Diddy-Da is probably the most over equipped14′ boat in the world. During construction I made every effort to build strength into every aspect of the design. The stitch and glue method is an exceptionally robust construction technique to begin with.
Epoxy resin is a very versatile product and I used its properties to the maximum by taping, filleting and sheathing where possible. The only problem was that I became extremely sensitised to the glue and couldn’t go anywhere near it after around 6 months exposure. To finish the boat I had to rely on my wife Diane or dress up as if I was going into chemical warfare.
Some of the features of Diddy-Da are:-
- Bermudan rig.
- 2 reefing points for main-sail. Reefing can be done from within the confines of the cockpit.
- Roller-reefing jib. Controls again within the cockpit.
- Spinnaker. Sail design for spinnaker the same as for a ‘Wanderer’.
- Twin lifting dagger-boards.
- Fitted bunk (on port side) for 1 person.
- Solar panel to charge a large 12v battery.
- Navigation lights at masthead, mid-mast and on stern.
- Speed log and depth-sounder.
- Fitted compass with lighting.
- Auto-pilot. Powered by solar-panel / battery.
- Cabin lighting.
- GPS navigation system, powered from ship supply.
- 4 man liferaft in specially constructed stowage at rear.
- Forward collision bulkhead with solid buoyancy between bow and B/H.
- Double-bottom construction with solid buoyancy between.
- Stowage within cabin. 2 x hanging lockers & 2 x pocket stowage, behind daggerboard casings.
- Stowage in cockpit. Below seating and under rear seating.