Boatbuilding Tips and Tricks
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Alaskan Grand Banks Dory Construction Photo Essay Added
I just added a new Construction Photo Essay entitled "How To Build an Alaskan Grand Banks Dory" where I comment on photos of the construction of this 19 footer by a customer. It is 10 pages long so has a lot more information than some of my older ones, and it will give you a good idea of what goes into building these boats.
Click on the image below to be taken directly to the pdf document.
If you prefer, you can get to the page with the link here: http://spirainternational.com/hp_free.html
Saturday, August 21, 2010
15' Cape Cod Classic Rowing Skiff
I just finished the design of this classic rowing skiff and have now uploaded it to the web site. So far there are three being built and everyone says it's going together quite easily. This should be simple, fun, and lightweight - a great little boat for those wanting to row and cover the miles for a healty change or for waterways that prohibit motors. I've always had the fantasy of dropping a boat in the water in Minneapolis and rowing to New Orleans down the Mississippi - maybe from my childhood reading Mark Twain. If I were to do that alone, this would be the boat I'd do it in.
Click on the image below to be taken to the description web page where you can read more or order the plans. They come in Imperial (feet and inches) or Metric dimensions. Actually you can download both when you order.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Pacific Power Dory Plans Now in Metric Dimensions
I've added metric plans to the web sites for the Pacific Power Dories. These use standard metric sized lumber and fasteners in addition to being dimensioned in centimeters instead of feet and inches. I've also added free downloadable study prints in metric that include the bills of materials for these boats as well. Check them out!
17' Tillamook Pacific Power Dory
23' Winchester Pacific Power Dory
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Incredible Inagua Sailing Sharpie Model
These photos of a hand made model of my 14' Inagua Sailing sharpie just arrived. The builder did a little different treatment of the internal seating and cockpit than I call out for on the plans. I teally like his take on it. This demonstrates one of the mejor benefits of building a boat yourself. You can tailor it to your needs and desires. The model came out beautiful.
The builder is now ready to start his full sized version. He told me he is planning an online regularly updated blog of his progress and when it comes up, I'll be sure to pass onthe URL for those of you wanting to follow his project.
FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2010
It's amazing what one person can do in 24 hours....
I just got this photo and e-mail from a builder of this 19' Albion Pacific Power Dory and thought I'd pass it on:
Jeff:
Here is one of many pictures, all treated lumber, 316 stainless screws and Aero epoxy. All the lines are looking good and no twisting. Total cost to date $410.00 - It's amazing what one person can do in 24 hours. I'll keep you posted.
Thanks
THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2010
New 19' Hatteras V-Bottom Dory Launched
This really nice 19' Hatteras was just launced in Southern California.
The builder did a great job and really outfitted it nicely for offshore use.
- Jeff
MONDAY, JULY 5, 2010
New 14' Pescadero Carolina Dory Launched
Just got this pictures of a beautiful new 14' Pescadero Carolina dory skiff. The builder did a great job.
Here's what the builder had to say...
I've finally finished my first build and got it on the water for a test drive. I got the plans from your website in October last year and have worked fairly steady since then. Needed to get her ready to go to Canada next week for a solid week of fishing. Its the Pescadero model and the plans were easy to read and use for a first build. I did end up using a cut out transom instead of the extended motor mount. I downloaded your ebook about building a wood boat and it was very helpful.
I am very pleased and will be building another boat sometime in the future. She performs and handles very well and planes at about 1/3 throttle with my 9.8 four stroke motor. The first test cruise was on the Ohio River.
Keep those cards and letters coming.... Especially the pictures!
- Jeff