Building Ron Chatfield's BISCAYNE 18... |
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Photos from Ron Chatfield in Michigan show some excellent workmanship on the BISCAYNE 18 he is building as well as the general steps used in building most any of our line of classic runabout designs. If boatbuilders in the past had had the modern and proven wood-epoxy technology we now make available to do-it-yourself builders, they would have built their boats this way too. Why? Because the resulting boats are tight, stiffer, stronger, more durable, lighter in weight, and require minimal maintenance. Better yet, these construction techniques are well suited to anyone who can work with wood, even first-timers who have never built a boat.
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Sturdy sawn frames are mounted directly to the boat's motor stringers which form part of the buidling form or "jig". Our full-size patterns provide the contours of these "backbone" members so no lofting (laying out and fairing the hull lines full size) is required. |
Lengthwise battens along with husky keel, chine, and gunnel members notched into the frames provide the "birdcage" structure that will reinforce the planking will soon be applied. |
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Notice how the longitudinal members side to, and join at the stem (or center bow member) in long tapers - no notching or rabbeting required. Motor stringer/jig members must be level but the floor base can slope. |
Planking consists of thin plywood and/or solid wood veneers applied in strips in double-diagonal format to a total thickness as specified. This usually means three layers on the side & four on the bottom. |
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Above and below - Note the concave, reverse curvatures of the hull shape - a shape that would be impossible to plank with sheet plywood without cutting it into strips as we do and which is one reason why the double-diagonal "cold-molded" method is necessary. It's also why our boats look more authentic as well as more attractive, especially when compared to similarly sized sheet plywood hulls. It may take more time this way but the work is not difficult and standard-sized panels can be used. |
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Planking is complete and the hull is ready for fiberglass cloth application recommended for abrasion resistance, reduced maintenance, and a more attractive finish over time. Our FIBERGLLASS COVERING KIT used for this includes everything you need to to do the job. NOTE: The fiberglass turns transparent in the process so you can see the natural wood through it. |
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Glen-L marine designs / www.glen-l.com / Boat plans for the home builder