Tuesday, May 18, 2010

The Hardangersjekte by William Atkin


Reinsdyr, a new addition to the DoryMan boatyard.

This design historically originated in Hardangerfjord, Norway. Thus, she is a Hardangersjekte, "jekte" meaning boat. These extemly seaworthy boats were used for fishing and other practical work. They were designed for rowing and rigged with a tall, narrow sail plan with light, unstayed spars.



The Norwegian working boats were fitted with an old-fashioned standing lug and they depended on the reserve stability created by a cargo of fish. The original boats had a long, shallow keel approximately 4" deep. When loaded, they had sufficient lateral plane to hold the little craft on the wind. In many respects, the Hardangersjekte has the same basic characteristics as a Bank dory, the Maine peapod and similar work boats and are excellent sea boats.








William Atkin's design, designated Valgerda, incorporates a standing lug rig with solid spruce mast, yard and boom. Design sail area is 72 sq.ft., in a low aspect ratio lug sail. The shoal fin keel is fitted with lead ballast of approximately 106 pounds to supplant the cargo of fish.






The Valgerda is 18'-7" overall with 14'-9" on her waterline, a 5'-8" beam and 1'-6" draft. She has a double chine hull and weighs about 600 pounds. Reinsdyr has partial decks which add a few more pounds. Because of the added weight, the designed 72 sq.ft. sail will be increased to 110 sq.ft. with a new sail made of Tanbark cloth.



Her original construction incorporated 1/2" Scandinavian pine laid in three strakes. This boat is planked with 3/8" plywood. The Atkin plans specify two chines with backing stringers. In Reinsdyr, the planks are lapped, clinker style and retain the stringers. Very stout and attractive construction.




Reinsdyr was designed in 1946 and built by Keeler Boat Building; Portland, Oregon in 1966 for the Weyerhaeuser family. She has been stripped of her original 8hp Palmer engine and auxiliary sail rig, but she will soon be refitted with a new sail (forget the engine!).
Thank you, John Kohnen for this fine boat!



More photos of Reinsdyr on Flickr.




If you'd like to witness the construction of a modern Valgerda, visit the Ravn.
.

7 comments:

Unknown said...

Kohnen got rid of Reinsdyr? I never thought I'd see the day. He probably just wanted it for the old Palmer anyhow ;-)

I'm looking forward to seeing it under sail!

doryman said...

I tortured him until he caved.

Thomas Armstrong said...

Michael, I've looked at this boat in the Atkin catalog over and over, and thought it an odd departure, but compelling. Maybe I'll have to torture you, she's lovely!

doryman said...

No need, Thomas!
If you ever come out west, we'll take her out. Mi casa es su casa.

Tom said...

I'd appreciate several photos of the underside of the Reinsdyr deck, particularly where it meets the inner gunwale. I've ordered the Valgerda plans from Mrs. Atkin, with plans to start one this fall, and quite like the deck of the Reinsdyr. It'd be great to see how original builders resolved the joining and the joinery of deck, coaming (sp?), and gunwales. Thanks very much, and thanks for posting so many photos already!

callsign222 said...

Drop dead dream gorgeous.

doryman said...

More pictures; good idea!
It might be a week or two before I can uncover the boat to assess it's overall condition. Summer is being elusive this year and it has rained everyday since the boat came home.
I'll be setting up all of the parts that came with the boat at that time and we'll see what we've got here.