One of the absolutely best sets of photos and comments we've received,
 a really outstanding boat . . . Uncle John

Using two short lengths of standard doorstop--glued to the inside of the sideboards
--I was better able to align the seat-supports.

 

I stretched the boat from the original 11’5” to 12’8”.
I also increased the sideboards by one inch.
 While keeping the hull at 36”, the beam increased to 51”.

 

I notched the bottoms of the stem and transom each to receive the hog.

 

At this point, I completed several tasks to the underside portions
that would be difficult to reach after the bottom was attached.

 

I used 4” wide, 6oz. fiberglass tape for all the joints—inside and out.

 

The entire inside of the boat was coated with epoxy.
All of my epoxy and fiberglass supplies came from RAKA.com.
Larry was extremely helpful, and after a lot of research…the cost proved unbeatable.

 

More coats of epoxy.

 

With the inside completely cured.  I double-checked the cut and size of the bottom.
I used a couple of height supports to provide some ‘curve’ while glassing.

 

Before attaching the bottom, I primed and painted the hard-to-reach areas.

 

Bottom is attached.  Now, filleting and taping the inside seams.

 

Glassing the outside.
As many will claim—this seems intimidating at first,
but proves easier than originally expected.

I used more standard door-stop for the bottom runners.
Using a belt sander, I tapered the front ends to a point before attaching them with epoxy.

 

More standard door-stop (of course) for the rub rails. I stained them with Minwax water-based formula.
The water-based stain works more favorably with epoxy.  Highly recommended.

 

Using a premium 1-by pine board, I fashioned a bow plate and transom brackets
mostly for aesthetics, but they also provided mounting plates for tie-down cleats that I installed later.
I cut the shapes—rounded the edges, then cut grooves to allow the rub rails to be recessed on the underside.

 

Stained—three coats of epoxy—sealed with varnish.

 

I used Behr brand Floor and Porch paint.
Note of advice:
Don’t attempt to use a high quality latex enamel outside the temperature parameters listed on the label.
Also—use a high quality brush.

 

The boat is actually hanging upside down in our garage.
The pictures were simply reversed for easier viewing.

 

Mothers’ Day, 2005.  I’m securing the boat to the top of the van, headed for a friend’s pond.
Our daughter, Hannah (13), finally decides to help.

The maiden voyage is almost underway.

 

 Our son, Dietrich (4), surveys the launch site.
I give the kids final instructions before Mom gets in, and we shove off.

Dietrich and Hannah each take a turn at the oars.
A smooth float and no leaks.  Success!

 

Mom (Cathy) finally gets in the picture—  behind me.
She had to convince Hannah to take the camera, so she could just sit back and enjoy the ride.

After three trips ‘cartopping,’  we decided to get a trailer.
Online—I found the perfect model, manufactured by ShoreLand’r.
Unfortunately, no local dealers in Kansas City had one in stock,
so I traveled to Iowa, and picked one up from the distributor. 

She is now outfitted with a trolling motor;  two clamp-on swivel seats, and the trailer.

 
By stretching the plans, many of the dimensions and angles changed from the original.  I’m a High School teacher in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and fortunately, had a couple of math and physics teachers who were quite helpful altering the original plans to accommodate the stretch. 

Along with a big THANKS to Uncle John for the plans to build a truly affordable boat, I’ll take this opportunity to make a few recommendations for supplies:

As I mentioned before—RAKA Inc. (Florida) is a great source for all epoxy, fiberglass cloth, tape and supplies.  Talk to Larry, and you’ll be sure to do it right. (raka.com). 

Jamestown Distributors (Rhode Island) will probably have any hardware items you’ll need—along with anything else nautical.  (jamestowndistributors.com). 

We acquired our trolling motor from Cabela’s.  On their website, and in some of their retail stores, they offer “factory refurbished” trolling motors at a huge discount.  We saved 40% going this route, and there’s no way you could tell the difference between ours and ‘new’. 

The ShorLand’r trailer is the smallest model of their line.  The beauty of this trailer is its ‘adjustability.’  Essentially—after a few turns of the wrench—we have a ‘custom’ trailer for our hand-built boat.  Also—for a new trailer—it’s very affordable.  Thanks to Waters’ Edge Marine in Des Moines for accommodating us. 

Todd Bruton – Greenwood, Missouri

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