Thanks Pa! I was thinking that the most important time to be able to stand is when camped. When underway, we sit most times, so a pop-up section in the galley is ideal! BestRoy
I am not a woodworker but I like your build videos of your different boats. You make it look easy. Well thought out details on every boat you’ve built!
@DavidD6969 originally, I had considered doing a full width pop up in the stern that went from the head to the galley. The idea has merit David! BestRoy
That is a good option, Sharon but the goal was to keep the trailer and boat just under 7ft high and sliding hatches need to have more height for the slide structure! Also the hinged hatch of to the side doubles as trays to place items when they are open! The front one is perfect for fishing gear, rather than setting it on valuable deck space! Same with the hatch over the galley! If cooking below, items can be set securely on the open hatch! I also used it to set my coffee on, while in the cockpit, running the boat! With the curved roof, it has come in handy! Thanks so much for taking a good look at my design and pointing out a good point! AllthebestRoy
Hi Roy, I'm sure you've probably mentioned it somewhere that I've missed, but what are the length and beam of this one. Once I'm past the sticks and strings, ( and it's getting closer) the D's Rose or this may well be on the project list. Thanks for what you do.
Hi John, MiniD is 13ft 6in long but with overhangs like the stern helm seat, you can say 14 x 6fy 6in (with side rails, and 5ft 2 1/2in interior height, 5ft 6in over all with runners, etc. MiniD was intended to compete with teardrop campers for size. I think she is much better, of course, as MiniD can get one out on the water and it is possible to walk inside and she has an enclosed head. The teardrop has a great kitchen, though, and while MiniD had a galley, I think most cooking will be done outside, on shore or at a picnic table!. 7ft bunks or a full queen bed is rare for such a small boat though, and I'm loving siting on the bunks, contemplating my next task! AllthebestRoy
There will be, Argonaut. I'm finishing the build and will work on the plans after sea trials are done. I have a list of interested folks if you want me to add your email. Thanks. BestRoy
@Argonaut80 I'm excited to get back at it. My schedule is clear for the next couple of weeks, so I expect to make good progress! Trailer is painted with new bunks and ready to go!!!
@@Thinkflite Yes it would. I picture MiniD as the ideal travel machine! Easily shipped in a container, trailered aroung the country and cruising waterways, of course! She will be more sound in rougher conditions than most think as well. We aren't talking crossing oceans but coastal cruises, with an eye on weather will be within reach! I know this as a fact, based on our DIANNE'S ROSE and my friend's "box boats" that have crossed open water that even I didn't think possible! The key is a solid build that can be battoned down and bobb its way forward at low speeds! Plans...I'm already behind in my estimate, sadly but the plus side is the added time has been used to work out details that would not have been as good if rushed! I also have a hip surgery coming up sometime soon. Being self employed, I was hoping to work while I can and draw up plans as a recovery project! I will start drawing through the winter, reguardless as testing should be complete by then! I'm hopeful a July launch is coming! Interior finishing can be done while using MiniD! Hope this helps, sorry for the delay! AllthebestRoy
5ft 7in, the object with MiniD was to design a light camper boat so towing is economical. I picture her competing with Teardrops (the camper trIlers), where you don't have standing headroom. With MiniD, you are able to get to your seat just by ducking and once at camp the pop up hatches then add full standing headroom, where it is needed. There are 7ft bunks though and with back cushions fdropped into the gap in the aisle a full queen bed can be set up! Not bad for a 13ft 6in long boat.bestRoy
5ft 7in the interior is 5ft 2 1/2in clear so it is true, that you need to duck to get to your seat but when camped, you can pop up the hatches and have almost 7ft if you want...
@@roydesignedthatyes you’re right for it’s purpose it’s amazing, I just couldn’t grasp the size while you were moving around it. Do you suppose it’d be possible to have the top of the entry door frame come away so as to eliminate the need to duck when entering and exiting?
@@chasbrady2544 I try to build strong but light, so felt the cabin's rear wall shoyld be kept as one solid panel as boats gey bashed by waves and wakes. That said, after seeing how strong the roof turned out, I am able to walk and bounce on it, I think you could eliminate that frame. I will say that I step into the boat without a thought of it being there, now that I'm accustomed to it. Our DIANNE'S ROSE has builders custemizing details, so I'd expect folks to rework some tghings on MiniD as well. I spend so much time debating each feature, I know well there are mant options! AllthebestRoy
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
Thanks!
Unique boats are definitely worth a notice. Looking forward to the paint scheme. Looking super comfortable inside.
I could live aboard MiniD! BestRoy
Great job Roy, loving it so far! Great you can stand up straight in the galley.
Thanks Pa! I was thinking that the most important time to be able to stand is when camped. When underway, we sit most times, so a pop-up section in the galley is ideal! BestRoy
@@roydesignedthat 100% Roy.
Gettin’ there!
Roy, looking good , cool details, strong too so expected a shot of you doing your happy dance on the roof
Lol! Thanks, Peter. I'm happy-go-lucky but my hip is keeping me from dancing! AllthebestRoy
LOVE how this is coming along!
Thanks, Mark! Getting close to finishing MiniD enough to launch! Other details can come later. BestRoy
I am not a woodworker but I like your build videos of your different boats. You make it look easy. Well thought out details on every boat you’ve built!
