Progress!

[flydog]

11260Put the sheerstrake on and it didn't look right. I cut it too wide. I was able to cut it down after it was glued on. (fun!) Looks much better now. This is probably the steepest learning curve I've ever had on any subject. I really appreciate everyone's input and encouragement!

thanks y'all!
flydog

[timgoz]

Looking good flydog. With the sheer being so visually critical to overall aestetics, I'd bet it took some time to "get it right".

My compliments on a tidy (in comparison to mine) shop!

When to do hope to have her afloat?

Take care.

TGoz

[flydog]

Thanks, TIMZOZ.
I plan to launch in the early spring.

[rstevens]

How big is your boat flydog? It looks to be about 18 foot from the pic? I've got a frame of a similar sized boat and am planning on finishing it and would love to read more about your project - as well as more pics if you have any.

[flydog]

My boat is a 12 foot lapstrake sailing dinghy. The material is 6mm marine-grade plywood. It is built on a mold system designed by John Brooks at brooksboats.com. If your boat already has a frame, it might be designed for carvel planking. I am no expert here, a novice at best. This is my first boat. There are many authors and boatbuilders that have addressed the subject. The only two that I have read are: Building Small Wooden Boats by Greg Rossell, and Building Small Lapstrake Wooden Boats by John Brooks. I use the second one as a building guide exclusively. If you decide to buy these books, look for them on Amazon.com. They would be cheaper than the official websites. I would be happy to keep in touch and compare notes.

flydog

[flydog]

In my last post I gave an incorrect web address. It should be brooksboats.net.

flydog

[rstevens]

Thanks flydog, I appreciate the advice. Why do you say carvel planking is better for a boat that already has a frame? (honest question, not doubting you).

Do you have anymore photos of your boat?

[flydog]

I am not an athority here. I acannot say which method of planking is best. I have only done one boat ( I have yet to finish). What I am saying is that carvel is built over frames that are put in place first. Lapstrake or clinker-built, is molded over distinctly shaped molds, then frames and or half frames are put in later to strengthen the boat. Here is a pic of my boat molds:

flydog

[messabout]

For amateur builders, lapstrake is easier, faster, and can yield a much lighter boat. I'm referring to glued lapstrake not rivet and burr methods. The down side of lapstrake is that the boat is a little noisier and more difficult to sand and paint. The laps do tend to hold the spray down somewhat,when the going is lumpy.

Flydog; it looks like you are doing a first class job. Keep up the good work.