Play Pen Design

October 2014 Here are a few construction photos, as well as pictures of the finished boat, a Glen-L Play Pen model named “Bob About II.” I started work in May of 2013, and launched this past July 2014. Construction is marine plywood, Sitka spruce frames, Douglas fir keel & skeg, & mahogany decking & bright work. Fasteners are silicon bronze below the waterline, and stainless steel everywhere else. Exterior hull is glassed – all interior surfaces have been encapsulated with two coats of epoxy & then sanded. I chose to epoxy the individual pieces before assembly so that they could be sanded flat on the bench. Finish is a combination of two-part epoxy paint (primer & bottom paint), one-part polyurethane paint (exterior sides & interior), and spar varnish for the bright work. Engine is 25 hp Yamaha 4-cycle, with remote steering, trim, etc. We live on the south side of Cape Cod and use the boat mostly on protected inlets & coves with a 6 mph speed limit, so no need for more horsepower. We occasionally run in Nantucket sound (calm day) on more open water. Primary use is pleasure cruising, picnicking, etc., which is the reason we chose the Playpen design with open seating (ideal for the older crowd). My son does some fishing as well. There are three under seat storage compartments, with hinged covers. The seat cushions are also hinged for easy access. In addition, there is a built-in insulated cooler behind the captain’s seat. The hinged top also serves as the primary entry and exit step on platform. Additional features include a swim ladder, fold-up table, umbrella mounting bracket, and a rail-mounted propane grill. Scupper drains allow for easy wash down and cleanup. A small bilge pump is also incorporated under the floorboards.

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