Built 2001 By Martin Ziebell
Length: 15' 4"
LWL: 12'2"
Beam: 6'
Draft: 1'9"
Sail Area: 153 square feet
Displacement: 1650 lbs.
Ballast: 450 lbs.
Trailer wieght: 800 lbs. (approx.)
Sails:
Main - dacron, professionally sewn.
Mizzen - dacron, sailrite kit I sewed and it shows... But it is strong and has proper shape.
"Little Em" was built to Phil Bolger's plans of Marine grade, Doug Fir plywood. The hull bottom is over built (1/2" instead of the 1/4" specified by the plans) on the recommendation of previous builders. System 3 epoxy was used throughout with the exception of the bulkhead to hull jounts which are 3M 5200. This was done to allow greater hull flex. All fasteners are marine grade silicone bronze and stainless steel dipped in epoxy. Hull is painted with West Marine polyurethane, antifouling is West Marine as well. The boat is on her trailer, a heavy duty sigle axle with full sized tires. For more details see the links...
I built this fun and easy to sail mini-cruiser to explore the Sea of Cortez. I had previously sailed my Pygmy Wineglass Wherry around much of the Sea, but it was time to get something a little bigger and more secure. I needed a boat that was STRONG. The Sea of Cortez can be an unforgiving place. It would not be a good place to be in a rinky- dink boat. After looking at several designs I settled squarely on Bolger's Micro. Her overbuilt keel, her steady sailing ability, her self steering (to windward), and her solid feel attracted me. Her cabin is comfortable and accomodating and allows two adults plenty of room to stretch out. And her ample stowage space was key for living for up to three weeks without access to drinking water and supplies.
My wife and I cruised the Sea for four months in 2002 aboard "Little Em" and she never let us down.
We sold "Em" in June of 2005 to John Gibson, of Alabama. John's obviously the kind of fella who'll have her on the water, looking spick-and-span in no time.
Curious about Micros? Check out Chuck Merrell's Micro page via our link.
Thanks for stopping by...
Martin