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BANDIDO Wood/ Nick Moschis / Maylands, Adelaide, Australia /nickmoschis@optusnet.com.au / 5-18-04: I have a strong interest in wood working, but no previous experience in boatbuilding. Project started Oct. 2003, slowly with the building of a large new shed at the rear of my home. Have almost completed the building form with all stations including the Transom, Rope locker, cabin Bulkhead & engine bulkhead. Total hours logged so far – 120hrs. Have decided to use twin outboard motors ( 2 x 130 hp) which will give a lot more boat space. As I read a few of the other boatbuilders stories I see that ‘time’ is the common enemy, so that means less TV and better time management (also less hours sleep!).
3-23-08: A few more months pass and I am well into the below deck interior. I have decided to complete this before the deck goes on to avoid working in a confined space. Am finishing with Teak cabinetry and flooring, highlighted with white timber beams and “soft” fabric wall lining.
10-8-08: Currently working on the deck and finishing off the interior. Also starting the installation of a half size cabin (my own design, not on the original drawings). I hope that it will give it a retro look!
8-17-09: Nearly another year has gone (5 years so far!). I have passed my original completion date and have decided not to have a deadline as I don’t want to rush any of the finishing detail. The interior is fun and interesting compared with the hull, however there is a lot to do, especially sub floor which has two fuel tanks, a fish tank and a fresh water tank – all built out of plywood and epoxy (am worried I might forget something). Each time I plan to do something I realise I need to do 3 other jobs first. I have allowed for lots of storage space, compartments, an external sink, a fold up gas hotplate, rear seats, etc. etc. One small rule I have to keep things moving: I always do some work on the boat each day, even if it’s only 15 minutes! There are lots of small jobs to do, and if you do one each day it’s amazing how much gets done. (See Customer Photos)
BANDIDO Wood/ Scott Ure / Paisley, Scotland / scott_ure@sky.com / 9-8-05: I purchased the plans for a Bandido boat from you during September 03 and have been building the hull since then. I have just completed and turned over the hull 3rd Sept 05. The hull has been stretched 10% to give additional cabin & deck space. Space is limited on my ‘building berth’ and the car port had to be stripped and rebuilt completely to turn the hull, but where there is a will there is usually a way! Will forward a few more pictures when the fore/aft decks & cockpit area are completed. 7-2-07: Things have taken a bit longer than I expected due to some changes to gain more deck height in the forward cabin spaces. Currently in the process of fitting the foredeck panels, hope to have pictures for you of the finished hull ready for outfitting sometime in October this year. (see Customer Photos)
BANDIDO Wood / Denis Smith / denispsmith@yahoo.com / 10-5-06: I just finished the hull on my Bandido and was able to rig scaffolding and a cradle to facilitate righting it last Thursday. It is now upright and on a couple of boat dollies ready for engines, jet pumps, interior (etc) and finishing. I may get it done yet.
BARRELBACK/ James Hurley / Oss, The Netherlands / jamey.hurley@zeelander.com/ 8-6-07: Upon receipt of the plans in 2005, I immediately transferred the lines drawing to Auto Cad so that I had 1 to 1 drawings of the frames. After making a set of templates I started production of the frames using Cambara hardwood. I used fir for the longitudinals and Miranti plywood for the planking. Instead of using wood for the engine stringers I used 100 x 50 mm aluminium tubing and added transverse sections at the transom and bow frame. The engine is out of a Citroen XM and has 170 horse power. This is an all aluminium V6 with electronic fuel injection. Fuel consumption is very low and the engine only weighs 200 kilograms. I used a heat exchanger so that coolant can be used in order to protect the engine from corrosion. The water pump is driven from the crank shaft and after going through the cooler it exits through the stainless steel exhaust. There are no marine parts available for the engine and therefore I was required to make everything myself. The transmission is a Velvet Drive 1:1 and the adapter was also made by myself. This project took me 1660 hours over a period of two years and two months. All of the parts were weighed before installation and the total came to 1118 kilograms. We have just competed a three week summer vacation where the boat was in daily use. The handling was better than expected and steering is good even without a fin. The hull offered a better ride than expected being that the stern is flat. The bow has a sharp entry and this offers good wave penetration if you reduce your speed to 15 knots. For anyone having questions feel free to contact me.
