My Phoenix III is for sale! It is a wonderful sail and oar boat, and I am torn parting with her. As I have gotten older and the Dupuytren's contracture in both my hands has worsened, I realized I need 'an old man's boat.'
I've decided to build an Old Salt water ballasted dinghy - a collaboration of Josh Colvin and Josh Colvin (Small Craft Advisor) and Brandon Davis (Turnpoint Design) - which will provide me with a more stable platform befitting my condition.
My Phoenix was built in Canada by a retired professional cabinet maker. The workmanship is first rate, and was built from plans, not a kit. The trailer is an aluminum Trailex SUT-220 with spring suspension. Total weight of boat and trailer is under 350 pounds so it can be easily hauled my almost any family sedan with proper hitch.
The single lug sail is from the late legendary sailmaker Dabber Sails and has a single reef point.
I've led the halyard (brown) and snotter (blue) aft to a cleat on the centerboard trunk. I found this arrangement the best for lowering the sail while at the helm. The mast is a hollow bird mouth construction so it is easily stepped.
The boom downhaul is led aft to a cam cleat on the centerboard trunk. It is within easy reach of the helmsman on both tacks. It used to be led farther back, under the thwart. However, I found it was very easy to accidentally uncleat in this position, especially when tacking.
The rudder is retractable for easy beaching.
