What are the necessary ingredients for a boat building workshop? For starters, adequate space is an essential element, and it was clear when I began building the Mana 24 our garage was not long enough for two 23 1/2 foot hulls to be constructed at the same time.
Even with only one hull set diagonally in the garage, the stem and stern posts could not be added. Fortunately, my quest for a better option was successful and a new place became available just a block from home – a heated two car garage, inside dimensions 23 feet x 23 feet, leaving space for two hulls to be constructed at the same time when placed diagonally. The garage is well lit, with cupboards, pegboard and counter on one wall for tools and supplies. It also features graphics that would gladden the hearts of professional sports fans in this part of the world – check these out:
Yes, the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Edmonton Oilers have a solid fan base here. I do hope they are not offended to learn that I have no interest in professional sports – I just want to build a sailboat and go sailing!
Still, the new workspace is pretty fancy and I consider myself greatly blessed to have found it. With the help from a good sailing buddy, I have moved in and set up shop. As they say in the cartoons, on with the show, this is it!
Village Rainbows 
October 25, 2017 at 2:17 pm
That is an Awesome space and being heated should have you on the water next year for sure.
Looks like your making great progress too.
October 25, 2017 at 2:36 pm
Thanks, James. Yes, it is moving along. I try to focus on it one step at a time so as not to be intimidated by the work that is ahead.
April 15, 2018 at 12:21 pm
Hi Rod, I am the proud owner of MANA nr 4 which I just collectes from James and Hanneke at their place in Devoran UK.
I am building the boat in the south of France, being Dutch myself. It would be nice to have the possibility to contact you If I need advise of someone with experience in the construction or just exchange experiences!
Hope to hear from you!
Arthur Hoynck
April 15, 2018 at 1:02 pm
Great to hear from you, Arthur. Congratulations on being #4. I look forward to sharing experiences with you. I have just sent you a personal message.
June 23, 2018 at 5:13 am
How’s your build going?
August 31, 2018 at 9:07 pm
My apologies for not replying sooner. I have only seen your comment today. In my defence, I did not see your comment because that is the week that I first launched the Prairie Mermaid and I was not online. So there is the answer to your question – the build is completed and boat has been floated. As soon as the sailing season is over, I will be back online to post a series showing the construction of the boat. Thank you for your interest.
August 31, 2018 at 8:00 pm
Hi Rod,
I hope you’re out sailing as much as possible. I was curious about the status of your Mana 24. As a fellow Canadian, I was hoping to ask a few questions about your kit.
Regards,
Andrew
August 31, 2018 at 9:08 pm
Afternoon, Andrew, for several reasons, I have not been out as much as I would have liked this summer but the season is not over yet. I am happy to field questions about the Mana – see my e-mail to you. Cheers.