Nautic Aspect 's aim is to raise interest in the construction and development of boats with a particular character.
'Form follows function' The character of a boat has long been apparent from the purpose for which it was used, not only in its features but this was also reflected in its appearance. In the past, outward appearance was solely determined by the use made of the boat. As a result fishing boats all over the world have evolved to be highly specialized with a local function and a resulting local price, reflecting the local character. The advent of boating for leisure, without a working function, has brought about a proliferation in unattractive boats.
Nautic Aspect is also attempting to have smaller, handy sailing or motorboats re-discovered, which are cheap to build, and are trail able to explore other locations. Materials as epoxy and plywood mean that many of the old shapes are now cheaper and can be built by inexperienced builders.
In addition new developments are always interesting; an example of an important new development is skiff sailing.
MX Ray, the extreme machine, a miniskiff
A design from the artist Vlad Murnikow, also the designer of the Fazizi. The MX Ray is the first one-man boat with a gennaker. Nautic Aspect is the importer for continental Europe. Read the book 'High Performance Sailing' by Frank Bethwaite. (ISBN 0-07-005799-0) and his publications in Seahorse Magazine.
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Pilot Cutters
A beautiful example of the evolution of a working boat is the history of the Bristol Channel Pilots Cutters. Sailing pilot boats, with very little crew, often at sea for days on end in all weathers. Read the book 'The Sailing Pilots of the Bristol Channel', by Peter Stuckey (ISBN 1 900178 32 X) and the classic book about the Spray van Slocum. There has been a development, based on these old shapes, in the direction of handy sailing yachts; in this case not cheap, but made possible using a wood and epoxy construction.
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Bolger boats
Function over Form in the most extreme manner.
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Drifter 14, 16 en 18 foot
The Drifter from Glen-L USA is a good example of a dory for fishing on the American east coast. In this case a dory, which through its very rounded bottom and high gunwales, is well suited to fast flowing water and sheltered coastal waters. That makes the Drifter a cheap fishing boat in the rowing version, with two thwarts. The unsinkable Drifter is also a good tender that is easily towed by a larger boat. A light outboard motor is also a possibility. The Drifter can also be build as a cheap 'sloop', a comfortable and very safe family boat, with benches all round and a steering position with hydraulic controls. The Drifter is very lightweight, and is easy to transport on a trailer and to store after use. Meewsen, Ship's Carpenters in Breskens-Holland, built the Drifter 4.80 meter shown in the photos at our request. Nautic Aspect can build the Drifter in any length, after payment of royalties to Glen-L.
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Redwing 18
The Redwing - 5.40 meter long - is based on a classic design by Howard L. Chapelle as far as the proportions are concerned. It seems like the simplest form that could be thought up, but there are however fixed rules.
The American designer Karl Stambaugh created a romantic small cruiser, sleeps two, using this design. This boat is very well suited to Dutch inland waters. There is a version in 'stitch and glue', suitable for self-construction. This is all made very simple by working on the basis of a kit. All parts are made to measure using a computer-controlled system, including the bevels. Nautic Aspect supplies the drawings and builds them.
Links:
www.CMDboats.com
www.thelittleboatshop.com
Canal boats
Why not an Old Holland church boat (kerkboot) in the canal or a old punt adapted by LionClassics?
Les Flobarts
The Flobart is the very simple fishing boat found along the sandy coasts of Northern France. The Côte d'Opale lies to the southwest of Calais. Following the coast road these boats can still be seen in various towns and villages and some are still in use. In 2001 a Fête des Flobarts will be held. Read the book 'Les Flobarts de la Côte d'Opale' (ISBN 2-913132-10-3)
Nautic Aspect
Imp. Boudewijn Binkhorst
Port Scaldis 1-92
4511 DA Breskens
the Netherlands
tel. +31-117-
E mail: info@NauticAspect.com
Website: www.NauticAspect.com