Thanks, Carlos! I'm pleased so far on MiniD, but I'm proud of all my boats! BestRoy
Looking at this it would be nice with a pop up foof..but still looking great
Did you not notice the hatch propped up? I guess you mean a full pop-up. True, this could be done but with added complications. BestRoy
Yes i was talking about a full popup with screan all the way around...still great looking boat
@DavidD6969 originally, I had considered doing a full width pop up in the stern that went from the head to the galley. The idea has merit David! BestRoy
This is turning out great!
Thank you James, I think so too! I'm getting excited to get her in the water!!! AllthebestRoy
The hatch would suit me if it could slid forward and back
But I love it xxx
That is a good option, Sharon but the goal was to keep the trailer and boat just under 7ft high and sliding hatches need to have more height for the slide structure! Also the hinged hatch of to the side doubles as trays to place items when they are open! The front one is perfect for fishing gear, rather than setting it on valuable deck space! Same with the hatch over the galley! If cooking below, items can be set securely on the open hatch! I also used it to set my coffee on, while in the cockpit, running the boat! With the curved roof, it has come in handy! Thanks so much for taking a good look at my design and pointing out a good point! AllthebestRoy
@@sharonbull4091 Thanks Sharon!
Hi Roy, I'm sure you've probably mentioned it somewhere that I've missed, but what are the length and beam of this one. Once I'm past the sticks and strings, ( and it's getting closer) the D's Rose or this may well be on the project list. Thanks for what you do.
Hi John, MiniD is 13ft 6in long but with overhangs like the stern helm seat, you can say 14 x 6fy 6in (with side rails, and 5ft 2 1/2in interior height, 5ft 6in over all with runners, etc. MiniD was intended to compete with teardrop campers for size. I think she is much better, of course, as MiniD can get one out on the water and it is possible to walk inside and she has an enclosed head. The teardrop has a great kitchen, though, and while MiniD had a galley, I think most cooking will be done outside, on shore or at a picnic table!. 7ft bunks or a full queen bed is rare for such a small boat though, and I'm loving siting on the bunks, contemplating my next task! AllthebestRoy
Many thanks for that Roy.
Are these plans for sale? I didnt see the mini d on your website
Not yet. I'll be drawing them up after trials to be sure all is as it should be, although I'm very confident MiniD will work out! AllthebestRoy
Why Lexon? Why not bug screen in a frame?
Lexan can be left up even in a hard down pore. Screens in the doors and windows, should offer enough air and keep rain out with the overhangs. BestRoy
Are there plans for this boat available for purchase?
There will be, Argonaut. I'm finishing the build and will work on the plans after sea trials are done. I have a list of interested folks if you want me to add your email. Thanks. BestRoy
@@roydesignedthat. Much appreciated. No need to add me to a list. I’m following the build, and will look for the plans in the future. Love the design!
@Argonaut80 I'm excited to get back at it. My schedule is clear for the next couple of weeks, so I expect to make good progress! Trailer is painted with new bunks and ready to go!!!
What's the beam?
With the side rails, 6ft 6in...MiniD is 13ft 6in long but with overhanging helm seat, 14ft is the total length...bestRoy
Thank you 🙂
@@roydesignedthat When will you have plans available? With this beam, it would fit the UK canal network
@@Thinkflite Yes it would. I picture MiniD as the ideal travel machine! Easily shipped in a container, trailered aroung the country and cruising waterways, of course! She will be more sound in rougher conditions than most think as well. We aren't talking crossing oceans but coastal cruises, with an eye on weather will be within reach! I know this as a fact, based on our DIANNE'S ROSE and my friend's "box boats" that have crossed open water that even I didn't think possible! The key is a solid build that can be battoned down and bobb its way forward at low speeds! Plans...I'm already behind in my estimate, sadly but the plus side is the added time has been used to work out details that would not have been as good if rushed! I also have a hip surgery coming up sometime soon. Being self employed, I was hoping to work while I can and draw up plans as a recovery project! I will start drawing through the winter, reguardless as testing should be complete by then! I'm hopeful a July launch is coming! Interior finishing can be done while using MiniD! Hope this helps, sorry for the delay! AllthebestRoy
@@roydesignedthat Wonderful 🙂 Wishing a speedy recovery on the soon hip surgery also!
How tall are you?
5ft 7in, the object with MiniD was to design a light camper boat so towing is economical. I picture her competing with Teardrops (the camper trIlers), where you don't have standing headroom. With MiniD, you are able to get to your seat just by ducking and once at camp the pop up hatches then add full standing headroom, where it is needed. There are 7ft bunks though and with back cushions fdropped into the gap in the aisle a full queen bed can be set up! Not bad for a 13ft 6in long boat.bestRoy
5ft 7in the interior is 5ft 2 1/2in clear so it is true, that you need to duck to get to your seat but when camped, you can pop up the hatches and have almost 7ft if you want...
@@roydesignedthatyes you’re right for it’s purpose it’s amazing, I just couldn’t grasp the size while you were moving around it. Do you suppose it’d be possible to have the top of the entry door frame come away so as to eliminate the need to duck when entering and exiting?
@@chasbrady2544 I try to build strong but light, so felt the cabin's rear wall shoyld be kept as one solid panel as boats gey bashed by waves and wakes. That said, after seeing how strong the roof turned out, I am able to walk and bounce on it, I think you could eliminate that frame. I will say that I step into the boat without a thought of it being there, now that I'm accustomed to it. Our DIANNE'S ROSE has builders custemizing details, so I'd expect folks to rework some tghings on MiniD as well. I spend so much time debating each feature, I know well there are mant options! AllthebestRoy
@@roydesignedthat thanks so much can’t wait for the finished plans, it’s a beautiful piece