Introduction
Getting started
Sides
Skarfing
Frame
Transom
Stem
Bending
Chines
Bottom
Gunwales
Breasthook
Quarter knees
Seat
Mast Partner
Keel&Skeg
Mast & Spars
Leeboard
Rudder
Sail
Floatation
Painting
Resources |
Once the sides are joined, and the
frame and stem is made, it’s time to bend the sides, and make this stack of
wood look like a boat! I highly recommend a dry run of this step. It can
prevent major nervousness. And a goof found without glue is infinitely easier to
fix.
On the floor or work
surface first attach the stem to one of the bow ends with two or three drywall
screws and ¼” ply pads.
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Now line the sides of the
frame up with the marks on your sides. Hold it with a couple of your dry wall
screws with the ¼” plywood pads. You have a big “H” now.
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Using a “Spanish
windless” – loop of rope with a stick twisting it to tighten it, (Or what I
prefer is a truckers hitch instead of the stick) bring the
bow sides together and screw the other side of the stem.
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I actually use a variation on the trucker's hitch. Any loop
in the end of a line can be used like a block (pulley) which gives you
mechanical advantage, or "purchase" as shippy folks say. For
this bending after it's pulled up tight a simple overhand knot "in
the bite" (half bow) will secure it, since we're not driving this rig
down the highway.
Here's a great
animation of a "real" truckers hitch that works well for securing
loads... like boats!
http://www.troop9.org/knots/trucker.htm
Great boy scout knot site!
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Now attach one end of the transom to one side end with
drywall screws. |
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Now use a Spanish windless
to pull the sides into the transom. Temp fasten this with screws as well.
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Step back and admire your
handy work. Now does that look like a boat or what!! Better put it on low saw horses at this point
if you've been working on the floor.
Now check for alignment. Stretch a
tight string from bow to center line on the transom. Make sure it passes through
the center mark of the frame. Adjust as needed. (Meaning bang it around a
little.)
We'll test fit the bottom before gluing it up.
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Here is Chuck's stitch and glue version with the sides bent
test fitting the bottom. |
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