Newport in Michigan / Boat and Autogyro Builder First Post

[mcbirdman]

Hello, this is my first post. Picked up a Venture 23 on craigslist for 700.00 with trailer. I am looking to learn more about fixing up the trailer supports, figuring out what the plastic bearing on the roller furler 1/2 way up is for are just a few questions. When I get so I can post some photos I will show you the other boats I have built. The largest looks like the Venture 23 but much smaller. It is a Stevenson Projects "weekender" 16'. I changed the sloop with deadeyes from 12' mast to 20'. I also made the bottom more of a "V" and made it water ballasted. It has a Ship wheel too. Glad to be here......wherever that is.......

I keep getting things to build or fix that I find interesting. In the beginning I could only work with wood but slowly I learned about metal and engines. For the last several years I have been building a couple plans built Little Wing Autogyros, one of which we have flown. The two seater has recently got the yamaha 120 4 stroker snowmobile engine mounted up on the firewall and is getting close to being covered.

I have seen the yahoo groups but to be honest I really don't like or can't figure out how to read them - looks like a mess. It has been fun reading this forum however and it seems much easier to read and post so I registered here.

Is there anyone in the Lansing Mich area with a venture 23?

James

[Crikey]

Hi James! Welcome....

Sure be nice to see some pictures of your auto-gyro when you're able to post.

Ross

[mcbirdman]

I will. Is this the site you have to put 10 posts first?

[seahouse]

Glad to be here......wherever that is.......

Welcome mcbirdman – glad you could join us. “Here” is the matrix. And you’re in the right place, because autogyros are perfect for navigating the matrix!

Awesome projects you have going there.

Yup, 10 posts first.

-Brian.

[mcbirdman]

Thanks. Cool. 2 posts in a row know what an autogyro is AND like them?

3 makes 3.3333333% there.

[Kenr74]

I have a V222 and live in Attica, about an hour east of Lansing. Where do you sail out that way?

[Tomfoolery]

Thanks. Cool. 2 posts in a row know what an autogyro is AND like them?

I used to fly fixed-wing (got licensed in college, with the club plane mostly), and a little time in helicopters, and always wanted to try autogyros. My great uncle had a Bensen hanging from his shop ceiling when I was a kid.

My boys have been on me for years to build an autogyro, in fact. I'm not sure looking at the Little Wing web site is a good thing, as I'm getting an itch now.



Edit: Looks like a baby Pitcairn.

[mcbirdman]

Yep, That is Ron's machine. I sat in that one when my airframe parked next to it in Texas. A few more posts and you'll get real itchy when I can catch up with photos.... ummm 4?

[mcbirdman]

yeah, I think that is 4 so this must be 5

[mcbirdman]

That would leave 6 7 8 9 10 like 4 more now...

[mcbirdman]

I started with boats because I could carve something out of wood. My father built a speedboat which our family used during camping vacations.

7

[mcbirdman]

Then, a few years ago we took his speedboat and my sailboat on a trip from muskegon up to ludington and back with the homemade weekender. Although I spent the better part of a night motoring one night on the big water it was exciting to pull into whitehall lake that was full of wind. It took off in the clear moonlit sky as I made a several mile trip to the other side where I pulled into a marina. It was so fun going out when it was rough on other days to a new port and then my father would leave in the morning or evening to catch up when it was smooth. We sure had fun. That is what we aim to do this year but with my son also.

[mcbirdman]

The weekender looks like my Newport but MUCH smaller. One nice thing was if we ever went into a full marina they always seemed to find somewhere to put us.

[mcbirdman]

When I can post I will put a few photos of the projects we have built. Keep in mind these are not kits - That would be easier......

[mcbirdman]

Ok probably ten now so now I have to figure out how to share some photos with you.