John Welsford's 'Kiwi PDRacer' Prototype Build

[Mike]

Ladies and gentlemen, in particular all those who like the idea of building what is called a Puddle Duck Racer, here are the first release photos of the prototype build of JW's 'Kiwi PDRacer'.

This is a serious attempt to make the boat even easier to build than other designs and, at the same time, to make her appearance a little less 'box-like' while staying within the PDR racing rules. Thus, she fits the class requirements while improving upon the design.

The prototype build is happening in Oklahoma, USA, and is builder Jackie Monies' first ever self built boat. I must say she is doing a very nice job of her.

The first pic below is John's first draft sketch. The image above this text is his presentation drawing. Look carefully in that, to the right of the boat, and you will see an interesting little sketch, courtesy of JW, which I presume is a rather swift Kiwi. A logo, perhaps? :) Thereafter, the photos are all courtesy of Jackie herself, who sends them through John to us.

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The next photos should show us the 'wings' and other interesting mods to the basic design. She's looking good, don't you think?

Here's a few words from her famous designer, John Welsford:

It's Jackie's first ever boatbuilding project and the boat was designed with her in mind. The considerations that will make it suit her will make it particularly good for children, while still having room for an adult, or even two.

The sheet loads are light, the helm has a long enough tiller to be light in the hand, the seat height out on the side decks or "wings" are right for shorter legs, and the wings are wide enough to be comfortable to sit up on. Its robust, simple, designed expressly for beginner boatbuilders and is "legal" within the PuddleDuck Racer rules.

There is a very detailed building guide and plans are NZ$35 00 by printable email. Whats that, about 12 pounds? They are not up on my site yet but a direct email to me will have them 'winging' your way.

Length 8ft
Beam 4ft
Weight approx 60 lbs
Sail area 55 sq ft

If you are inspired to build a 'Kiwi PDR', send your email to John at: jwboatdesigns@xtra.co.nz (jwboatdesigns@xtra.co.nz)

Although this little boat is not really my own cuppa tea, I am mighty impressed by how many people are having some real fun with building 'em and sailing them - in all kinds of competition, including, to my utter astonishment, the rather gruelling Texas 200. Well done to all those intrepid owner/builders who are PDR fans. And well done to Jackie Monies too. No doubt we'll be reading a new article from her very soon at Duckworks Magazine (http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/10/columns/jackie/02/index.htm).

[Mike]

Just a quick note to add that the 'Kiwi PDRacer' is a four plywood sheet job - and exterior WBP is fine. Like other PDRs, she can be sailed using an inexpensive tarp material. And it seems there is going to be a 'racing rig' mod (about 85 sq. ft) available to those who don't mind pushing the envelope a little. Now that could really be fun.

[Mike]

Here's a new drawing of John's 'Kiwi PDRacer' that has appeared on Duckworks magazine with that little Kiwi on her sail.

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John tells me you need four sheets of plywood, two weekends and some evenings with a paintbrush and you could be out there sailing. Perfect for schools and kids clubs, gives a lot of result for not a lot of work or money.

[Mike]

Great news, everyone. I have been corresponding with Jackie Monies, builder of the abovementioned prototype Kiwi PDRacer. She is a lovely lady and was very kind in sending me a number of fantastic shots of her build so far.

Her husband, Mike, is off sailing the Everglades Challenge in his Laguna Dos schooner rig (more on that later) and, though very busy with her chores, Jackie took time out to fill me in on what she had been up to. The plan with the build is to have her ready for a boat show by the first day of April, so we should be seeing the finished product about then.

I must say this is one very interesting little boat. And Jackie, who is in her sixties and not in the greatest health, has been doing a sterling job in putting this prototype together. Very neat and tidy. Humbling, really.

Here are those shots Jackie sent me. They are all copyright Jackie Monies, of course, and are displayed here with our sincere thanks to her for sharing them with us.

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Thanks Jackie. Love you and love your boatbuilding endeavour. :rose3:

Incidentally, the last two pics above are of Jackie working on the build - under the careful supervision of Ashes, her cat. Lovely stuff.

You can now buy the build instructions and plans right here on BBJW. Costs just £15.00! It'salmost that much for one pack of my rolling tobacco!! Go for it you Puddle Duckers. :) This PDR is definitely a cut above its competition. Bootiful!

Best wishes

[jwboatdesigns]

I've not got more photos ( yet, hint hint to the builders who are well along or in the water) but just thought I'd put a note in to say that the Kiwi PDR has so far sold over 50 sets of plans, thats in about 2 months! I know of half a dozen close to complete, and even for a simple boat thats not long in the building. I'm hoping that these simple little boats will see more people out on the water, and people who would not normally consider building their own boats getting stuck in and doing it.
There are very few things in the world as satisfying as launching a boat that you've taken from a set of lines on paper all the way to carrying you safely across the harbour.
Not enough people do it.:leph:

John Welsford