But I diverge
To be fair. I have looked at a lot of boats over the years. Virtually all of them wooden. There is something about wood that calls to me. Something that fits so well into it's surroundings no matter what or where they are. Wood is meant to be there. Solid and comforting it has weathered all of history alongside ours. Shaped by hands and hearts it was made for us. And us for it. And often together it has matched our needs with grace and attitude. Allowing us to prosper and flourish. To grow and meet the world that's set before us with extraordinary strength and beauty no matter how brutal the conditions.
I wasn't wanting too much boat. I am getting older. Something seaworthy and manageable. Easy to get in and out of the water. Something that would make going out a pleasure and constant invitation. Something less than twenty feet. Something I could not only build, but care for.
And there was lots to choose from. Atkins, Oughtred, Welsford, Hereschoff, Gardiner. There were the Gaffers and Luggers. Yawls and Ketches. The Whalers and Wherries including my all time favorite the Newfoundland Trap Skiff.
Given the time and materials, I had settled on John Welsford's 6 Meter Whaler. I boat I had already chosen twenty five years ago.
I had no idea about the Junior Båd. But that was about to change.