Both of you did a great job. I am fond of all of Phil's designs. But the Birdwatcher is exceptional. So many good ideas in this boat. For example the off-center mast.
A very entertaining video. I am looking for my next project. Strongly considering Paradox. You have cast doubts and will force rethinking of that boat!!!! Tim - Spring, TX
Tim, Thanks! Both boats are worthy projects. Were we to do over again would go with a balance or standing lug rather than the solent lug. I think you would spend less on materials on the Paradox, but do not know time required to build. Good luck
This. was before we started doing videos and we no longer own the boat. Last we knew it was in Wisconsin, closer to you than us. Let us know if you see it.
@@RexandKathie Wisconsin, eh? yes its a bit closer but still a few steps away. I would love to see a Bolger design in this area. Not so many self-built boats of any kind really so if you ever feel like a long road trip, we'd love to see your Tiki 21 at the Elbow Run. The next one is our 10th Anniversary of the event and i t promises to be special.. You should be in the water by then, eh? :-)
@@RodMcLaren We are hopeful it will be in the water by that time. Question for you, on your Tiki 21, when lashing the beams on a beach how easily were they to get the beam sockets and deck blocks etc aligned. Did you lash them together and then once in the water tighten the lashings when they were on the proper plane? The Mana has a different attachment scheme I believe.
@@RexandKathie yes, that’s how I did it on the Tiki 21. Beaches are rarely level so it’s almost impossible to get things lined up to get a tight lashing. The Mana is easier with straps and over centre buckles but still needs to be adjusted once in the water. If you plan to trailer much give some thought to an expanding trailer. Even if only launching and retrieving it turns the job into one which can easily be handled by two people instead of recruiting help to offload/on load hulls. It works well on the Mana and I see a number of folks using it for their Tiki’s also.
Very cool interesting boat, but the one thing I dislike is the engine placement.. It just looks bad. Is there another way to put an engine on there? I'm thinking an electric engine placed somewhere inside.
Since it is a double ender a motor well would make it difficult to enter the cockpit from the rear deck and there are steering cables ;under the deck. Being a sharpie, shallow draft is important and there would not be a way to raise the motor under sail.and when approaching a shore to beach the boat. All boats are compromises, thanks for watching and commenting.
Thanks, we sold this several year and have lost track of it since. I know it was sold by the individual who bought it from us. Appreciate you watching.
Sold it to a guy in Wisconsin. He is about 1200 miles north of us. The Birdwatcher would be great for extending the sailing season in that area. In Florida with temperatures in the 90 's F there was a bit too much glazing. The slot did sort of funnel air into the cockpit when moving but was toasty when stopped.
@@BensWorkshop We lived in Indiana when we started it. Stopped construction for winter. our house had been for sale for 2 years, In March of 2008 it sold and simultaneously we had a motorcycle accident. Decided to move to Florida anyhow, My leg was in a cast, so spent a 1.5 years in Tallahassee, Florida. apartment.. We did get it finished just before we moved to Spring Hill, Fl.
@@robertalexander2478 Wasn't familiar with that design before you mentioned it and it is a very nice boat. Phil had a working relationship with Edie and Duff for a few of his designs, Dovekie, Shearwater , Bird of Dawning and I am sure there were others. The Birdwatcher came about because the Dovekie couldn't be built affordably or easily by an amateur builder.
Both of you did a great job. I am fond of all of Phil's designs. But the Birdwatcher is exceptional. So many good ideas in this boat. For example the off-center mast.
Phil designed many, many good boats. He was one of a kind.
I envy the number of clamps you have there. I think both versions of the birdwatcher design are under appreciated
I agree, thanks for watching.
This is one unique sail boat. What craftsmanship. Same as the Wharram….
Thanks for watching. Both were uniques designers that left work that changed the way we think about boat design.
A very entertaining video. I am looking for my next project. Strongly considering Paradox. You have cast doubts and will force rethinking of that boat!!!!
Tim - Spring, TX
Tim, Thanks! Both boats are worthy projects. Were we to do over again would go with a balance or standing lug rather than the solent lug. I think you would spend less on materials on the Paradox, but do not know time required to build. Good luck
Is it still possible to buy plans for the Birdwatcher II?
yes, contact : Susanne Altenburger
Phil Bolger & Friends Inc.
66 Atlantic Street
Gloucester, MA 01930-1627 USA
Such an awesome design. Great job with the build! We have a Bolger “Idaho”
Thanks, Phil was an amazing designer.
Nice to see the construction of the Birdwatcher. Such an intriguing design. It would be good to see videos of it sailing..
This. was before we started doing videos and we no longer own the boat. Last we knew it was in Wisconsin, closer to you than us. Let us know if you see it.
