Svenson's Jon Boat

Hello all,

I have begun the process of building my first boat, a 12' Jon, got from Svenson's site. I have been studying the plans, even built model, i was wondering if anyone out there has done something similar. It's chine log based using glue & nail. I was reading somewhere about this guy who had palns for Rapid Robert, he was using "everseal" channel gasket, cork rubber I think, for his joints in the side palnking and bottom, has anyone used this technique before, sounds quick & clean. I was thinking of PL premium for all joints and planking.

The construction call for ring-shank nails, but I want to use screws, is there a method for spacing, pre-drill etc...

Thanks...

[briany]

Try using screws. They have the advantage of being easy to withdraw, if you need to alter anything. You might wish to think about the appearance, e.g. do you wish to hide the screw heads? One method is to deep countersink and plug the heads. You can buy plugs or make your own with a plug cutter. The latter means they can be cut from the same wood as the planking. Note this method will take a lot longer so you may end up combining screws with nails.
I have never used or heard of everseal channel gasket so I cannot comment.
Briany