Another Cracker box in Michigan

[babel710]

Well, I've been thinking of building one of these for a couple years now and now I suppose it's time to pull the trigger. Sorry in advance for all the questions I'll have over the next couple of years

[zip001]

Don't be sorry for asking any questions. I have asked a lot and the advice and support has always been fantastic. I also have done a lot of searching on this forum. There is so much information here and learning to do a good search is key. In addition, I have found some pretty good personal blogs that I review from time to time if I feel I have a question or am getting stuck.

I am building a Malahini and other than all the sanding, it has been a slow blast.

[garrech]

Nice looking kayak in the background! Look forward to watching your build.

[JimmY]

Welcome. If you built that kayak, we'll be asking question of you!

[rleete]

I'd love to have some of that sawdust for my stitch & glue build!

Very nice looking gusset plates on that frame.

[babel710]

Thanks for the kind words. Yes I did build the kayak in the back ground. It is the North Star from Laughing Loon. That was my first experience diving into the boat building world, what an experience. Fortunately I had a little help via the internet/e-mail with another builder, that was very helpful!! Much like I see this forum to be as well.
Here is another pic of it, along with a skin on frame I built for the wife.
(sorry for the crappy pic)

[babel710]

Well, not to much to report this week. All of the frames are made just need to do some sanding to final size the gussets.
Instead of using the high price screws for the gussets I decided to try something different, not sure if I'll regret it or not, only time will tell I guess. Considering that it appeared that most people removed the screws after the epoxy had set, I decided to use narrow crown staples thru scrap cedar I had laying around. I made sure all my joints were nice and tight and used a thickened epoxy. I thought I had a good idea until it came time to remove the staples... not as easy as my test block was. . Oh well, a couple hours later and all the staples are removed.

[babel710]

Time to start laying out the cutouts on the frames.

[fergal butler]

Very nice work so far, I'll look forward to seeing how she turns out.

[JasonG]

Well, not to much to report this week. All of the frames are made just need to do some sanding to final size the gussets.
Instead of using the high price screws for the gussets I decided to try something different, not sure if I'll regret it or not, only time will tell I guess. Considering that it appeared that most people removed the screws after the epoxy had set, I decided to use narrow crown staples thru scrap cedar I had laying around. I made sure all my joints were nice and tight and used a thickened epoxy. I thought I had a good idea until it came time to remove the staples... not as easy as my test block was. . Oh well, a couple hours later and all the staples are removed.

In the future, if you want to pull staples again, just heat them up a bit and use a pair of pliers to pull them. The heat softens the epoxy enough to pull them out easily.



Jason

[babel710]

To stretch or not stretch…….that is the question?!?! HELP

Well, I’m getting to the point where I need to make a decision or two. I’m planning on running with a 351 with the velvet drive, and I don’t know if I should stretch this thing or not. I believe that ‘OLDS COOL” did not stretch but he modified the transom to be rounded to allow room for the rudder. I’ve seen another build where this topic was brought up and there was quite the discussion with layouts/diagrams etc. I just don’t know what to do. I would prefer to not have the rudder assembly on the outside, but I have to say I’ve seen some that look really nice, (but would rather keep the transom clean). I have been contemplating adding 2” between each station and just dealing with the scarfing and making it work, but I don’t want to muck up the CB and have this thing behave like a bucking bronco . Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Bob

[Toopilot]

I am ordering my plans this week and have been lurking about. Seems like you really need to stretch to get the velvet drive to fit. I am planning on stretching. Here is another one being built and he stretched his. Maybe drop him a line.

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