A stray followed me home

[Spokaloo]

Given the fact that SWMBO is self-employed (read: work is slow) and the economy is in the toilet, I decided to keep my eyes peeled for the most cost-effective build for the salt water. Taking Cloud Cap 45 miles from port, 25 miles offshore out of Neah bay didn't sound too appealing to me (no scuppers, LOTS of open deck to fill with water), I thought something a little more offshore minded was in order. The CS23/25 program looked great, but at $30k+ it wasn't going to happen soon. Blue boat won't be done for a while, so thats out as well.

Then I found this:









Shes a 1994 ClipperCraft that was built and never finished. Sat in dry storage from then until I brought her home. Came with brand new in 1994 4 bunk, tandem axle trailer. It also has a 1994 Volvo 3.0 GL with an SX outdrive that was factory installed, never fired, never even unpickled from the factory. Essentially a new boat thats 15 years old.

$ 5000

How do you say no to that?

23' LOA
8.5' beam

Its a well known boat on the West coast as far as seaworthiness, they were used from Cali to Wa as small commercial salmon trollers, as well as sportfishing boats for the near shore and offshore fish, and on nice days they made it out for albacore.

Bottom is one side MDO 5/8" with 4 x 5/8" MDO stringers, making for a bombproof bottom. Sides are 3/8" mahogany ply lapped over laminated 1x2 fir stringers. Shes frameless above the sole, somewhat similar in construction to the Simmons Sea Skiff, only with the much thicker lap stringers. Decks are MDO, sole is currently, but thats probably going to change.

Planning to add a trunk cabin forward, V berth, windshield, self bailing sole, BIG scuppers, and possibly a hardtop like the LB26.

Lots of work to be done....

E

[Cracker Larry]

Nice stray! I'd say you done real good

[TomW]

Yes Eric nice looking boat. Did you geat the plans with her? If not be careful of center of gravity changes as you start adding changes. You can check it if you think you need to by using a peice of pipe and backing the boat off the trailer slowly and seeing where she balances on the pipe. I'm sure you know that though.

That is one pretty boat thought. Enjoy.

Tom

[Spokaloo]

No plans, she was a semi-production boat. The factory made it as it sits, the purchaser could have a local builder finish it out, or he could finish it himself, interesting concept for sales.

They had a massive variety of layouts and designs, ranging from open to full cabin on this hull. I plan to mimic what they called the Mk 2 design, and my only consideration for weights and balances is the location of tankage. Having floors (athwartships frames that don't come above the sole) makes tankage a little bit challenging, but I think Im going to try doing two fuel tanks roughly under the helm seats or just aft, from chine to chine, and as big as I can fit under the sole. Probably going to be a custom endeavor. Im also hoping to build livewells in the same fashion, but they may end up being part of the seat boxes above decks.

Much to think on.

E

[TomW]

Interesting! Have fun finishing her off looks like she'll be a nice boat for you untill you can build your dream boat.

Tom

[wegcagle]

She looks like beautiful catch. Are you going to use biax? or are you going to use a clear finish fiberglass and keep her wood finish? She'll be fun to watch either way.

Will

[Spokaloo]

It will most definitely get painted. Varnish is too labor intensive for a salt fishing boat. I might do a little on the transom (ribbon striped mahogany), but thats about it.

E

[gk108]

That's a most excellent find, Eric. Where's the kayak rack going to go?

[Spokaloo]

She will most certainly have a rack for mothershipping.....

E

[Dougster]

Good news for you, and, what a good buy. No way to build that today for 5 grand. Gosh what would the motor alone cost? Are you gonna post the mods here or start a new blog?

Wants to follow along and see it come together Dougster