...and a Little Bit There

Still not a lot of visible progress, but lots of reviewing the plans for the building sequence. I don't think I can over-plan the assembly of the hull. Reading the experiences of other builders of the Goat and the Storer rowboat is very helpful. Hopefully, I will learn from their experiences and adapt the parts of their techniques that worked - without re-inventing the wheel.

Another builder used a method I had been contemplating - and his experience over this past weekend convinced me the method works. He used a limited number (5) of screws to hold the chine logs in place while they are clamped during the glue-up. The clamps provide the pressure needed for the gluing, but the 5 screws prevent the chine log from slip-sliding around while the clamps are set.

Also, A bit of calculating on just what I need for the chine logs, the gunwales and inwales. The bill of materials calls for 17' lengths for those six pieces (2 of each per side). Until I found Builders' Surplus, I just figured I'd be splicing short pieces to get the necessary length. But, if that "necessary" length is less than 16'I may not have to splice anything. The chine logs are definitely less than 16' long (the hull side panels, at their greatest length, are 15'6", and the chine logs are about 60 mm shorter than the side panels). The gunwales may need a splice as the bend in the sheer line may require more than 16'. Another consideration is that a longer piece provides more leverage for bending it to the shape of the hull. The inwales are likely less than 16' and, given that they fit inside the sheer line, the is no opportunity to leverage them into place. So, I am confident I can craft the chine logs, gunwales, and inwales from the 16' lengths available at Builders Surplus.

The plan for the week is to do more planning for the build process, do some cleaning/straightening, and finish up my lingering camp box makeover. Friday, I will purchase the remaining plywood I need, along with some 2x4 stock for those elusive sawhorses. Saturday, I will draw the side panels and get them cut. Sunday, I will begin coating the hull panels with epoxy to improve future maintenance of the boat.

I can feel the momentum building...