Built about 8 years ago now, in an old mill space in New Bedford Ma. Abi grew out of a shared dream my dad and I had for a small boat that could carry us to the islands and off shore get aways that we long for in the summer months here in New England.
Her history is short, but like all wooden boats that become part of a family, it is packed rich with life. Abi was a wonderful boat to design and build, and continues to be a pleasure to own. Her simplicity in maintenance and mechanics plays a strong role in that and the ability in her design to adapt and grow as our family grows.
I work at the Beetle boat shop full time, but often during the winters when Abi is out of the water and in her boathouse, and the kids have gone to bed, I’ll spend sometime in my workshop at home. Working on projects I thought about over the summer months while aboard Abi. The “wouldn’t it be nice” ideas. Some small, like adding an electric fridge or a couple cabin fans. larger projects as well. Like building a swim platform, or last winter when I built a small pilot house to provide some shelter and buffer from wind, noise, and sun, and a place for a 100 watt solar panel. After owning very old wood boats, when winters were defined by heavy maintenance, it’s such a pleasure that Abi leaves much time for the fun stuff, like sailing and the creative projects I enjoy.
Over the years Abi has really grown as we do and continues to provide us with what we need in a boat. She has proven herself in all kinds of weather as a safe, comfortable, and reliable boat and made many miles for a small boat. Visiting places from Block Island to Maine.
Our oldest son Manu was born during Abi’s construction, who’d of guessed we would have two more… and a very small dog. It can feel pretty small aboard our diminutive little motor sailer and we make for a funny site when seeing so many little creatures on such a small boat. Although a little cramped when all together, we have a great time on short sails and weekends onboard. My dad and I still manage to go sailing every fall for a week or so. visiting the places we love, and discovering new things. Day to day, in simple rhythm, or as they say at OCH “slowing down”.
hope you enjoy the photos, and the boat show

Manny Palomo