Origamiboats forum has been created to explore all aspects of a unique and revolutionary method of building frameless steel sailboats. The technique is known as "folded steel" boatbuilding, or "origami steel" boatbuilding. Many of the steel boats of this type on the BC coast have been designed by Brent Swain. The type is also built in aluminum as well, most notably seen at origamimagic.com. Examples of these tough-as-nails yachts have circumnavigated this old earth, and survived intact some hairy scrapes with unforgiving objects. Browse the files and photos sections for images which illustrate how these boats are built.
We are here to share notes and experiences on construction, performance, maintenance, cruising, rig choices, living aboard, and whatever else strikes your fancy regarding the type. The group is moderated by Alex Christie of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.
For those interested in seeing up close how the boats are built there is a very detailed 3+ hour instructional DVD (2 disc) showing the construction of a 36 foot hull from flat plate to bare hull by Alex and Brent; This is now available worldwide from Alex at achristie@shaw.ca, $54 USD, includes shipping. For info on ordering books and plans from Brent, contact him at brentswain38@yahoo.ca or find both of us in the File section on the menu under Contact Information.
In the albums section you can now see Alex's newly-aquired BS30, a flush-decked, twin-keeled, outboard-powered version of the BS31. It was originally built by Tony Jansky with the idea that it could fit the space of a 30 foot cargo container and be freighted around the world to interesting cruising destinations.