BARRELBACK / Ron Hoag /ronhoag@juno.com/ 12-12-07: I have the frames, stem and keel attached to the building form. The name of the boat is “wooden legacy”.
BARRELBACK 19′ Runabout/ Bob McLean / Wayne, NE /rmclean@inebraska.com / 3-13-08: Hello to all: I was not sure what you meant by started contruction. Have not put saw blade to wood yet. However I have been gathering research/resource information and surfing the internet. I have purchased plans and have looked at them until I have little blue lines in my eyes. I have purchased power tools that Tim the Tool man would envy(not really). I have been laboring over decisions and wondering what is right and what is wrong. I believe I have more than started. I did the same thing when I built my kit airplane. Much thought and contemplation must precede the actual work. If you think otherwise I will let you know when the keel has been lade, laid, well you know what I mean. I am from Wayne, Nebraska. My name is Robert (Bob) McLean) and I am at the very serious part of this project. Getting started. This is actually the most crucial part. Mistakes made here will be with me until we hit bottom. I have read three of your books regarding the contruction of plywood boats and find them very helpful and interesting. Anxious to get started.
BARRELBACK / Kurt Helfrich / San Diego, CA / kurthelfrichjr@hotmail.com/ 4-4-08: I am at the very beginning of building a 20′ Barrelback.
BARRELBACK 19′ Double Cockpit / Dr. John Kilejian / St. Augustine, FL /vjkvjohn@yahoo.com/ 4-16-08: Started in Mid March . I am ready for the Chine and the Sheers. See my blog for pictures and construction updates.
BARRELBACK 19′ / Francesco Moro / Venice, Italy /francescomoro5@virgilio.it / 7-12-07: Build started.
BARRELBACK 19′ / Ron Cheatwood / Mesa, AZ /rcheatwood@arguscontracting.com / 8-4-08: I am currently in the planing and layout stage of this project.
BARRELBACK 19′ / Mike Clem & George Portfleet / Grand Rapids, Michigan /mandmclem@yahoo.com / 1-5-10: George and I began building the Barrelback back in December of 2007. We discussed starting with a smaller plywood construction boat to gain some building experience first, but decided to jump right in and build the boat we both wanted. Building goes in spurts as we generally only work on it weekends during the winter months after the hunting season ends in November. After the holidays, most every Saturday and Sunday we work on it together while the wives are busy playing Scrabble and drinking wine in front of the fire. So far we are about 80% finished fairing and hope to start the Cold-Mold planking in about two weeks. Our goal for this winter is to complete the outside of the hull so we can flip it by time the boating season begins here in May. We are planning on using a 4.3 Liter V6 for power. George and I are both very interested in speaking with others who are either building or have built the Barrelback as we have many questions. We also have learned many things that might be helpful to others.
BARRELBACK 19′ / Dan & Mike Martin / Katy, Texas / dan.martin63@yahoo.com / 1-1-10: Finished plywood layers on hull. Laying out installation locations for strut, rudder and shaft hole and starting mahogany finish layer.
BARRELBACK 19′ / Daniel Holmes / Fairport, New York / Retiredan@netzero.net / 5-27-11: I’m just finishing the 7th frame, and getting ready to build the Stem and Breast Hook. (See Customer Photos)
BARRELBACK 20′ / Mert Tuncel / Istanbul, Turkey /merttuncel@vulpespuzzles.com / 9-8-08: We are building the frame. Approx. 75 hours spent so far!
BARRELBACK 20′/ Mark Moyer / Shooting Creek, NC / mark@logstolumber.org / 10-7-08: I just wanted to let you know that, though I haven’t “laid the keel” yet, I have built my building form and aside from research, research and more research I have laid up my frames and started making the frame parts. I think this constitutes a “start” in construction. I am building the Barrelback 19’1″ extended to 20’1″ to support the small block Chevy 350 we plan on stickin’ in her. The boat is being built in Shooting Creek, NC, deep in the heart of the Appalachian Mountain Range on Lake Chatuge. Lake Chatuge is half in Georgia and half in North Carolina. The state line runs east to west straight through the middle of it. Nothing like a little geographic trivia, huh? Anyway, wish me luck! I need to hit ALL 6 numbers sometime soon so I can go all out with this thing. I’m really looking forward to this and have enjoyed everything I’ve learned, all the books I’ve read and all the people I’ve met and that includes YOU! Thanks a bunch!
