Glen-L.com

Glen-L Builders,

I've ordered plans and eagerly await their arrival.

I've spent several weeks reading (and re-reading) Boatbuilding With Plywood as well as thinking about my build, the Bonanza.

I am shooting for a look that incorporates classic finishing touches (wood planking with bright finish, exhaust trumpets, etc) with some of the design elements of modern boat design. The Strand Craft 26' Extravaganza has been a source of inspiration.

http://www.strand-craft.com/introduction_extravaganza_26.html

Although I have yet to get a chance to study the plans I have been contemplating some design modifications (I would attach a drawing, but I receive a message that the board attachment quota has been reached - I'll figure out an alternative):

1) Open the bow for seating of 1 - 2 adults.
2) Build a floating (no support from underneath) swim platform (12" - 18" long) into the transom/bumper rails.
3) Modify the rake on the upper section of the transom from straight to curved (single curve with no hump on the transom deck).

I've got some thoughts about how I might do this, but as this is the first boat that I have built, I wanted to solicit your thoughts and first impressions as I assume there are some challenges that I may have not considered. Your feedback is appreciated.

-Chris

How long do you suppose the project will take from beginning to end?

The reason I ask is because your not having ever built a boat before...... ANY boat before, and combining that with a LOT of design mods, you're taking on a project that will span a lot of time if you are to see it to fruition. Before I started my current landscape biz, I worked for years as a carpenter/hardwood flooring/cabinet guy. I saw a lot of guys, who had zero experience in those fields, do beautiful work. But it took 5 times longer than it would have taken if they'd had years of experience. And that's really the difference. You can do really fine work inspite of not having done it before. You can also do all the design mods you want, even though they haven't been done either. But it's going to be a while and you should just be mentally prepared for that.

BTW, The boat that you provided the link to is gorgeous. Great boat for inspiration.

Dave,

Thank you for the response. Your point is well taken. Is there any chance that my wife put you up to it? Knowing my personality she has asked the same question on many occasions.

Having read the experiences of several other Glen-L builders who have contributed to the forum I know that many have tracked work hours to completion. However, not knowing how my skills compare to theirs it is tough for me to use their experience as a benchmark. My response to my wife has been that I expect the build to take several years, which for me is fine as I am looking as forward to the experience as I am the final product. If I were able to complete it in less than two years, I will have exceeded my own expectations.

-Chris

hi Chris-
welcome!
the three year plan is realistic.
i do question opening the bow/adding weight to such a small boat. i had a Rinker 17' bowrider for a few years. it was often not a dry boat with people riding in the bow. if you were not under power in small chop you were eating plenty of water and keeping the bilge pump entertained. much better to build that bow as drawn.
-Billy