Pretty self explanatory but the four main
panels are simply sheets of ply with the stringers and bulkhead
positions glued and fixed in position (liquid nails and nail
gun) then rot proofed and
flipped over and glassed and finished on the floor.
The main bulkheads are then fixed to one
panel, stood up and the other panel is fixed to them. Pull the
bow together and then the stern to the transom. Square up diagonally
the main bulkheads and brace. Fit chine stringers and measure
and fit remaining bulkheads(cut two at once of everything so
both hulls are the same)Fit and cut bottom panel (two again)Now
make and fit keels (you could fit daggerboards if you prefer
but I believe the long flat surface of the chine gives lateral
resistance) as it is easier without the chine panel. Now fit
and cut chine panels (four this time) Glass and finish then flip.
Fit pre-made crossbeams and do internal fitout then do cabin/decks/hatches
etc.
Cockpit/saloon is all done on the floor
and jacked and bolted in place and then saloon cabin is made
and fitted. Sounds simple? Well it really is compared to strongbacks
then stringers fitted over frames etc. This boat was designed
around the rig that I had bought from a wrecked boat for $800
and was more an experiment than anything to prove to a couple
of people that I probably am WACKED but not afraid to back my
self.
I have to admit that the Waller concept
had a lot of influence on the actual design but it was drawn
up on the back
of a beer carton after a few stubbies(still got it somewhere)
I think I have proven (at least to myself) that you don't have
to spend your life savings and spend years to get out there and
do it.
No she is not an ocean crosser, though
I have seen worse do it, but as a coastal cruiser she is quick,
easy to handle, comfortable and well I have come to really like
the little bugger! (I think it could be love) Now having said
that, it's hard to say that's it as there is always that next
design eating away at what is left of the brain.
Boatbuilders never retire, they just sort of slowwwwwww down.
See Ya
Leon |