I chose to build a Lichen for several reasons:

1. It would fit in my garage.

2. It is offers the largest amount of living space for a 20' that I have run across.

3. The construction is within my woodworking skills envelope.

4. Estimated cost was within my budget.

5. Since I had to sell my sailplane because I lost my flying license for medical reasons, I needed a new challenge. So I returned to boating. Lichen is the 3rd. boat I've built. 1 & 2 were an 8' pram and a 17 1/2' kayak.

6. I retire in three years and if all goes as I've planned, Lichen will be ready for the water.

I have memorized Sam's book and Lichen goes together as he said it would. Scarfing the panels together was NOT my favorite job. I blew the first set of scarfs (a learning experience) but got it right on the next attempt. Needless to say I have become very skilled with planes, both power and hand.

After turnover I double planked the hull bottom with 1/4 ply. I fastened it in place with drywall screws while the epoxy cured. Later I removed them and plugged the screw holes with birch toothpicks and epoxy - 1000+!

The only other problem was when I thought I would tint the final coat of epoxy. I used a brand of tinting compound different from the epoxy I use. Guess what, It DIDN'T stick in about 30% of the area covered. I am now in the process of scraping it all off! If all goes as planned - I should have the hull finish coated by the end of June at the latest. It is still too darn cold to work on the hull.

The only major change I made to Sam's design is to get rid of the CB and use leeboards in place of it. I sent drawings of my proposed design change to Sam, who vetted them and suggested some small changes re: location of the boards. Going to leeboards really opens the cabin up. I also plan to install an enclosed head with holding tank - the law in Canadian waters.

Oars and electric. Batteries will make up part of the ballast weight.

If anything, I have over built Lichen and I suspect it will be bullet proof by the time I am done.

Email Ben Lochridge