced to come in thru the surf because you have no motor to get you back to DSBC.

I started out my offshore skippering on a small C-Ski with a single outboard. I could hear every misfire in that motor... Particularly when I was just behind the back line. It was just too damned uncomfortable. I was not able to enjoy myself fully while offshore. I eventually fitted a kicker, but even that didn't give me true peace of mind. Eventually, I sold the boat and replaced it with a small twin outboard Tomcat. That was when I started to have fun.

Our entire coast is hammered by breaking waves along our shoreline, and one of the most revered on the planet. If I lived in a country that had no breakers, I'd definitely opt for a single installation. As you point out, more cost effective, and more fuel efficient. But I want to feel secure on the water, and that's what the 2nd motor gives you.

I'd strongly recommend factoring in a twin installation from the start. Even if you are forced to opt for 2 slightly older 2 strokes. A well maintained motor can last a lifetime, regardless of when it was built.

WindHond · « **Reply #12 on:** May 22, 2020, 03:06:03 PM »

Great advice there thanks FishStyx.

Rather bite the bullet when it time, than regret it afterwards.

John F · « **Reply #13 on:** May 22, 2020, 05:41:55 PM »

Quote from: FishStyx on May 22, 2020, 01:12:50 PM

Quote from: WindHond on May 22, 2020, 12:00:15 PM
I have no intension of surf luanching. DSBC at best or harbour launch.

Until you're forced to come in thru the surf because you have no motor to get you back to DSBC.

I started out my offshore skippering on a small C-Ski with a single outboard. I could hear every misfire in that motor... Particularly when I was just behind the back line. It was just too damned uncomfortable. I was not able to enjoy myself fully while offshore. I eventually fitted a kicker, but even that didn't give me true peace of mind. Eventually, I sold the boat and replaced it with a small twin outboard Tomcat. That was when I started to have fun.

Our entire coast is hammered by breaking waves along our shoreline, and one of the most revered on the planet. If I lived in a country that had no breakers, I'd definitely opt for a single installation. As you point out, more cost effective, and more fuel efficient. But I want to feel secure on the water, and that's what the 2nd motor gives you.

I'd strongly recommend factoring in a twin installation from the start. Even if you are forced to opt for 2 slightly older 2 strokes. A well maintained motor can last a lifetime, regardless of when it was built.

x2!
Also, keep two separate fuel tanks!!!! No point in having a twin installation if the motors share the same fuel...

WindHond · « **Reply #14 on:** May 22, 2020, 06:04:32 PM »

Point takem JohnF and makes perfect sense. I got a old raven speed boat hull for free awhile ago from a client. She's in bad state. Wondering if a redo on that would be better to try out first? Get the school fees going on that or wasting money that could've been added to the proper build.

John F · « **Reply #15 on:** May 22, 2020, 08:31:01 PM »

Quote from: WindHond on May 22, 2020, 06:04:32 PM

Point takem JohnF and makes perfect sense. I got a old raven speed boat hull for free awhile ago from a client. She's in bad state. Wondering if a redo on that would be better to try out first? Get the school fees going on that or wasting money that could've been added to the proper build.

You know what they say about education? "If you think it's expensive try ignorance".

On the other hand, life's short. A DIY project like this could take years. You can learn the ropes whilst you enjoy the boat you got for free, while you work on your dream boat.

The way I see it... it's a win-win!!!

Lenny · « **Reply #16 on:** May 23, 2020, 07:23:26 AM »

Quote from: Visenvryheid on May 21, 2020, 10:09:31 PM

Quote from: WindHond on May 21, 2020, 09:17:12 PM
Have you got a link to Marissa? Tried googling "doing Marissa yourself" but that went south pretty quickly....

I've also been toying the idea of a build for a couple of months. First I have a DIY project that would help me get the workspace needed for a build.
Classic..sure that went way south!

Bwhahhahahahah

Lenny · « **Reply #17 on:** May 23, 2020, 07:24:27 AM »

What I can with confidence tell you.

Triple your budget .

WindHond · « **Reply #18 on:** May 23, 2020, 08:56:34 AM »

JohnF - True true.... but I got a small, sweet ride already. She's my first boat and planning to keep her for as long as I can. I had a deep long look at the free hull last night, im thinking a bar/entertainment area conversion? livewell would be a ice machine? seating arrangement layout something along that line.

Lenny - Yes the budget, gets me crying in my sleep. Just getting a new workspace ready for the build is adding up. Luckily that would double up as a space to store other toys, tools en general garage equipment (im quite a DIY'er) that way I can actually park my vehicles in the house's original garage... and have a happy wife...

FishStyx · « **Reply #19 on:** May 23, 2020, 11:18:58 AM »

Quote from: WindHond on May 22, 2020, 06:04:32 PM

Point takem JohnF and makes perfect sense. I got a old raven speed boat hull for free awhile ago from a client. She's in bad state. Wondering if a redo on that would be better to try out first? Get the school fees going on that or wasting money that could've been added to the proper build.

Fantastic option. I have been playing around with re-builds for years and sometimes I cringe at the thought of some of the things I did with my first projects. You just never stop learning.