Sorry just a poor photo on the cabin top. Screen capture when we were double reefed on a lousy day.
Yes I built this a few years before we bought the Nonsuch.
Rule of thumb - if you are scratch building a boat from plans, whatever the designer or the plan seller says regarding build time, cost and weight, double it.
Tom
V10 Dinghy Dubhe
Penetang
I’ve never had a problem folding and unfolding the Portaboat on board my 30u even by myself. The newest model makes it easier since it also has an integral transom built in. Though I tend to keep it unfolded these days. I also found that rather overturning the dingy having it right side up allows for better sight forward than having it overturned on deck. I plan to add some chocks to support the boat in that position.
Have you considered a skin on frame boat? I’m about to build a couple of these for a friend and I. They are 8’ long and weigh 28 lbs.
Paul M
NS30U #211, Sandpiper
Cowichan Bay, B.C.
Sounds like a great little boat - is it from Duck Works?
https://www.duckworks.com/product-p/dg-piankatank.htm
Not sure how the bottom would hold up though in cruising situations, but I like the weight of it.
No, it’s from Geodesic Aerolite Boats. The plans and all the non wood materials (fabrics, adhesives, etc) are $175. There isn’t much wood.
Thanks for the info. Very interesting.
Howard Wright
NS26C Merrythought
Ouch Paul.
I’m just about to skin my Geodesic Snowshoe 12 Kayak. I would not build one of these again. Too many fiddly bits and fragile (there are about 250 little glue joints).
It was designed in 1985 but I believe there are many new similar designs now with fewer ribs and frames and no Kevlar strings that would be easier and faster to build.
I chose this design many years ago but only now had time to build it due to COVID. It is light(so far mine weighs 12.5 lbs), and by my measurements it would fit inside the 26 when I’m not at the boat.
Just my opinion Paul, others may differ.
Tom
26C #28 North Star
V10 dinghy Dubhe
Snowshoe 12 Merak
I hear you but I used to build wooden boats for a living so I think I can handle it. We have the kits. Like you we’ve had them for a while. It looks pretty simple to me but I may be wrong.
It is easy and fairly simple, just fiddly. My big worry was steam bending the ash ribs which turned out to be quick and no problem at all and even fun.
Tom
Ha ha, I’ve got that one covered. Steaming ribs is my stock in trade so to speak.
I was about 25 in the pic. I’m the one in the plaid shirt. 
The ribs in the Black Fly are a little smaller too.
Here are the pictures of my Puffin hard dinghy in its davits on my NS26. Made by Stainless Steel Outfitters in Canada. https://stainlessoutfitters.com
David Darmstadter
NS26U #198 Jade, Boothbay Harbor, ME
I like your set-up and I’m leaning towards getting davits, as I like getting the boat high enough off the water. I’ve been looking at Kato Marine, but it looks like SS Outfitters might do the trick. I’ll call them tomorrow. I assume they already have patterns for NS26. How hard was it to get access to the base pads on the deck from down below? Did you install? How heavy is your Puffin? Nice dinghy!
Howard Wright
NS26 Merrythought
Friday Harbor, WA 98250
Howard,
I’m sure that Stainless Steel outfitters can set you up. They have been making davits for the Nonsuch boats for a long time. Access to the backing plates was not easy. A bit of a contortionist act but that’s going to be the case with almost any system you set up. The puffin weighs 80lbs. Good luck!
David
