James Samuel, Jr.
A 17' 1" Flat-Bottomed Jib-Headed Catboat
By John Atkin
I developed James Samuel, Jr. for a client who wanted a smaller, but still roomy, boat than the 20 foot James Samuel. She is 17 feet 1 inch overall by 16 feet on the waterline by 7 feet 1 inch beam and 6 1/2 inches draft. She is still a burdensome flat-bottomed skiff of good proportions, and quite capable of carrying a family off on picnics and daysails.

There is 138 square feet of sail area in her cat rig. The mast has been arranged in a tabernacle to allow lowering the rig to poke into shallow waters, away from the busy harbors we are obliged to contend with these days. There is a lot to be said for this flexibility. Because of the tabernacle, it is necessary to rig shrouds. Otherwise, the mast would require only the single headstay.

The boat is constructed in a traditional manner -- planked smooth on her topsides and athwartships on the bottom. Rotary-cut Bruynzeel plywood, 3/4 inch, works out nicely and is practical.

Let there be no doubt that James Samuel, Jr. is a big boat. A big, practical skiff for those who enjoy exploring the backwaters and shallows of our coast.
 
PHOTOS OF JAMES SAMUEL, JR.
Plans for James Samuel, Jr. are $100

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