Brendons Zip Build

[bjfrater]

Hi everyone,
Im building a zip in Auckland New Zealand.
Its time that I started my build thread and shared my own build experience.
Hopefully this will be as useful to others as all of your posts have been to me. I realized that iv been taking a few pictures and before it gets too much effort I should start sharing.

I have completed building my frames and am about to set them up on the building form. I should note that I had a fair amount to do before I even got to starting on the boat converting my car port into a boat shed.

I think that so far the most difficult part of the build has been sourcing timber. I wanted to use local timbers if possible, or at least try to save some money rather than buying expensive imported timber. The next difficult thing I found was converting from the imperial numbers and finding equivalent timber sizes in metric. Luckily I found some really helpful people at the local timber yard who knew a few things about marine timbers.

Brendon.

[bjfrater]

More pics

[bjfrater]

I really liked the look of Cabrons frames with the rounded blocking

[bjfrater]

Stem and other bits

[bjfrater]

The stem and transom

[bjfrater]

Quick coat of epoxy prior to setting up on the build form. Im using meranti plywood for any of the frame members and the actual frames are Fijian Kauri.

[bjfrater]

The transom 20" for a long shaft motor. I figure Ill still be able to cut it down if I end up getting a short shaft motor later.
I decided to run with 3 battens each side for a bit of extra strength.

[gdcarpenter]

Great looking build, soon the frames will be lined up on the building form and it will start to really look like a boat. I also went with the 3 battens per side plan option, and then added 5/8" thick by, on average, 1 1/4" tall vertical stiffeners or strong backs on top of my battens. Personally I think the stiffer floor stays flatter and may have helped me get the speeds I am getting, good luck and keep up the good work.

[Roberta]

Look's Great! The Zip is a very fun build that can be decorated in many ways to suite any builder's tastes. Have fun!!!

Roberta

[Cabron]

Looks great Brendon. It took me a couple of months to actually get started on my build.
The first thing I had to do was set up a suitable work shop. You have done a fine job setting up shop.
Good lighting is critical and keeping the shop at a minimal 60 degrees is crucial. Epoxies don`t work
well in cold environments. The building in plywood book was my Bible for a long time. I read it many, many times. Get yourself the fiberglassing DVD too, if you don`t have it.

I will be watching your build thread with enthusiasm.

Have at it and enjoy your journey.

Good call on 3 battens per side.

Josh

[bjfrater]

Thanks guys, iv been really having a blast working this build so far.
All of your threads have been inspiring to follow and its nice to be underway myself.

[bjfrater]

I have completed mounting the frames on the building form and have done a dry run attaching the keel. It took longer than I thought it would because the frames didnt line up right. After some time staring at it and measuring things over and over I figured out that the whole form was skewed around about a quarter of an inch. Once I realized what was wrong I was able to unscrew the cross members on the building form and pull it into alignment. It all lines up perfectly now!

Here are a few pictures

[bjfrater]

Some more of the keel

[Roberta]

Looks Great, Brendon!!!

Roberta

[cusoak]

Great job. The Zip is a great build to get you feet wet. Lots of work to get the bottom and sides on and faired.
But the real fun I think is when you can turn her over and see that you have actually built a boat.
From there on let you imagination help design the seating and decking configuration.
And idea on size of motor.
Keep pictures coming.