Jack Holt designed the Streaker in 1975 when stitch and glue construction was the latest thing in dinghy building. This method allowed many thousands of people to build boats without having to be expert woodworkers, or have special tools.

Building a Streaker using the Epoxy system updates Jack Holt's design to suit the better materials now available, ultimately making a stronger, lighter and longer-lasting boat. The main difference in the build process is the lack of screws, nails and much of the copper wire stitching, made unnecessary due to the greater strength of the epoxy resins and additives used.Consequently, the Kit produced by Ron Beasley has been developed to make building even easier than conventional stitch and glue. Studying some well-used examples of the original construction revealed poorly made joints in the panels and spine assembly causing leaks and cracks as the old glue failed. To prevent these problems, all panels come pre jointed (scarfed) making them much more durable. Additionally the floor joint is moved, away from the helm's feet, which has previously been a well known weak spot.

The spine and daggerboard case are pre-assembled to ensure strength and an absence of leaks. If you have previously built a Streaker from a Holt kit, you will also notice a difference in the materials used in the 'Beasley' kits. Plywood is selected for both it's stiffness and light weight, Decking ply is Sapele faced for a beautifully finished boat, ("Proud to be wood!") and hardwoods are selected for strength, weight and suitability for use with Epoxy resins.

In creating the kits careful consideration has been give to;

Weight - Many builders have said it was not possible to build a Streaker down to minimum weight using a Jack Holt Kit. Careful selection of plywood and hardwoods will ensure a much lighter boat.

Strength - Use of epoxy resins in glueing, coating, and filleting will create a much stronger boat that will last for many years. No need for most of the copper nails and brass screws of the previous kits. Some of the vulnerable joints can be strengthened to prevent leaks. Again, careful selection of top quality ply and materials will produce a strong stiff hull.

Appearance - If you are going to build your own boat you should be proud of the results. A professional finish can be achieved by hiding joints, scarfing long panels to achieve a fairer shape, and using the best materials such as Sapele ply for decking. All of this can be made possible by subtle changes to the build process.

Ease of Construction - The Streaker has always been a simple boat to build. Jack holt designed it around the stitch and glue method which has allowed hundreds of DIY builders to get sailing. However, Epoxy resins have revolutionised boat building over the last 20 years, and the Streaker can be made better by adopting some of the techniqes that are common to many other classes

From the series of photographs below you can get an idea of the build process and ultimately the professional quality of a finished boat that will give many years of enjoyment & competitive service.

Having unpacked and identified all the parts, the construction process can begin.

With the bulkheads and side tank panels assembled, the bottom planks are fitted in place.

The basic hull is turned over so that seams can be reinforced and deck and gunwhale support timbers added.

Part bulkheads are fitted to support the optional false floor, the addition of decks and outer gunwhales complete the build.