Michalak Caprice Sailboat

Article By Shorty
Definately the star of the day, Chuck has built a Michalak Caprice.

A note about Jim Michalak's name, I have heard several version of how it is pronounced: Mish-a-lack, Mick-all-eck... so I asked Jim and he says "Imagine the word "metallic" with a k where the t is and you have it."





















This is a 25' boat built for two. The berth area is forward more near the bow. Between the cockpit and berth area is a galley and storage area.


The impressive part of this photo is not Chuck's sandwich, but the fact that I am sitting on the same side as him and we aren't touching each other. This boat really has a lot of room in it.


I wanted everyone to get a feel for what it is like inside, so I took this series of photos while sitting in the same spot, just turning my camera.











Preparing for the pull down roll over test, Chuck has a sophisticated water ballast tank pump ignition system - two spade connectors, both wires the same color.


Starboard tank is empty, and now pumping out the port side. The pump took about 6.5 minutes per side.


Here is the capsize test - Both ballast tanks were empty, I held the bow line, another guy held a line off the stern, Jeff pulled on a halyard, Chuck and Tim lifted at the leeboard. The caprice resisted till about 45 degrees and then was significantly easier to pull, and by the time it was at 90 degrees, it wanted to completely roll into a capsize.

Note about water ballast - earlier during one of the first sails out Chuck was forward tending something and they became crosswise to the wind. The sheet was cleated and a gust hit. The caprice was reported to heal to a certain degree, then stiffened up and wouldn't go any further. The sheet was released and the boat popped back upright just like it was supposed to.

Note about the test area - coincedentally, the first Michalak Scram Pram to be built was also roll-over tested in this very same spot. Even though I was unable to convince Jerry Scott to bring his IMB (also first of it's kind) into the water here for a roll over test, I think this little patch of beach should be known as the "Michalak Testing Grounds", so if you build on of his boats, come on down to N30-23.097 W095-35.587 to test her out!


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