Basic Construction

The method is well known and has been recommended since the end of last century (or the other) by HERRESHOFF. Numerous architects have made use of it with only simple modifications according to the size and purpose of the boats, modifications also made possible by the improved quality of available glues. The timber varieties used are readily available, such as 'iroko', mahogany, Oregon pine, nordic pine, teak etc.
The strength of glued laminated timber is far superior when compared to that of solid timber, the lighter structures thus built mean that for the same waterline length, the hull has a much reduced displacement. The improved resin based and epoxy glues also give unequalled durability to laminated timber and plywood, with maintenance costs greatly reduced.
The masts are also constructed in glued laminated timber and have a hollow centre. Contrary to what may seem, they are easy to assemble, as with most building tasks, by one person alone.
Dacron 270-300g per m2 is used for the sails. Whilst this would be insufficient for a typical yacht, it is most adequate when reinforced with bamboo.

Finding the Plans

MY DREAM WAS TO BUILD A CHINESE JUNK AFTER I WAS INSPIRED BY READING A MAGAZINE ARTICLE SOME THIRTY YEARS AGO. I HAVE NEVER FORGOT IT. HOWEVER I DID FORGET WHAT YEAR AND WHAT MAGAZINE I REAL THE ARTICLE SO FIND THE ORGINIAL ARTICLE IS GIVING ME FITS.

Circumnavigation Chinese junk Popular Mechanics or Mechanics illustrated

Home built Chinese Junk from simple plans and then sail it around the world (Circumnavigation) race thru the magazine and they even gave up dates on where they were sailing. Could have been popular science too…………

I did some internet searching and found a designer in France who has a set of plans and they are rewriting the construction book and notes to English. His web site is http://jonquedeplaisance.net/

I still would like to find that magazine article and the plans designer to compare the design and the price etc.......I think I am going to have to pay someone to find this article and get a reprint of the article.....if any ones knows of this article or can find it for me a I would appreciate it.