New to sport in Connecticut and interested in an; economical, easily transportable two seater which I may build or buy. Have seen limited info on Nite, and Gambit designs. Suggestions?
Gambits are almost non-existant in the mid-west from what I know but here in the northeast the fleet has gotten quite large. I know for a fact there are already a number of them in CT. One plus is you can build the boat on your own as it is similar to a DN in construction. It uses all standard DN type hardware which is nice. Many local sailors I know who have them got their mast blanks from Dwyer/Damco in CT and rigged them out themselves. A bridgeport is nice for this but you could make a router work if you are careful. The Gambit may not be as cozy warm as a Nite with its enclosed cockpit but the hull only weighs in at around 85lbs depending on construction which means you could cartop it even. Plans are available directly by the designer Lloyd Roberts in Maine for around 25.00. Most of the guys who own them have a DN sail as a storm sail for windy days which is nice too. I don't think you could go wrong by building a Gambit there is always room for another two seater in the local fleet!
From what I have seen, the Nite is probably the most comfortable and warmest of the smaller two seater yachts. It trailers well and sets up with a minimum of effort. Set up weight is approx 260 lbs, but at that weight it rides like a Cadillac. The enclosed cockpit offers welcome protection from the elements. I can sail two 200 lb occupants with no trouble (as long as the passenger doesn't have long legs with large feet to hinder the foot steering.) When my 250 lb, 6'6" son gets in, we have our hands full and we really like at least 10 mph air to get any performance. With 15+ air you can have all sorts of fun with two aboard and can hike anytime you wish.
The larger Skeeters with the extra cockpit would be the ultimate ride, but there is something to be said about have someone squeezed in along side of you screaming like the devil as you ride a really big hike doing 60 mph.
You can expect to pay $4-$6000 for a decent used Nite. Contact Jon Ridder at S&R Marine, Inc., 501 Hickory Street, Pewaukee, WI 53072, for information and cost of new Nite. They are terrific folks to work with. John does not use the internet but you can reach him at (414) 691-2230.
Regards,
Corey Hughes, Nite 341
—
Keep'em Sharp
Corey Hughes
Traverse City, MI
ISA-GT341
S&R has a small set of spec plans, but the standard/regulation Nite fusalage is made of fiberglass. You can buy the body from S&R for approx $2800 and make the rest of the items yourself, but I'm certain that you will end up with more invested than you can buy a used boat for.
But, if you are looking for a project, have fun. Contact John at S&R for the spec design sheets.
Check my home page for a few pics.
corey
—
Keep'em Sharp
Corey Hughes
Traverse City, MI
ISA-GT341
Gambit -would be my vote
Gambits are almost non-existant in the mid-west from what I know but here in the northeast the fleet has gotten quite large. I know for a fact there are already a number of them in CT. One plus is you can build the boat on your own as it is similar to a DN in construction. It uses all standard DN type hardware which is nice. Many local sailors I know who have them got their mast blanks from Dwyer/Damco in CT and rigged them out themselves. A bridgeport is nice for this but you could make a router work if you are careful. The Gambit may not be as cozy warm as a Nite with its enclosed cockpit but the hull only weighs in at around 85lbs depending on construction which means you could cartop it even. Plans are available directly by the designer Lloyd Roberts in Maine for around 25.00. Most of the guys who own them have a DN sail as a storm sail for windy days which is nice too. I don't think you could go wrong by building a Gambit there is always room for another two seater in the local fleet!
two seater
Bryant:
From what I have seen, the Nite is probably the most comfortable and warmest of the smaller two seater yachts. It trailers well and sets up with a minimum of effort. Set up weight is approx 260 lbs, but at that weight it rides like a Cadillac. The enclosed cockpit offers welcome protection from the elements. I can sail two 200 lb occupants with no trouble (as long as the passenger doesn't have long legs with large feet to hinder the foot steering.) When my 250 lb, 6'6" son gets in, we have our hands full and we really like at least 10 mph air to get any performance. With 15+ air you can have all sorts of fun with two aboard and can hike anytime you wish.
The larger Skeeters with the extra cockpit would be the ultimate ride, but there is something to be said about have someone squeezed in along side of you screaming like the devil as you ride a really big hike doing 60 mph.
You can expect to pay $4-$6000 for a decent used Nite. Contact Jon Ridder at S&R Marine, Inc., 501 Hickory Street, Pewaukee, WI 53072, for information and cost of new Nite. They are terrific folks to work with. John does not use the internet but you can reach him at (414) 691-2230.
Regards,
Corey Hughes, Nite 341
Keep'em Sharp
Corey Hughes
Traverse City, MI
ISA-GT341
Which 2 Seeter
Corey,
Thanks much for your comments. Do you know if there are plans to build a Nite, and if so are they also from S&R?
BW.
plans
Bryant:
S&R has a small set of spec plans, but the standard/regulation Nite fusalage is made of fiberglass. You can buy the body from S&R for approx $2800 and make the rest of the items yourself, but I'm certain that you will end up with more invested than you can buy a used boat for.
But, if you are looking for a project, have fun. Contact John at S&R for the spec design sheets.
Check my home page for a few pics.
corey
Keep'em Sharp
Corey Hughes
Traverse City, MI
ISA-GT341