BARRELBACK 19′ lengthened to 20’/Jake Salik, Westport, CT 06880/jake@talasonlinr.com/3-12-19/Have cut and assembled all frames using Sapele, laminated motor stringers and built the assembly frame. Just confirming dimensions before I notch the motor stringers and tackle the stem.
BASS BOAT / Neil Gaughan / Email address not valid: 03-24-03 / 8-7-00: Fairing the chine, keel, sheer, bending battens. 8-28-00: Port and Starboard side planking faired to Chine. Scallops in battens completed. Bottom planking butt blocks installed. 1st aft bottom panel installed. 9-5-00. All bottom planking installed. Filling screw holes and fairing. Bending of the bow planks did not require any hot water, and went fairly easily, much to my surprise. 9-17-00: Bottom and side panels: fairing, filling and seal coat using epoxy resin completed. 10-13-00: Fiberglassing of bottom and sides completed. I again have to leave the project for about 3 weeks. 11-2-00: Finish coats of epoxy resin completed. 11-20-00: Skeg installed, bottom painting completed and boat turned over, and leveled and blocked in place. Encapsulated entire inside of boat with resin. Deck arc and blocking for bow-piece cut and are ready to be beveled. I followed your advice and used an oil based primer and a good latex exterior paint for the bottom. It was good to finally finish the bottom. 11-27-00:Installed and beveled deck arc and blocking for bow-piece. Installed second shears and inboard and outboard cleats. Installed motor well and forward deck beams, motor well 2×4 member, and decking framework. 1-4-01: Installed floorboards, aft cockpit panel, cupholders, lure trays, backing for forward mooring line cleats, butt-blocking for port and starboard side panels. I have added two battens for additional support for both the forward and aft floorboards. I also added a center support between the stem and center deck support up forward. I have four compartments under the forward floorboard, one a live well. There are two storage compartments along the sides of the floor, and one directly in front of the fishing chair position. There are 7 compartments in the aft floor, three along the center line in front of the aft fishing chair, and 4 across the back just in front of the aft cockpit panel. The bilge pump is under one of these, the rest are storage/inspection ports. I have added support for three chairs, in addition to the helm chair. All of these three seats will be on pedestals, and the fore and aft fishing chairs are anchored to the keel. the third seat is a “passenger seat” and I added support under this chair running from chine to chine. this support also runs under the helm seat. I will have one battery, mounted in the aft section, just above the knee. I have a door in the aft bulkhead for access. I also laid in flooring from the aft bulkhead panel to the transom to support two 6-gallon gas tanks. This flooring can be “picked up” and will not be screwed down. 4-24-01: Well, I am just about done. This last weekend I finished fiberglassing and most of the sanding on the topsides. Only the lure trays and cup holder holes remain to be sanded. I have built the console and base for the drivers seat. I will build a passenger seat this week. Both of these seats will slide forward to give the aft fishing chair more room. I have obtained a steering system and need to install it yet, as well as wire everything up. I ran wires before I installed the topside panels. Tasks left include painting, making step pads, installing the fore and aft lights, wiring the console, running gas lines, wiring for the engine (it is electric start), installing the fish finder transducer (where to put it?), tie downs for the batteries, etc. All time consuming small stuff. I have bought a used 40HP Johnson outboard and will install it after everything else is done. 8-20-01: The boat is finished and has been launched. I am attaching several .jpg images showing the finished boat. The engine was mounted last week and the boat tested at Lake Patagonia, AZ on Saturday August 18. It performed great under power, top speed was 25 mph as measured by a following boat trying to match speed. The engine is a 1989 Johnson 40HP, just rebuilt and running like new. I did finally find insurance, from Haggerty. It was very reasonable and I got converage for both boat and engine. Thanks for your great support throughout the project. When we launched it last weekend, there were a bunch of people drooling over the boat and couldn’t believe I made it myself. Now that felt good! (See Customer Photos-Archives)
BASS BOAT / Brian Eager / beager4657@aol.com / 01-24-2001: Project complete, probably. This boat was built by my father Dale Eager, brother Steve and I, starting in late 1975 or 1976. We were inspired to build when Dad and I got our backsides wet in a two seater kayak-style Folbot design that we had built 3 or 4 years earlier. Started from the frame kit and worked on the project in the evenings and on rainy days when the farming work was not pressing. Frame layout, longitudinals and planking were done in the driveway of a corn crib, then we moved the hull into our wood shop (Refitted chicken coop) for the fiberglass application. No big door, we put it in and took it out on edge through the walk-in door. We are powered with a 1958 Johnson V-4 50HP short shaft, it will make about 32 mph at full throttle and consume 6 gal/hr. Reducing power by 1/3 will still translate into around 27 mph and the fuel flow drops to 3 gph. The boat was a great pleasure to build and is still giving us good service 30 years later.
