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.
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 |