Plans to build the 27' Eleuthera Sailing Sharpie
Introducing the Sitka Eleuthera Sailing Sharpie. Easy to build plans are available.
About Sailing Sharpies
Sharpies are essentially dories optimized for sailing. They were extensively used along the east coast as commercial oyster fishing boats during the 1800s. Since then, they've maintained their popularity as pleasure sailing craft because of their simplicity, excellent performaance, shallow draft, and classic lines. They're also one of the easiest to build sailboats ever.
I've taken this traditional shape, and modified it to use modern materials and easy to obtain construction grade lumber, using fiberglass and epoxy to strengthen and seal them. This is a low cost, very light alternative to many other construction methods. I've also used my very simply stayed sprit sail rig that have proven effective on my Grand Banks dories. This is easy to build at home, light, strong and inexpensive. It also keeps the sail area low so has less tipping moment that modern masthead sloop rigs. Maybe it won't point as high, but it is faster downwind and on a beam reach.
Named for one of the larger islands of the Bahamas, the Eleuthera is about the largest sharpie you can builtd and still have it trailerable. This boat is capable of extended ocean voyages, but is better suited for coastal cruising, and sailing along in shallow fresh or salt water areas.
Free Study Plans for the Eleuthera Sailing Sharpie
Our study plans are two of the actual construction drawings. They're not enough information for you to build the boat, but they do give you the overall boat size, shape and construction methods. This is a pdf file readable with the free Adobe Acrobat pdf file reader.
Please contact me by e-mail if you wish to build an Eleuthera. I have the construction drawings partially complete and should be able to complete the remainder in a few weeks, if you elect to purchase this design.
Mail, Phone or FAX Ordering Electronic or Printed Plans
If you wish to receive printed plans, or wish to pay by check, money order or credit card by mail, phone or FAX, just download the pdf order form and price list using the buttons below.
