Let's build a boat! An introduction to the Welsford Pathfinder.

The plans have finally arrived, so that we can start building our boat. Farm life has been great, but we need access to the sea in our lives as well.
Here we discuss the reasons why we chose the boat we did and introduce the Pathfinder sailing dory, designed by John Welsford.
Link to John Welsfords site:
jwboatdesigns.co.nz/
#sailing #buildaboat #living
Support us and gain early access to videos and other exclusive rewards.
Become a patron of Free Range Living today! / freerangesailing
Some of our fans prefer to make a direct contribution by Paypal: www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted...
OUR SOCIALS
Follow us on: Instagram: / freerangehomestead
Facebook: / freerangesailing
FREE PROVISIONING GUIDE
Pascale has put together a FREE 40 page Provisioning Guide. The Guide explains and provides examples of how we can travel eating a variety of healthy and delicious meals for up to 6 months at a time on our tiny boat with no resupply. There has never been a better time to start learning how to increase the food storage potential of your home. I hope this guide will inspire you to make more informed long term provisioning choices for the future! For more information visit the Provisioning Page on our website ( www.freerangesailing.com/boat-provisioning ) or to grab a copy directly by clicking on the link below.
LINK HERE: Download your FREE Provisioning Guide: bit.ly/3adbloF
Also if you want to find out more about what I am cooking up every week for us at the homestead (and previously aboard SV Mirrool) you should follow my foodie Instagram page! gourmetsailor
Music Credits
Our theme tune (outro and/or intro song) Aquarium by TEVO. You can listen to his music here: soundcloud.app.goo.gl/4MAfa
All music sourced from Epidemic Sound (www.epidemicsound.com)
On the request of one of our patrons we put together a playlist of some of our music on Spotify. Follow along and listen here: open.spotify.com/playlist/4Qe...

[@thommccann1770]

Watched you when sailing about, but lost you lately. Caught my attention with a John Welsford design. I built a Welsford Light Dory 11 in Alaska and have rowed it around lakes so far. Good luck on the construction.

[@jasonstork9606]

Hi Troy, my advice is not to skimp on the plywood. I built my 1st boat from so called marine plywood from one of the asian factories. It was not a good experience. It chipped when being cut or planed and the plies were very thin on the exterior and that is all that the epoxy grips too (that outside layer down to the first glue layer of the ply). The glass covering delaminated in places within a year. What you want is a proper BS1088 marine ply with 5 nice even plies. The cheap stuff has two paper thin outer layers and one big inner layer and that is NOT what you want. Joubert or Brynzeel seems to be the recommendation these days. I used Joubert on my 2nd boat and it was amazing to work with, easy to plane and I never experienced delamination. Yes it was 50% more expensive than the crappy stuff but I never regretted it for a minute. The cost vanishes from memory, a poorly constructed boat stays with you forever (well at least until you cut it up and take it to the dump....which is what I did with boat number 1). Maybe chat to O'Connor boats in Perth? They must have a good supplier as they produce kits. Denman in Tassie recommended Joubert plywood to me at the time, saying it was all they would use.

[@FreeRangeLiving]

I got true blue BS1088 marine ply from a local supplier my brother in law, a builder, recommended. It looks very even and none of the edges at least showed any voids.

[@TheBeaker59]

I have built boats from both BS1088 marine and cheap construction ply, its very debatable over benefits of negatives. I have never had delamination or rot with either and don't expect too I think the main difference is cost though the saving isn't as much as you would think. There is a weight gain with construction ply I suspect because you do use more epoxy because of the more open grain, Marine I believe is marginally stronger. My next boat is going to be construction ply basically because the whole goal is to go as cheap as possible with a Michael Storer quick canoe. After that its a marine ply skiff because I want weight low and strength high. Each material has its place and I wouldn't write off either. I have built a few small sailing and rowing dinghies and almost always use treated construction ply for the transom because where I live its hard to buy half sheets of marine ply and you only need a tiny bit of 12mm for the transom. never had an issue and some of those boats are a decade old and well used.

