I now have 4 designs underway with a mind to offering a portfolio of diverse configurations with the completion of each design prioritized according to interest expressed. The first one is the Wild Hare daysailing trimaran. I have two microcruising monohulls in progress. One is Djipsi, a maxi-microcruiser, and Bato, a mini-microcruiser. Both have pram bows and a lot of accommodation for their length. I welcome questions or comments on any of these boats from either individuals or kit boat manufacturers.
Finally I am now working on a concept that I have been interested in for many years. Up until very recently I could not come up with a version that I liked well enough so that I could proceed with the design. I have long wanted a design for a minimal flying proa of about 30 foot or 9 plus meters long. It is not difficult to conceive such a boat but I desired one additional feature that always stopped progress in this design. I wanted it to quickly and easily fold to trailerable size. I think I have now worked out the basic geometry and mechanicals to make a Proa of about 30 feet or 9 meters length by 16 feet or 4.9 meters overall beam fold down to the size of a beach cat and become road legal on a modest trailer. I find this concept very exciting. Inside the cabin is very minimal accommodation for one or two with payload for short cruises from a weekend or a week for those who pack right. On the nearly 10 foot or 3 meter wide trampoline, one could have an awning or tent if desired for time at anchor. If the details come together it could be folded on the water to fit into a slip that can accommodate an 8 foot or 2.4 meter folded beam. A very simple casually stayed schooner rig completes the package. My personal preference is for two identical, slightly modernized balanced lug rigs. Rudders to be mounted outboard of the main hull and a canted kick-up and retractable leeboard is anticipated on the lee cabin side. A much simplified non folding version is also possible with some savings of weight and a reduced build time.
Over the years I have received many requests for information about proas or proa plans. Who out there would like to express interest in this design? Please contact me directly at mark (at) markbalogh (dot) com
