Zambonidriver.com

[for the latest update, hit boat building updates under categories on the right]

Let me start by saying all my friends and family think I’m crazy. My plan is to build a 34′ Richard Woods designed catamaran ( sailingcatamarans.com/romany.htm ) and along with Heather and our son Ethan, go on a “world” cruise. By “world” I mean to say that we’re no longer going to have a shore side residence, and we’re likely going to sail beyond the great lakes. Maybe we’ll go to the Bahamas and come home…maybe we’ll cross the pacific and keep going west until we get back. We don’t know, and we won’t know until we get there.

I don’t have much experience boat building. I’ve built a 17′ cedar strip canoe and a 12′ sailing dory. They were learning experiences. It’s also nice to have a canoe, since we had to sell our 1974 islander 30 mkII. I’m still sad about that one. very sad. oh, she was a beauty of a Lake Superior boat. But, money and a short boat building season dictate my recreation time right now, so in the words of my new favorite band (cloud cult from Duluth), it’s a good day to face the hard things. I also think there’s some hidden epoxy references in their music. Chemicals collide? come on, they’re clearly are talking about resin and hardener. Seriously, my friend TJ said it best…I wish they’d stop making albums so I could listen to something else. They’re that good. What was I talking about again…oh yeah boats…

What I lack in experience I make up for in stubbornness and naiveity [is that a word?]…that and I’ve read a crapload of books and other builders / designers websites. Oh, have I mentioned that I’ve got a good streak of OCD running in me? So, aside from some major life changing event, not completing the boat is simply not an option. I like to embrace and take advantage of my personality disorders. Why fight them?

If you’d like to know how many hours this project will take, my answer will be as many as necessary. I’m not tracking hours. If you want to know how much it will cost, my answer will be as much as I can afford and choose to spend. Building a boat is a builder directed process. Yes, there is a fixed amount of structural materials that are required, but the optional electronics alone could cost more than the hulls, not to mention take longer to install. Based on our lifestyle, I’m guessing we will have a fairly basic fit out. You’re more likely to find a micro green and sprout garden than a deep freezer and a sailing the farm style solar still than a reverse osmosis water maker, but like our travel destinations, I’m not ruling anything out.

Anyhoo, feel free to check in on the progress from time to time. Our boat shop is far away, so we’ll be working up there for intense stints. i.e. a week here and a long weekend there, but I’ll still be working on smaller projects in the garage in order to keep the progress moving. For the most up to date info, check the Romany Category link on the left.

Wish me luck,
Jeff (Heather and Ethan)