Nearing retirement, I decided to build one last boat. Little did I know this project would take almost 10 years! Paul and Eric at Bieker Boats had been thinking of an updated Thunderbird design using stitch and glue construction and integrating carbon in a number of the parts. Their design includes a lifting keel for trailering and a canting bowsprit. I was able to get a used carbon mast from the J90 Eye Eye.
I was extremely fortunate to utilize the expertise of two well-known Port Townsend sailor/builders. Russell Brown built a beautiful composite keel trunk and Simon Miles created many components including the keel, rudder, rudder cassette, hatch, chain plates, and bow sprit. Simon was also the main guy helping me to fair the hull.
More details of the boat can be found at biekerboats.com and my building blog at Shilshole27.blogspot.com.