optimist pram restoration

Optimist Pram Restoration
so here are some pictures of the optimist pram that i got for free. It was sanded down many years ago before i got it but when i got it it needed sanded down to bare wood because the original varnish was peeling.
Here are some before pictures:
http://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q...n/IMG_2680.jpg
http://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q...n/IMG_2681.jpg
http://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q...n/IMG_2683.jpg
http://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q...n/IMG_2684.jpg
http://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q...n/IMG_2685.jpg
you can see that the outside was varnished also, but i decided to paint it because i did not think the varnish would turn out good. i had to use a belt sander and sand all of the varnish down to bare wood. i chose to dig out the rotten wood from the back and putty it because it would be covered up by another piece of wood. I also had to putty the screw holes on the bottom and around the trim,cut a hole in the seat and add a brace so i could add a mast and sail, i had to cut a new centerboard because it didn't come with one. here are some after pictures:

http://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q...n/IMG_2743.jpg
http://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q...n/IMG_2744.jpg
http://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q...n/IMG_2745.jpg
http://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q...n/IMG_2746.jpg
http://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q...n/IMG_2748.jpg
http://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q...n/IMG_2749.jpg
http://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q...n/IMG_2750.jpg

i used bristol finish for the inside and HMG primer and HMG paint on the outside.

the boat is almost done, all that is left is to put a board on the back so it is thick enough to mount my motor on and I need to put a cap rail over it. also i need to finish mounting the sail hardware and finish varnishing the rudder,centerboard,and rails that go on the bottom to protect it.
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are the pictures working?????

 

You're putting a motor on an optimist??? Sacrilege of the highest order - it is a kid's sailing dinghy.

SW

 

I am 15.
http://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q395/kayakn/IMG_2680.jpg
http://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q395/kayakn/IMG_2681.jpg
http://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q395/kayakn/IMG_2684.jpg
http://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q395/kayakn/IMG_2743.jpg
http://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q395/kayakn/IMG_2744.jpg
http://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q395/kayakn/IMG_2746.jpg
http://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q395/kayakn/IMG_2748.jpg
http://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q395/kayakn/IMG_2750.jpg

 

It looks to me like you've done a nice job on the wood. Please don't ruin it with a motor.

And something else? It's a really nice job, if you're 15. Well done.

(You're missing buoyancy bags and rudder pintle and gudgeon)

SW

 

Does anybody have free -plans for a group of children in brasil?

 

I don't think I've ever seen an Optimist so nicely finished. Looks almost like a tiny yacht.
Usually they get the stuffing kicked out of them for 20 or 30 years, then quietly die.
Please don't spoil it with an engine. You'll regret it if you do; it'll perform miserably under power. They're meant for sail alone (or sail and a paddle, as the case may be).

 

It bears repeating yet again, you don't want to put a engine on that boat.

There are several reasons for this, but basically it boils down to, it's simply the wrong shape for an engine. You could use a trolling motor (electric) which will push it to about the speed it's designed to sail, but much more then this and weird things like to happen. Anything more then a single horse power will drive the boat too fast, which will make it's stern squat badly. This will likely permit water to board over the stern. Also the bow will progressively rise until pointing towards the sky and seeing over it will be difficult if not imposable.

If the speed is kept in the 3 to 4 MPH range (max), then you'll be fine. Try to push her faster then this and she'll become increasingly unstable.

Finally, the vibrations from your engine will quickly shake the boat apart. The structure isn't designed to accept the torque, slamming and wracking loads an outboard will impose on the old girl. All the seams you've worked so hard on will work open and a leaking tub will be the result.

 

We are a new association here in Brasil, south of Bahia, "Velacumuru", willing to build here around six optimist to be used with less privileged local children, to introduce them to the sailing world.
Is there anybody who has used plans for free or a small fee?

 

Hi Jorge, Speak to the Optimist Association. They are keen to try and help groups like yours. I think a set of plans runs to about fifty US dollars.

www.optiworld.org

 

I did use the gas motor once and it worked well, with two people, it was level and with just me, the bow raised a little. i bought a 12 pound thrust trolling motor from a friend for $10. i am going to try it out today, it probably won't be enough power but well see.