More than 70% of our planet is covered by water. No surprise that we are often found on or in water. For me it began with a raft of dead branches on a slough at the edge of a nearby field.
After learning to swim, I fished with my Dad. We didn't own a boat. We rented boats at fishing destinations. When Trout fishing we rowed. We had an outboard motor for Salmon fishing.
After my Radar-Picket Destroyer, I dabbled in smaller boats which included the following:
• 12' Cartop
A bright, shiny, aluminum boat with oars and a 3.9 hp outboard. Not stealthy, but I hunted ducks on Lake Kapowsin, WA; and trolled for Salmon in Shilshole Bay, WA.
• Grumman Canoe
Another bright, shiny, aluminum treasure. Went right out and bought one after seeing "Deliverance." Without nearby rivers to run, I made rudder and side-board (keel); then added a "Sunfish" sail rig. Hey it worked and beat paddling.
• Fireball
A British racing dinghy: with LOA-16.17', beam-4.42', weight-170#, sail area 123 sq ft, a crew of two, and trapeze to counter balance heeling. It's a fast, planeing, unforgiving, monohull; but really fun to sail.
• Chrysler 22
A forgiving "Trailer Sailer" with spartan creature comforts. Basic specs are: LOA-21.58', beam-7.75', weight-3000#, sail area-209.5 sq ft. An outboard auxiliary was optional but useful for tight maneuvering. In this one, I plied the waters of Lake Arthur, PA; Lake St. Clair, MI; and the Mississippi River above Dam & Lock 19 at keokuk, IA.
• Sportspal Canoe
Birch Bark decor, 14' with two benches and outboard bracket. I still have the old 2 hp outboard with shoulder-carry feature. Diane & I floated the Au Sable's North branch in this rascal. Sold the canoe to a collector from Green Bay, WI.
• McKenzie River drift boat (MRdb)
A modified Dory it is keelless and flat bottomed. MRdbs are made to follow water, around the rocks, in a fast river. In western states MRdbs are used by fly fishers. In Michigan MRdbs are a favorite of Steelheaders. Mine saw service on the AuSable below Foote Dam. Oars are used while fishing. A long-shaft outboard is handy for the run back.
"Ready about ...hard alee!"