Subject: Construction of Glen-L12
Date: Sat, 4 Oct 2003
I purchased the Glen-L 12 sailboat frame kit in March, 2002. I started the building form, but the work came to a complete stop after our vacation, when a ladder collapsed and I broke four bones in my right foot.
Ten weeks later, (now December/Winter) the work began again in our rec-room basement. In the Spring of 2003, (a cold one), work continued in my garage little by little. I needed warm days for the glue to set. I used brown wrapping paper for the plywood layouts.
By May, work proceeded in earnest and I worked about 8 to 10 hours a day, seven days a week. I completed "Need-a-Breeze" on June 25, 2003, (not including sails. I need new sails). To date, I've spent $1054.02 and worked approximately 448 hours.
This summer I transported the completed boat to our cottage in northern Wisconsin and launched the boat on July 2, 2003, with my sons, John and Mark. My son, John, by the way, never sailed a boat before. After taking the Glen-L12 out for a run, he stated it was a "piece of cake" to sail. LOTS OF FUN!
Now for the epitaph: This was my second boat building project. First was the "Red Baron", an 8 foot hydroplane built from plans that I purchased for $5.00 back in 1963.
Three questions I am often asked:
l. Why build a wood boat? My wife wouldn't let me build an airplane.
2. Was it fun? Sort of, but at least 2 people are needed at times.
3. Would you do it again? NO! NO! Unless Glen-L has an ice sailboat kit. We here in Wisconsin have more frozen water per year than unfrozen. Lots of compliments though.
Post Note: On one of our many lumberyard excursions looking for the right lumber, my wife, Marilyn, said to me - "Why didn't you buy the lumber you needed before you started building the boat?" I would advise anyone intending to build a boat to inquire about the status of the lumber needed - type, length, availability, etc. Wisconsin known for many many forests, does not have the correct lumber. I had to substitute oak, maple and African mahogany to complete the boat. Also, forget about marine plywood. We are between Chicago and Milwaukee, and the lumberyard clerks look at me and say - "Marine What?"
Regards,
Carl F. Sevey