[@DaveBoatBuilder]

What he said. Buy the best marine ply you can. davesboat.blogspot.com/ This was my build, it may have some bits that help you along the way

[@waynejorgensen4433]

Aussie hoop pine ply is excellent. No voids even in the steps down from marine

[@TaTa-wv9kl]

BS1088 means nothing in Australia - that's a British standard and its not enforced in Oz. AS/NZL standard is the only reliable standard here and there's only one type of ply - which is soft and very blonde, but very good quality. I have bought several BS1088 plays form different sources. the most expensive I bought was from Bruynzeel and it was by far the worst. They also took no responsibility when it delaminated without every having been outside. The worst customer service ever - I will NEVER go back to them. Having built a few boats now i use Bunnings marine ply and don't skimp on the epoxy. You can use cheap construction ply successfully, but it drinks a lot of epoxy. So you end up spending money there. Bunnings marine ply A/B, is hardwood which allows for a nice colour if finished bright. The hardwood ply, in my opinon, offers a tougher surface that the AS standard ply (which ironically is really aimed at the interior furniture/architecture market). If you use A/B ply, and you intend to sheath each strake in dynel/fiberglass, then use a CPES like 'Everdure', or Norglass 'Norseal', to soak into the ply to offer long term protection. Instead of epoxy. You'll need the epoxy to adhere the dynel of course. CPES is simply a very thin epoxy that soaks deep into the wood. I soak everything in CPES and add epoxy where necessary. Its great peace of mind.

[@clementfryer1194]

Great choice of family dinghy - a very inspiring project!

[@paulboden7850]

Small, capable, trailerable and affordable. Sounds perfect!

[@gaspart]

This is the boat where your children will learn to sail :)

[@DAMusicalHQ]

Yes please!! Can't wait to have pirate Troy back with us! Will be such an exciting build to watch! 😊

[@Newydmarine]

Hello , pathfinder is a great boat. Ive built and sailed mine for a few years now and have recently launched a new small family company called newyd marine that focuses on these types of boats. Get in touch if you need any information or fancy discussing some of the thins I learnt with my own pathfinder!

[@jeffslaven]

The call of the sea returns! Looking forward to the build Troy!

[@paulersboll7903]

Hi hi Troy I’m a very long time fan and I’m looking forward to your new project. I strongly endorse Jason’s comments. Be careful that you are getting “marine” plywood, just because it is Okoume, doesn’t mean it’s marine grade. All the best with your build.

[@Seafariireland]

Happy building!

[@Jeffs_Workshop]

Really looking forward to the build! I've built a Lillistone First Mate and plan to start a Welsford Long Steps in the next few months.

[@DannyBoyInMarseille]

The man that can do everything. Good luck Troy.

[@joebrown1382]

Will be interesting. Been watching 3 boats being built for the last 5 years.

[@chrisauld7003]

Bravo, she looks like a fine trailer sailor. And fabulous family camping machine. Also a good fort for you to escape too when needed.

[@evandelucia1555]

Yay! Really excited your inching back toward the water. My wife and I built a lug rigged skerry last summer. It was a stitch and glue kit and went together very quickly. Had to stop when it got cool as what remains is the finish work - epoxy, varnish, paint. I'll finish her up this summer. We had a blast building together - our first. Good luck!

[@ainord1]

Looking forward to the build

[@FlyingFish_TV]

Heck yes! I have loved everything you two have done!

[@glennjackson1417]

Really looking forward to this series. Watched the sailing part almost from the beginning (wearing one of your shirts at the moment), however, apologies, being a farmer most of my life, I have not watch much of the newer material. I think the ritual of waiting for your weekly post will start again, for which I am most grateful. Thankyou both for the time and effort you put in to allowing us to share in your lives.

[@woodsmn8047]

I have indeed been with you guys from way back in your circumnavigation of Australia and I have also enjoyed your farming exploits ...and yes I think building a wooden boat is very interesting ..I'm looking forward to it ...!

[@MrHellfinger]

Can't wait to see this video series, Troy. I know you'll do it up 100%. Looking forward to it.

[@calmauric8218]

Looking forward to the build troy! Watched a few wharram builds and loved that. Keen to see how a trailer sailor comes together.

[@ericauton6600]

I bailed when you went back to the lovely land so I cannot wait to see Pascal back at the helm!

[@trevorpoll3933]

Thanks for the overview. Excited for the upcoming videos.

[@jginmt]

Nice and simple. A lot of rewards to time of build. In college, I worked on a schooner in Maine. You are so right when you see good lines it does sail well. Cheers to your family.

