ABOUT JOHN'S BOAT STUFF
This web site contains samples of my boating experience, which started 50 years ago with the construction of a modified canvas covered canoe. Being only 24" wide, It taught me the importance of beam on stability, and the hard lesson that failure is an inherent part of any creative process. Growing up is southern California let me spend a lot of time "messing around with boats", so I jumped at the chance to apply for admission to the California Maritime Academy. The academy operated there own training ship and the midshipmen were exposed to every part of maritime life. Not much theory, but a lot of "hands on" experience. I specialized in Marine Engineering. The highlight of my time at the academy was the design and construction of a model steam engine.
After graduation, with a fresh Coast Guard license as 3rd. Assistant Engineer, I worked in the Merchant Marine for five years, mostly hauling war material to Viet Nam. I still loved the ocean, but running an engine room got old. After a stint in the Navy (remember the draft!) I went back to school and eventually graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering. I was recruited by a Navy R&D facility that promised me an outlet for my creative talent. The next 30 years, and 22 patents, were lots of fun, but my spare time was spent designing and building a wide variety of boats, ranging from 14 - 39 feet. I also published design related articles in SAIL, CANOE, CRUISING WORLD, MULTIHULL, and BOAT BUILDER magazines.
So why buy plans from some guy on the web that no ones ever heard of? Some of his designs have never been built, some look a little different, what can he offer me? How much risk am I taking? What about resale value? These are questions you need to think about, and understand before embarking on a major project like building a boat.
Yacht design is a mixture of art, science, and individual taste. My engineering background is rock solid, my artistic ability is what it is. I have built boats using wood strips, stitch and glue techniques, and molded fiberglass. Some have been better than others, but they all floated without breaking! I select a building process assuming an inexperienced builder, having few tools, who wants the process to be simple and progress to be fast. I will gladly explain the details of each of my designs, and if you select one to build, I will work with you to insure that that it satisfies your requirements. As problems arise, I will be available to give advice, and the bottom line: I'm cheap! Established designers charge a percentage of the total cost. When I get in their league, you can bet my prices will go up substantially!
If you have any questions or concerns about my designs, contact me at: john@johnsboatstuff.com - I want your project to be successful!
John Holtrop
1336 W Burns
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
760 375 2076