Last Chance Boat Build

So I started this boat build 5 years ago and I always liked the look of the Downeast boats. To me the style is always current as long as the boat is clean and maintained. So, as I'm pushing 76, this is my last build. Being thrifty [cheap ____ ] I found a set of plans for a 28' boat that uses a 90hp outboard. The plans are from Tom lapthrope /Bluejacket Boats. I had a 90hp from a previous build so I figured "You don't get better then this". 19' Downeast from a previous build with the 90hp outboard.

Searching the web I found a drawing of a boat that I liked so I printed the image and scaled it for a 28-30' hull to fit the Bluejacket hull. At this point it was a go. I ordered the plywood and then built a tent in my back yard This image is when I was tearing down the tent.

So to keep costs down, I decided to cannibalize the previous boat for parts.
Cut up cannibalized and put in a dumpster.

started assembling the hull with the help of my older brother.
Next came the sole [floor] with some foam added for flotation according to Tom
The the superstructure


Some cabinets



More to come

 

Added some seating Then I added the sole Epoxy on the floor [needs sanding and finishing] and the cabinets and seating was sprayed with Deltron Clear Fairing and sanding, over and over and over again More work on the interior At this point the boat was pulled out of the tent and put on a trailer for more exterior finishing work.

More to come

 

Some shipwright level skills on display there to my untrained eye. A very sweet blend of classic and modern.

The performances he indicates are excellent for economical mid-range outboards. A 90 Hp 4 stroke should use about 5 GPH at WOT and maybe 2/3 of that at cruising revs.

You might have to play with props to get her running right, and the motor might need a pump if it's been sitting for a while.

I checked out the website and found the articles I read by the designer interesting.
Bluejacket 28 – Bluejacket Boats https://bluejacketboats.com/bluejacket-28/

 

I have always admired the sweep of those Downeast cabin sides and you seem to be well on the way to having a nice looking boat.Those nicely radiused corners on the cabinets and solid surface tops are a great refinement and I hope the boat delivers a lot of pleasure once launched.

 

That is some impressive woodwork.

 

This is where I'm at as of now. Got the seats done by a local upholsterer Some Teak done at the bow My son who has a need for speed convinced me to sell the 90hp outboard and go with a 300hp outboard. I compromised and got a 150hp outboard. Let's try it for a season and ten make a decision. Got a Bow and Stern Thruster installed Just need paint

 

Very nice!