[@carlamerritt490]

Excellent! 😊 And true to you guys your building a very sustainable and versatile boat! I'm VERY excited to see how this goes. ❤

[@joeymcmanus448]

I fell in love with the sailing videos and was captivated by the farm and both I learned some tips and tricks to use at home. Looking forward to the boat build and and my new shirt that comes next week.. cheers

[@robingraham6820]

Enjoyed the odd sailing and farming videos that the algorithms have sent my way, but now fully signed up with bells and whistles to watch the boat build. John Welsford has designed some outstanding boats and the Pathfinder is right up there. I have the plans for the LongSteps.

[@joecat101]

There's something magical about being on the water. Good on ya for finding a way to get your float on.

[@johnmcgoogan2834]

received T shirt today 12/14 top quality, enjoy your vids Merry Christmas

[@Mminnehoma]

If Im breathing and coherent, Im checking in regularly 👍😄 Already a proud owner of FRH apparel: well done Homesteaders and Bonfire 👏

[@MikeWood]

'I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky...' 👍⚓⛵

[@garyc5483]

Still here and watching with interest. regards from the UK

[@gkeyman565]

Nice looking plans, but just to show you how much I know about boats, a found a boat compass at a fleamarket, it's now attached to the the wall post in the middle of my small house. Have a great day

[@FreeRangeLiving]

Now you'll know if the earth has another pole shift before any of your neighbours

[@earlashton1342]

I had faith & I am rewarded. So glad your missing the ocean & are looking to return. All be it part time. But I must say you have made the farm enjoyable viewing.

[@GNiessen]

That looks like fun. I like the design.

[@stacymaise8539]

Awesome! What a cutie!! Can’t wait!!

[@carlvandenberg140]

Very cool

[@andrewparry6106]

Cant wait..good luck

[@bryanb1259]

Can’t wait for this new project❤

[@nooneanybodyknows7912]

Boat building time. 👏

[@user-fk9gy3wr4v]

Can't wait to watch the build

[@rogermace4516]

Looks good

[@johncollins5021]

Can't wait to watch the build.

[@iainlyall6475]

can't wait to see you get started.

[@zenzen9131]

Really looking forward to this build :)

[@laurieandsoniahaynes7771]

G’day Troy, a mate and I have just started building a 5.5m Micronesian proa in my backyard in Busselton. We are strip planking with western red cedar from WWTT, not a cheap timber! Augusta Rowers were great to chat to…

[@FreeRangeLiving]

We met a bloke building a large proa at Hervey Bay. Interesting little craft.

[@99IronDuke]

Good to see this video.

[@grahamrichardson9613]

Great to see you getting another boat. I will be watching the build with interest

[@izaqueduffy235]

Cant wait for the build Troy!

[@justinkyfishmongerma]

cant wait to follow along on the journey

[@joelkoonce8559]

Thanks Troy. Looking forward to the progress.

[@gibbousmoon35]

Nice looking boat!

[@crushedcranium]

Absolutely love the course you (3) are on, I will follow until the end

[@_FNQ]

This is going to be great...very much looking forward to following along!

[@bimantaracommunity]

Wow, very inspiring, I like it

[@bake162]

Looking forward to this series Troy

[@TaTa-wv9kl]

John is a regular contributer to the Woodenboat forum. There's been a bunch of his boats built by people there - plenty of experience and advice.

[@chrispy104k]

Should be interesting. Looking forward to your updates on the progress.

[@MartynGrimes]

Go Troy. Looking forward to this. ATB

[@andrewelliott3576]

Hi Troy, I'm really looking forward to your boat build. Good luck with everything!

[@SydneyKnightRider]

Thanks Troy this is perfect timing for me as I doing the research on my next project.

[@sailawayteam]

I knew you couldn't stay away from the sea forever. Great news!

[@peterbryan3295]

So looking forward to watching this build.. don't stress Troy I have faith in you.👍👍

[@amandad7121]

good on you Troy, I'll be watching

[@jamesonjabiru]

The return of the Free Range sailing shirt! Im still wearing mine bro.

[@bencampbell2407]

Looking forward to this

[@alanrobinson5109]

Hi Troy, wishing you good luck with your boat build. All the best to you all from the UK.

[@Tugger4me1]

Nice one Troy, this is going to be a blast - well for me any way as I can just sit and watch lol.

