iceboating.net Minnesota Ice Sailing Association

FOR SALE NOW – Front Cockpit Skeeter Project – An Unbelievable Opportunity!
Originally inspired by Dan Clapp’s recent works, this boat was designed completely from wood! The builder possessed a burning desire to build a lighter and substantially more affordable craft for the average person’s budget than its composite-competition. That reason alone provided all of the incentive needed! Figuratively speaking, the designer/builder feels that he just may have “hit the nail on the head” this time! Constructed primarily of clear strips of quarter-sawn light and dark tulipwood, this stunning design sports beautiful knurly-grained 1/8” oak-plywood decks. The hull’s stripped/laminated side panels were mathematically laid-out ahead of time and machined so that each would grow and shrink proportionately, but with absolutely no physical grain run-out. This complicated step was primarily incorporated to provide incredible strength and stunning beauty when finished bright. There is no doubt that this gorgeous iceboat will inspire new ideas amongst the troops for decades to come and is sure to provide a visual centerpiece at any regatta. The designer/builder’s priorities have changed since starting this project. His new family-life and woodworking business took a front burner. Therefore, after several years of painful indecision, he has finally decided to step back and allow a new owner to bring this impressive project to a close. The difficult part has already been accomplished!
Here is what is included:
West System used throughout all construction. Project components include at least one seal-coat of West System for moisture protection. Completed parts have been protected and stored inside a clean, dry building. The impressive fuselage is strip-laminated with dark & light stripped side panels and all construction has been completed for all practical purposes. The hull also includes installed steering components and an innovative “top-secret” cable sheet-winch system. Hull length is 23’-6”. Springboard is strip-laminated at 10’ (6’ out - 4’under). The O.A.L. of fuselage & springboard together is 29’-6”. Mast includes an already-installed aluminum luff-tube, is laminated, and measures 26’. No boom was built but a sufficient quantity of tulipwood is provided for that. The 24’ runner plank was not yet assembled but plenty of clear tulipwood and direction will be provided for that as well. Design platform includes a 23-1/2 degree hiking angle. No sail included but detailed perimeters will be included with the sale of this magnificent find. A few remaining hardware items are not provided or included in price. It will be necessary for the new owner to provide their own choice for some remaining hardware items to bring this project to a close. For example, the steering and rear chocks, runners, some deck-plates, tangs, cables, are not included. Ultimately, this project will be relatively simple at this stage for any accomplished boat builder to complete in short order. The designer/builder has agreed to provide any and all information/drawings to the new owner. Phone support will also provided if needed.

If you’ve ever dreamt about sailing your very own high-performance front cockpit skeeter, now is your chance! Don’t miss out on this one! To schedule a viewing appointment, please contact Greg Ward at: (269) 649-1333 after 6:00 pm E.S.T., or email at: poplar-1@sbcglobal.net Appointments will be scheduled on a first come first serve basis. Price for this state-of-the-art iceboat-project (as described above): $ 7,500. To secure purchase, Buyer must provide a 20% minimum non-refundable cash deposit in the amount of $1,500. Bank or Postal Money Orders would also be an acceptable form of non-refundable down payment. This is an “As-is”, “Where is” sale. Located in Southwestern Lower Michigan, new owner will be responsible for *pick-up or any associated shipping charges and/or arrangements.
*As an additional option, the seller is offering to sell a lightly used 30’ iceboat trailer to help you get your new project home. Cost: $1,000. Seller also pointed out that it would be advisable to tow the trailer to a local auto mechanic for a safety check before departing on any long-distance journey. Mainly to checkout lights, re-pack wheel-bearings and/or to possibly replace tires due to their age.
Plenty of high-resolution images are available! You may wish to request additional pictures and/or information via email: poplar-1@sbcglobal.net or feel free to call me at (269) 649-1333.
I will post a few additional pictures on this website as well.