PHILIP BOLGER - For Sale

Company History

Philip Bolger was a renowned boat designer rather than a yacht manufacturer. He was born in 1927 and began his career in boat design in the mid-20th century. Bolger's designs are known for their simplicity, efficiency, and practicality. Over his career, he designed over 700 different boats, ranging from small dinghies to larger sailing vessels. His work was characterized by a focus on functionality and ease of construction, often using plywood and other readily available materials. Bolger's designs have been published in various books and magazines, making them accessible to amateur builders around the world. He passed away in 2009, leaving behind a legacy of innovative and influential boat designs.

Country of Origin

Philip Bolger was based in the United States. He spent much of his life in Gloucester, Massachusetts, which is known for its rich maritime history.

Manufacturing Locations

As a designer, Philip Bolger did not have manufacturing locations. His designs were built by various boat builders and enthusiasts around the world. Many of his plans were intended for amateur construction, allowing individuals to build their own boats using his designs.

Ownership and Management

Philip Bolger operated as an independent designer. He collaborated with his partner, Susanne Altenburger, in his later years. There was no formal company structure with ownership or management as he primarily worked as a freelance designer.

Reputation and Quality

Philip Bolger is highly regarded in the boat design community for his innovative and practical designs. His work has been celebrated for its creativity and the ability to make boating accessible to a wider audience. Bolger's designs have been featured in numerous publications, and he has a dedicated following among boat builders and enthusiasts. His approach to design emphasized simplicity and cost-effectiveness, making his boats popular among amateur builders. While he may not have received formal awards, his influence on boat design is widely recognized and respected within the industry.

Main Competitors

As a boat designer rather than a manufacturer, Philip Bolger did not have direct competitors in the traditional sense of companies competing for market share. However, in the realm of boat design, other designers who focused on similar principles of simplicity and accessibility could be considered his peers. Designers such as John Welsford, Jim Michalak, and Iain Oughtred, who also create plans for amateur builders, might be seen as contemporaries in the field of small boat design. These designers, like Bolger, emphasize ease of construction and practicality, appealing to a similar audience of DIY boat builders.

Current Production Status

Philip Bolger's designs continue to be built by enthusiasts and professional builders around the world. Although Bolger himself passed away in 2009, his extensive catalog of designs remains available for purchase. Many of his plans are still sold through various outlets, allowing new generations of boat builders to construct his designs. The production of boats based on Bolger's plans is ongoing, driven by the continued interest in his innovative and practical approach to boat design.

Production Volumes

As a designer, Philip Bolger did not directly produce boats, so there are no specific production volumes associated with his work. However, his designs have been built in significant numbers by both amateur and professional builders. The exact number of boats constructed from his plans is difficult to quantify, as they have been built by individuals and small boatyards worldwide. The popularity of his designs, particularly among the DIY community, suggests that thousands of boats based on his plans have been constructed over the years.

Latest News

Since Philip Bolger's passing in 2009, there have been no new designs from him personally. However, his legacy continues through the ongoing interest in his work. His partner, Susanne Altenburger, has been involved in preserving and promoting his designs. The continued availability of his plans and the active community of builders who share their experiences and modifications online keep Bolger's influence alive. Enthusiasts frequently discuss and build his designs, sharing their projects on forums and social media, ensuring that his innovative approach to boat design remains relevant and appreciated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question:What is Philip Bolger best known for in the field of boat design?
Answer:Philip Bolger is best known for his innovative and practical boat designs that emphasize simplicity, efficiency, and ease of construction. His designs often use plywood and other readily available materials, making them accessible to amateur builders. Bolger's work spans a wide range of boat types, from small dinghies to larger sailing vessels, and he is particularly celebrated for his ability to make boating more accessible to a broader audience.

Question:Are Philip Bolger's boat plans still available for purchase?
Answer:Yes, Philip Bolger's boat plans are still available for purchase. Despite his passing in 2009, his extensive catalog of designs continues to be sold through various outlets. Enthusiasts and builders can still acquire his plans and construct boats based on his innovative designs.

Question:Can Philip Bolger's designs be built by amateur builders?
Answer:Absolutely. One of the hallmarks of Philip Bolger's designs is their suitability for amateur builders. His plans often include detailed instructions and are designed to be constructed using simple tools and materials. This approach has made his designs popular among DIY enthusiasts who appreciate the opportunity to build their own boats.

Question:What materials are commonly used in Philip Bolger's boat designs?
Answer:Philip Bolger's designs frequently utilize plywood due to its availability, affordability, and ease of use. He often incorporated other readily available materials to ensure that his boats could be built by individuals with varying levels of experience and resources. This focus on practical materials is a key aspect of his design philosophy.

Question:How many boat designs did Philip Bolger create during his career?
Answer:Philip Bolger created over 700 different boat designs throughout his career. His prolific output includes a wide variety of boats, each tailored to specific needs and preferences, showcasing his versatility and creativity as a designer.

Available Models

Philip Bolger's portfolio includes a vast array of boat designs, each with unique characteristics. While he did not manufacture boats himself, his plans have been used to build numerous models. Some notable designs include:

• Micro: A small, trailerable sailboat known for its simplicity and ease of construction. It features a shallow draft and is designed for coastal cruising.

• AS29: A sharpie-style sailboat designed for shallow waters. It offers a spacious interior for its size and is popular among those seeking a practical cruising vessel.

• Cartopper: A lightweight, easily transportable dinghy that can be carried on top of a car. It is designed for quick and straightforward assembly, making it ideal for casual sailing and rowing.

• Tennessee: A riverboat-style design intended for leisurely cruising on calm waters. It features a comfortable cabin and is often powered by a small outboard motor.

• Sneakeasy: A sleek, narrow motorboat designed for efficient cruising. It combines classic aesthetics with modern construction techniques, appealing to those who appreciate both style and performance.

Each of these designs reflects Bolger's commitment to creating boats that are not only functional but also accessible to a wide range of builders and sailors.