[@jameseaton905]

Been following since the sailing days, glad you're getting back on the water

[@rmuhlack]

Great stuff. I'm about to start a new plywood trailerable boat build too. Looking forward to seeing how your build progresses.

[@Cptnbond]

The boat design looks fantastic. I have looked at various small boat designs and will follow your project with great interest. Thanks for sharing your build process. Cheers.

[@abder1349]

Can’t wait 😊😊

[@americanbornwalkaway9110]

BEEN Here for a LONG time wishing I was cruising!!!! COOL IDEA Troy!!!!!!

[@launxjer]

Happy Days!

[@Quarry4x4]

Looking forward to being a float of whats going on.

[@nathan.4130]

About 20ish years ago I built a stitch and glue 17 foot sea kayak and a few different styles of paddles. It was a fun project and it is a great handling beautiful boat. Good luck with your project.

[@rickgaffney8021]

When I lived in WA I used Cullity Timbers had a great range and the cost was good worth a try look forward to seeing the build unfold good luck with the build

[@CAPTJohn47]

I am SO looking forward to following your build, Troy. I'm in the middle of building a stitch-and-glue tender for my trawler. You may beat me to the finish line!

[@annhysell6064]

I echo many of the previous comments. Really looking forward to this boat build. Watched all of Free Range Sailing and now Homestead. Built a kayak from Chesapeake Light Craft plans and sail a Rob Roy 22 yawl (that I trailer to smaller lakes here in the US). Be well & Happy Holidays to all.

[@kevinlytle6215]

I wish you a smooth project and look forward to your unique perspective and ability relating to how you attack the project and the choices I know you will make to add your own knowledge to the final product! BTW, I have always liked his designs. I have his Rifleman power boat on my short list for when I start my project! She is ~15 foot X 5 foot with a deep V forward and his trademark flat bottom and hard chine aft. Should be light, fast and stable for fishing with ability to plane on very little power (15HP). I want a general use small light power boat for fishing on lakes and some inner tube pulling. Won't have the power to pull a skier I think based on my motor choice but still should be quite fun and very affordable.

[@FreeRangeLiving]

I'll go have a look at that design. I hadn't looked at JW powerboats so it should be interesting.

[@bishopkinlyside8477]

Hi Troy, I think it’s going to be fantastic to watch you build this boat a bit of a change from gardening raising animals it’s okay. I really enjoyed that too and watching the little baby girl growing up. Anyway keep up the good work videos , Cliff from Logan City Queensland Australia 🇦🇺🧑🏾‍🦽

[@bennuballbags2]

AWESOME!! Man is there anything you cant do? Id love to see you guys go on another big adventure

[@pfeif1312]

Cheers!

[@campbellmj9405]

Looking forward to this. I have plans for a 12' row boat, but figured I'd do a cedar strip canoe first to get my feet wet and learn from my mistakes. I hope to start in about three years when I retire and don't care if the car is in the garage or not.

[@markcharkey118]

How fun! I'm a John Welsford fanboy too. I wonder, did you consider a "long steps" build? I know it's not the classic beauty but JW makes a persuasive case for the concept.

[@FreeRangeLiving]

I just really liked the pathfinder and went all in on it. Longsteps looks pretty good granted, but I still think the PF is prettier 😉

[@jay_behr]

Very interesting, as always, and reminds me of that old saying "If it looks right, it'll fly/sail right" ... can't wait to see it come together under your usual expertise, and the lessons learning of course. As always, all the best to you three, Pascale, and Constance from we three Poms (Me, Fiancé, and Sisu the wonder puppy - as in, some days you wonder whether your trainers will see the next day, plus she's taken to chewing my specs of all things) :)

[@jastermereel6096]

Hi Troy, I'll be watching your build with great interest. I've just clicked 'buy' on a set of Sherpa plans, a Christmas Present from my wife. Not quite as big as the Pathfinder, but I'm new to the whole boat-building thing, and wanted to start with something small to see how it all goes, then maybe move onto something a little bigger after that. Good luck with your build.

[@newcastlefarms]

I just found you guys only because I'm looking at building a pathfinder also. Life long sailor and half a carpenter. I'm very lucky to have found you two right now. I'll watch and learn!! Oh and I also have a homestead. Curious similarities, sailing, homesteading and a john welsford boat!

