Building the Zip with the NEW Zip Complete Wood Parts Kit

[PWDULA]

Well I got my ZIPKIT a couple of weeks ago and it looks great, Mark did a great job, will start the build this week, and of course document with photos as I go!! I have two questions, first how do I start a blog, and before I start with frame four which looks like the dash do I build a bigger forward top rail or just screw and glue dash to the top rail?
Peter

[Roberta]

Glad to see you getting started. Did you purchase the new complete kit from Glen L? If so, you can add some extra space by gluing more wood to the bottom and covering the joint with some thinner veneer. Or simply remake the dashboard to your liking.

Roberta

[PWDULA]

Roberta, Whole Kit ! I think I'm the first, Yep and I think I will just make a new top frame which I think would be easier then glue and veneer for structural strength>
Peter

[Roberta]

Yup! Use the one as a template and custom cut yours to suite. Post lots of pictures of the new kit. Looks great.

Roberta

[vupilot]

I'm really excited to follow this build with the kit to compare to. I think it would be a great idea if you could just start a build log thread here. The only downside is you can only post 3 pictures per post here but that should still be plenty.

[PWDULA]

ZipKIT build started 15 May, Frames complete about 15 hours, Transom this week and stem next should be on building form min June will keep you posted
Peter

[PWDULA]

don't know why photos inverted

[DrBryanJ]

Pretty cool you can get a kit now. Photos inverted because when you use your phone to take pictures there is a right side up. Don't ask me which is the proper way to hold the phone, because I always get it wrong.

[PWDULA]

All, ZipKit build going well, looks like will complete frame and fairing mid-July, planning to flip in Sept,Mark kit is great all pieces fit like a glove!!
See Attached Photos.
Peter

[Gayle Brantuk]

Peter,

I'm so glad you're posting your build using the new ZipKit! Thanks for doing this and it really looks awesome so far and I'm glad to hear all is going well.

[vupilot]

This is really fun to follow your timeline. I started my non-kit or "slow-build" April 12, 2009. It took me 125 hours and until end of July to get where you are in the picture above, so you are already about 2 months ahead. Pretty impressive what this kit offers in savings so far!

[Hercdrvr]

What a unique building form and that chine to stem junction is very impressive.
Matt B

[Roberta]

What great kit! Your progress is amazing. This will really encourage prospective builders on the fence for a variety of reasons. The results are awesome.

Roberta

[Moeregaard]

It's looking great! It appears that the wood quality is very good as well. Unless it's already included in the kit, I would suggest adding "T" stiffeners to your battens, between the transom and Frame 2. My dad's first Zip exhibited flexing back there and when we built Zip No. 2 in 2008, we added 1'" X 1" stiffeners to the tops of the battens. Looking forward to seeing another Zip on the water!

-Mark Shipley
One Zip, Two Can-Yaks, What's next?

[PWDULA]

Mark, What is a T stiffener?
Peter