Hull
Ferro-cement over a galvanised steel web of frames, stringers, diagonals and wire mesh.
“Me and Her”
After Bob and Jean married in 1987, they planned a boat that would let them live and travel on their own terms. The name Meander was a private joke and a declaration of intent: “Me and Her”.
Bob brought together marine art, offshore experience and hands-on building. His earlier self-built yacht Carius carried him on two Atlantic crossings; Meander, built around Ilfracombe from 1990 to 1992, became the greater expression of his ideas.
Traditional in character, individual in detail and practical enough to be a real home at sea.
The build
Working-craft ideas, North Devon materials
Interior
Larch, mahogany and pitch pine salvaged from Ilfracombe pier shaped a warm two-person home.
Rig
Douglas-fir spars and a sail plan progressively evolved into the familiar five tan sails.
Life aboard
Home, studio and ocean cruiser
Bob's original arrangement centred on a forward double cabin, six-seat saloon table, bookshelves, solid-fuel stove, U-shaped galley and heads. The simplicity was deliberate: Meander was principally for two, with room for occasional guests.
As a marine artist, Bob painted the places through which the couple travelled. The yacht was not merely transport but the base from which he observed working boats, harbours and Atlantic light.
Primary source
“Bob the Builder” · 2003
Bob's four-page Classic Boat article is the archive's clearest first-person account of the design, build, accommodation, rig changes and practical experience of living aboard.
Words are credited to Bob Grimson and photographs to Joe McCarthy; copyright remains with the rights holders.