Building a small work barge with plywood

http://bargeconstruction.shutterfly.com/

 

As a photographer you make a really good boatbuilder Joe but its great that you took plenty of shots, not leaving out interesting bits.

Was the "stepped hull" ridge behind the second layer of the curved bow there for any reason other than being easier to cope with in building ?

 

We had been trying to come up with a good way to protect the forward portion of the hull because in the past we had grounded the old barge with no concern for damage since it only would hit on the floats which were easily replaceable. We looked at multiple layers of glass, hdpp sheets , glued on foam,etc. When all was said and done, we just added a second layer of plywood and overlapped the fiberglass cloth. We still may create a removable type of protection but I just wanted to get the bottom done so we made it as easy as possible. That step is just where we faired in the second layer of plywood.

 

Did you finish this project?

 

Yes we did. Sorry i didn't post anything since we've been way too busy with bad flooding this year. Will post more info tomorrow. I'll also update the photo list. Overall the project turned out pretty good. The barge draws about 5 inches and so far the heaviest thing i have picked up was a #1500 rail road wheel that we use for anchors. With the boom out over the side the barge listed maybe 10 degrees. We can live with that. Some design errors that we have found so far are the bow, placement of the crane, the center lifting hole and deck hatches. It also doesn't handle well when maneuvering since there is no keel or center board but we knew that may be an issue and have some ideas to fix that. When going along straight is is fine. The overall project took a lot longer than expected and used a whole lot more epoxy than originally planned. Chicks estimates were way off. Most of the extra time was in the reinforcing of the internal structure before putting on the deck and all the attachments for hardware and the wiring. The internal steel structure for the crane was a bit of a challenge since we didn't want to add any extra uneeded weight but it has worked out well so far. The mercruiser outfit that we had from a damaged boagt is also working out very good and is more than enough power.

 

here is a picture

 

it even floats

 

Thanks for posting, I figured you were probably real busy. As for maneuvering, I think a keel would make it worse and tend to make it harder to turn. You might try some pivoting leeboards or daggerboards that slide into a slot, something that is not permanent. They will help in a sidewind when trying to go straight and when maneuvering they give a pivot point to the hull so it will turn quicker.

 

Great job, and a very handsome work boat.

Steve

 

Sorry I haven't followed through with the final pics and info. This simmer has been a bad one. After the marina is put to bed I will continue on my posts.
By the way, the barge has performed admirably. It has made all of our water work much more easy and I can do may jobs by myself with that crane and the long remote pendant. We pulled it out for the hurricane so it was unhurt.
Joe