[@jsirkia]

Suomi mainittu! Torilla tavataan! 🤩 Good luck on your build, I'm hoping to get mine done by summer 2024 as well but building takes the time it takes. That's the difference between hobby and work and I'm pressing hard to make it stay that way. 😄

[@topcabdriver50]

Yes!!

[@dirtywetdogboatsandsailing6805]

Hi Troy, it's great to see you start on this project - quite literally as your plans arrive my boat is finished to sailaway standard and has come out of the shed. I think it will be next year before I get to do sea trials because it's gone very wet, windy and cold in the SW of England. A few things come to mind about the build now that i'm at the far end of it except for masses of detail : it will cost more than you think, it will take longer and some parts are maybe more difficult than you are ready for.....one problem at a time !. The one thing that I would recommend to buy is a good quality Japanese pull saw (Dozuki or Hasunme) as it's an excellent tool for cutting the bulkhead shapes. BTW....The construction method isn't 'stitch and glue' so much as 'glue and screw' over stringers and bulkheads. Best wishes to the whole 'tribe' at the farm !

[@FreeRangeLiving]

I am whole hearted in my support for your advice in getting a quality pull saw! I love them very much. Our refit on our 30 footer gave us a good appreciation for what hardware can be replaced with dyneema and composites, which may lead to savings. The centre board and rudder at least will be free. It will be interesting to compare notes in 12 months.

[@dirtywetdogboatsandsailing6805]

@@FreeRangeLiving Hi Troy, I hope i'm not trying to teach you to suck eggs, I should habe done what you are doing now ie video the whole thing but I was always quicker as a blogger/writer. I did write up the whole thing in my wordpress blog - just writing the last build post for now in fact. Best wishes for now and I hope you both have a good christmas

[@MidnightMaker]

Nice video! Looking forward to your build, especially one in my price range. I'm either going to build a Navigator, a Scallywag or a Pacific Pelican.

[@davidladd6266]

Hi, i’ll be watching your build with interest. I built an F. Vivier Ilur over the covid lock down (took 2.5 years to complete). I’ve been thinking of building something just a little longer and with a small cuddy cabin. I was leaning towards the Pathfinder, but now I’ll wait to see the Scallywag design and to see what build vids pop up for that.

[@jaseholroyd2683]

Really looking forwards to seeing your project take shape. I’ve been a subscriber to your channel for many years now and have love watching you guys grow. I’m currently building also, it’s a 32ft Trimaran for an Australian designer, Team Scarab. All the best.

[@FreeRangeLiving]

Well, perhaps you might drop a helpful comment here or there through the build. Thanks for joining in.

[@nickrose1778]

A Welsford design is a winner, the Pathfinder or Navigator are great although I went for the Houdini with the Standing Lug sail. I'm sure that you have the ability for the construction in spades. Good luck with the build. Cheers.

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

Very interesting. I've literally just been looking at trailerable houseboat plans. Unfortunately my other half is showing absolutely zero interest, LOL. Looking forward to seeing the build, we all know you have the skill set to do it.

[@danscoltock1180]

Hi Troy I sold my keeler 4 years ago and bought some land on the west coast of New Zealand,thought I had got boating out of my system,ended up buying a dancer 19 trailor sailor a few weeks ago.Guess the salt stays in your veins forever.Good luck with your build have seen pathfinders sailing over here great wee vessels very stiff and powerful.

[@lonniekropf808]

I’m excited for you, and looking forward to the build. I finished my stitch and glue kayak last July, and now I’ve been thinking about building a sailboat.

[@FreeRangeLiving]

I've seen some very beautiful S&G kayaks, in fact, it was what introduced me to the idea. I hope you are happy with it.

[@lonniekropf808]

@@FreeRangeLiving I am. I built the sea island sport from Chesapeake Light craft, probably one of the more complicated designs, but it all worked out well for a first time boat build.

[@rikstone1949]

I really enjoyed all of your adventures on the ocean. Your work with a farm has been interesting, but I have to admit that I preferred your trip around Australia. Will definitely continue to watch your videos with the farm, and will enjoy your boat building Adventure. You too are a true Joy to watch. Keep it up.

[@cornishhh]

I too am looking forward to seeing what you do as I very much admired the work you did on Marool. There's a channel called ""Around England by Sail and Oar" who has built a Pathfinder. He's done a few modifications and has videos with Q & As about the design.