Pocket tunnel bateau

I should have posted this here. Hello all, I am building a pocket tunnel bateau. I would like to share my build progress. If any of you more experienced builders have any advice please chime in. All knowledge is welcome.

 

Welcome to the forum Cajun.

Did you design the boat yourself, or did you buy a plan? If the latter, what design is she?

Just a few observations -
I see that you have used butt blocks on the inside of the hull where the two halves are joined together. The width of these butt blocks appears to be about 10" - 12" (?) - have you also got some longitudinal timber beams / girders going across this joint? It is in the middle of the boat, hence you will get the maximum longitudinal bending moments here, so it has to be pretty strong.

Re the two stems - it might have been easier (and stronger) to have laminated them from smaller sections of timber to get the curve required?

What glue did you use on your joints, and what have you used to sheath the hull with - polyester or epoxy resin?

What size engine are you planning on fitting to the boat?

 

It's a design out of my head. 22.5 degrees of deadrise on the gunnels, 12 degrees of deadrise on the transom.

The butt blocks are roughly 10" wide. As far as longitudinal bending, the caps along the top rail should solve that. It's all 3/4" marine plywood and Spanish cedar timbers we squared up and ripped to make 2" x 3 1/2" stringers. Where the butt blocks are there will also be consoles to strengthen it even more.

The stems were trial and error. We wi do those differently next time. We already have 3 possible orders for this style of bateau.

Glue used was titebond III and liquid nails. We used 2 oz chopped mat and epoxy resin from a reputable dealer. None of that 3M stuff from store chains.

It will be powered by a 70 hp Johnson. The old 2 stroke. I've had one before and it was a dependable engine. I acquired another one from a friend.
To finish the bottom, it was primed and painted with Wearlon Wetlander. Multiple coats for maximum slide.

 

Oh, and thanks for the welcome.

 

Thanks for this update.
Have you got a photo showing the interior of the boat, after the two halves were joined together?
In addition to the gunwhale capping rails providing longitudinal strength, I hope that you have longitudinal stringers on the hull bottom as well?

Did you really sheath the hull with epoxy and chopped strand mat, rather than a woven cloth?
If so, I am sure that you found that the CSM really soaks up the resin like it is going out of fashion - a woven cloth would be much more frugal on resin, and stronger.

 

Yes I did use CSM. It swallowed all 3 gallons of epoxy, but it's nice and thick. Mostly for bumps and bruises

Longitudinal stringers run along the sides. Where the butt splices are there is a 2 by that runs across the bottom. Beings we already glassed it I don't plan on making anymore holes. It will ruin the finish. I shall see how strong this design holds up.

If I build another one, I will change a few things. This one we will not sell due to it having a few flaws that I don't like. I am putting a 4' deck cap on the front for a fishing station and also for strength.

 

Now that I think about it, I may put a few "floater stringers" in the middle. We went 16" on center in the middle with the stringers and ribs. The rest are 24" on center. I was also thinking about weight during this build. I think it will be ok. 3/4" marine plywood is pretty strong. We shall see.

 

Welcome to the forum Cajunpockettunnel! I'm a Cajun too, from Acadia NS. Good luck on the build.

I see Bajansailor has already grreted you. Unfailing kindness and generosity there, as with many of our members.

J

 

Nova Scotia? My brother, we have family there. I'm a LeBlanc. My ancestor ,I think he was David founded Acadiana here in Louisiana. He was from St. Marie's. Thanks so much for the welcome. This has to be the best forum I've been on. Nothing but good advice and back and forth banter. This is a great place to be.

Rene' David LeBlanc
Cajun Proud

 

I certainly have LeBlanc family. I'm from Deveau and Robichaud clans, with some Saulnier and Gaudet thrown in. Check out my boat at Sea Sled Madness.

 

Would you be so kind as to send me the link?

 

I'm sure we are cousins somewhere down the family tree lol. Ours branches. It's not a stick.

 

Right here! Go up to Fiberglass and composite etc, and I'm around #4 or so.

 

Oh chit. I saw it earlier. Duh, Michelob Ultra has hampered my ability to comprehend. I saw it. It's a military style boat. It made me think of the Texas sled when I saw it. Man, I swear sometimes I get so locked in on celebrating (which I find any reason to celebrate) my mind quits working. What do you plan to do with that gigantic thing?

 

Where I live, in Vancouver BC, the mountains come down to the sea. Countless small islands. At the moment I'm building high tech custom houses in the city. I aim to build houses on the islands where it's water access only.

And some dive charter, water taxi work. Like that.