6M Whaler
Designed by John Welsford
LOA: 19 ft 6 in (5.98 m)
Beam: 7 ft (2.14 m)
Draught: 9-3/4 in (.25 m)
Draught (board down): 4 ft 3 in (1.30 m)
Weight: 573.20 lbs (260 kg)
Displacement: 2314.85 lbs (1050 kg)
Sail Area (Lug Yawl): 172.22 sq ft (16.00 sq m)
Sailing Rigs: Lug Yawl, Gaff Yawl or Sloop
Accomodation: Optional 2 berth cabin
John Welsford's 6M Whaler was orginally designed as a youth sail training boat for 7 crew. Interest in the design for use as a cruising boat has inspired a number of customizations to the original design, and it has become a popular home-build project.

The design features shallow draft (centerboard up), a generous open cockpit, and an outboard well. Overall she is an excellent all around design for inshore cruising, river and lake work. With a weight of only 260 kg, she can be easily trailed; giving you broad options for sailing destinations and the ability to do away with permanent marina fees.

The construction method is fully modern wood, utilizing glued-lap (glued-clinker) strakes over stringer frames and a laminated backbone. The technique allows the boat to be produced quickly, making it a very affordable option.

For more information on the 6M Whaler visit John Welsford's website [ www.jwboatdesigns.co.nz ].

Build Options:

Base Specification (Cheap and Cheerful) - The original 6M Whaler specification is for a basic sail training boat for 7 crew. The fit out features 6 rowing positions, painted ply seats and decks, and stowage in the form of sealed bouyancy compartments. She carries aluminium spars with a lug yawl rig.

Yachty Version - For those who wish a more elegant cruiser, a "yachty" version of the 6M Whaler can be provided. The specification includes timber spars, all bronze fittings, optional teak decking and seat tops, and a combination of water tight and open cockpit lockers. Removable ballast is also added to allow cruising with a "light" crew of 2-4 people.

Cabin Accomodation - A cabin to accomodate 2 sleeping berths, a small galley and portable heads, can be added to the specification. It will provide sitting headroom and comfortable accomodation for two people on extended cruises.

Kits and Part-builds - The boatbuilding techniques used in the 6M Whaler's construction are straight forward and well suited for an intermediate amature builder. If you are considering building one for yourself we can offer a kit service, or if you don't have space or time to build a hull we can supply a part built boat for you to fit out and finish. If you choose this option, we can supply you with the materials and fittings necessary to complete your project. And, we will always be available for help and advice.

Trailer and Outboard - We can provide custom built trailers and outboards to complete the package.

Ordering Information:

Each 6M Whaler is built to order, based on the customer's specifications.

If you are interested in purchasing a complete boat or part-built kit, we will first ask which of the build options you would like included in your boat. Keep in mind that modifications outside of the listed options can also be investigated.

When the final specification is agreed, we will provide you with a fixed price quote. If you wish to proceed with the order, you will be asked to sign a contract setting out the terms of the commission, the build schedule, and the schedule of stage payments.

The delivery period will be between 3 and 5 months from the start of the build, depending on the specification.

If you have any questions or wish us to proceed with a quote, please contact us.


Members of the Wooden
Boatbuilders
Trade Association
www.wbta.co.uk