@@RexandKathie Wisconsin, eh? yes its a bit closer but still a few steps away. I would love to see a Bolger design in this area. Not so many self-built boats of any kind really so if you ever feel like a long road trip, we'd love to see your Tiki 21 at the Elbow Run. The next one is our 10th Anniversary of the event and i t promises to be special.. You should be in the water by then, eh? :-)
@@RodMcLaren We are hopeful it will be in the water by that time. Question for you, on your Tiki 21, when lashing the beams on a beach how easily were they to get the beam sockets and deck blocks etc aligned. Did you lash them together and then once in the water tighten the lashings when they were on the proper plane?
The Mana has a different attachment scheme I believe.
@@RexandKathie yes, that’s how I did it on the Tiki 21. Beaches are rarely level so it’s almost impossible to get things lined up to get a tight lashing. The Mana is easier with straps and over centre buckles but still needs to be adjusted once in the water. If you plan to trailer much give some thought to an expanding trailer. Even if only launching and retrieving it turns the job into one which can easily be handled by two people instead of recruiting help to offload/on load hulls. It works well on the Mana and I see a number of folks using it for their Tiki’s also.
@@RodMcLaren Thanks for the info, yes we are planning on modifying a trailer to expand. Best to you.
Very cool interesting boat, but the one thing I dislike is the engine placement.. It just looks bad. Is there another way to put an engine on there? I'm thinking an electric engine placed somewhere inside.
Since it is a double ender a motor well would make it difficult to enter the cockpit from the rear deck and there are steering cables ;under the deck. Being a sharpie, shallow draft is important and there would not be a way to raise the motor under sail.and when approaching a shore to beach the boat. All boats are compromises, thanks for watching and commenting.
Beautiful craft! I like the voiceover and water!
Thanks for helping turn it.
You guys are great! So glad I found your channel.
Thanks, we are working on the sail of our Tiki 21 catamaran right now. We will have another video out soon.
Very nice work congratulation! I was wondering if it is for sale? If so I would be interested.
Thanks, we sold this several year and have lost track of it since. I know it was sold by the individual who bought it from us. Appreciate you watching.
Beautiful boat. I like the water sounds but that was kind of a mean trick for an old guy. I had to stop the video to go pee. LOL
Sorry,I had to play sections over and over. I can commiserate.
Great work and great looking boat. Ive always wondered about the birdwatcher. Looks like you took her to Cedar Key.
Thanks. Yeah, took her a couple of years, first time was before we finished the rig
you guys drove me crazy with the water sounds at the ocean- side. Want to be there Now
Thanks for watching, there is only one cure. get a boat down to the water
@@RexandKathie You have it right on the only cure...!
Pretty boat.Buiding a smaller Bolger sharpie right now. How many sheets of plywood does this hull take?
Thanks, 10 sheets of 12 mm, 10 sheets of 6 mm and 4 sheets of 4 mm. Thanks for watching.
Buen trabajo!!. Y precioso barco.
Thank you, thanks for watching.
very beautiful, I've never seen it like it.
Thank you, they are unique boats.
I want this boat. If you decide to sell this LMK. I will come and get it. LOVE IT!!!
Thanks for watching, We sold the boat a few years ago. Last we knew it was somewhere around Milwaukee, Wisconsin .
Looks very sci fi and modern. What did you do with it?
Sold it to a guy in Wisconsin. He is about 1200 miles north of us. The Birdwatcher would be great for extending the sailing season in that area. In Florida with temperatures in the 90 's F there was a bit too much glazing. The slot did sort of funnel air into the cockpit when moving but was toasty when stopped.
@@RexandKathie I can see that. Were you in Florida when you built it?
@@BensWorkshop We lived in Indiana when we started it. Stopped construction for winter. our house had been for sale for 2 years, In March of 2008 it sold and simultaneously we had a motorcycle accident. Decided to move to Florida anyhow, My leg was in a cast, so spent a 1.5 years in Tallahassee, Florida. apartment.. We did get it finished just before we moved to Spring Hill, Fl.
@@RexandKathie Would marine type window shading or blinds help the "Toastiness"? How about a short - well engineered Bimini cover?
I live in Houston area and suffer same temps, etc. as Florida...😁😁
After researching tons of boats, and I do mean TONS!!! This is a very interesting design, I’m intrigued! Is it more of a day cruiser?
We always used the boat as a day cruiser though there is good room for onboard camping. Phil Bolger designed an interesting boat. Thanks for watching.
@@RexandKathie I always like the Bird of Dawn, never realized he had so many designs
@@robertalexander2478 Wasn't familiar with that design before you mentioned it and it is a very nice boat. Phil had a working relationship with Edie and Duff for a few of his designs, Dovekie, Shearwater , Bird of Dawning and I am sure there were others. The Birdwatcher came about because the Dovekie couldn't be built affordably or easily by an amateur builder.