John Vincent, builder of POLA, hull # 8 The Bear Class re-established itself as a One-Design Class when Nunes Brothers of Sausalito, California, the designer and builder, relased the plans and the use of their keel mold for casting the one-ton cast iron keel. The plans were available to anyone who chose to build a Bear Boat, all for 15 dollars! The keel initially cost $100.00. The enthusiasm to build or purchase a "Bear Boat" is illustrated by the following tabulation:
Approx. 600 owners of the 69 bears in this above period. The Bear Class was the largest One-Design Class for many years. The entry of the Folkboat from Norway was cheaper than a commercially built Bear Boat. The Folkboat was 25 fee long and became the favorite cruising and racing class. As written in a letter to Steve Barber on August 26, 2000. |