Pathfinder

A serious cruising dinghy with a classical air.
Designed by John Welsford, Small Craft Designs

Pathfinder was designed as an addition to my range of cruising dinghies, intended to have a longer range and sleep-aboard capability than others in the range. I put out among the discussion groups on the internet that I would welcome suggestions as to what would be needed for such a craft, and after much discussion with dinghy cruising enthusiasts I drew up a new design to the following suggestions:

Two years later the plans have been drawn up and the first Pathfinders are in the water and well proven. Heres Varuna is Paul Groom’s brand new boat. Paul is a novice builder and took only 10 months to produce a very nicely finished boat which has taken him on a number of cruises in a wide range of weather.

Shortly after the launching I had the pleasure of a day out in her. The first impressions are that she has a huge amount of space, is so stable that three of us, totaling about a quarter of a ton were able to sit on the gunwale side by side without swamping her, and that she is a quick and able sailer.

She turned out to be extremely powerful, very fast and seaworthy, nicely balanced and a huge load-carrier. She’s ideal as an a “expedition boat” for family daysailing or for when you can escape for a relaxing break playing truant and exploring those interesting bits of coasts and estuaries beyond the reach of an “ordinary” sailing dinghy. The attention that Pathfinders attract is a real bonus, owners report having people follow them to the boat ramp to have closer look and all report making new friends that way.

E-mail: jwboatdesign@xtra.co.nz
Web site: http://www.jwboatdesigns.co.nz

Plan cost US $180
Available from:

Chuck Leinweber
Duckworks Magazine
608 Gammenthaler,
Harper, TX 78631 USA

Or online at:

http://www.duckworksbbs.com/plans/jw/pathfinder/index.htm