BASS BOAT / James Wald / Mustang, OK / HLWald@aol.com / 5-30-02: Done with bottom and inside trying to decide if I want cut outs and where and almost ready to fiberglass.
BASS BOAT / Mike Lechowski / Tobyhanna, PA /MLechowski@CommonHealth.com / 11-10-03: So far I’ve gotten all the 1″ frame members, transom pieces, knee, bow pieces etc. cut. Hopefully today after work I will be able to cut bulkheads and gussets. Fastening kit is supposed to be delivered today. I’m hoping to have all of this assembled and epoxied in next two weeks. If weather holds up I’m going to precut and epoxy chines sheers etc. before Thanksgiving. 2-12-04: It has taken a lot longer that I thought, but I’m moving forward. I’ve completed all frames, transom and bow pieces. Eagerly awaiting for the snow to melt so that I can start assembling the boat. 8-25-04: I am now fairing. 10-12-04: I have completed planking, puttying and yes sanding and currently working on encapsulating & got the transom and both sides done. Although the cold weather is slowing me down. 10-23-04: Last Monday I have completed covering the hull with fabric. Maybe you should mention someplace on your website that doing this is a lot easier than some people (me ) might think. Anyway if the weather holds up I will be building up the edges this weekend. However, with the temperatures staying in fifties during a day and falling to thirties at night I’m afraid I will not be able to apply the next two coats of epoxy this year. That’s actually quite Ok since I need to look into few things in the house, maybe put together the trailer for the boat during winter months. After all steel does not care about Fahrenheits. 8-5-05: I was finally able to get back to boat building. So far I have installed the skeg and yesterday applied last coat of epoxy. Hope to do the sanding this weekend and start painting the bottom next week. If everything goes well I should be flipping the boat over towards the end of the month.
BASS BOAT / George Robertson / Tyler, TX / ga_robertson@hotmail.com / Started construction May 14, 2006. 6-27-06: All structural pieces cut and frames, stem, transom and bow piece assembled. First sheer clamp installed. Currently fairing battens and chine log for fit and assembly. I currently have 137.5 hours in on this project. (see Customer Photos)
BEAR-CAT CUDDY / Harry Smith / harry@cstone.net / 3-8-08: Started form – just finished building “boatyard.”
BELLE ISLE 23′ / Jeremy Goldstein / Sandusky, OH / jeremy@custommarine.biz / 9-30-08: I am a professional boat builder and restorer. I own Custom Marine Inc. in Sandusky, Ohio. I am building a Belle Isle 23. Currently we are installing the battens on the frames. I got this boat from a friend in Cleveland who started the project several years ago. He was overwhelmed with this build and sold it to me to complete. I have saved his original frames, but everything from there forward is brand new. I would like to be able to share pictures and information with other people building this model. I can be reached at (419) 621-1188.
BELLE ISLE 23′ / Vladimir Janous / Vlasim, Czech Republic / elan3@seznam.cz / 1-13-10: See build photos at www.plachetnice.estranky.cz
BELLE ISLE 23′ / Bob Brown / Corallis, Oregon / bob@brown-financial.com / 2-21-11: Growing up within a quarter mile of the Rogue River in Southern Oregon, it was a great experience to build a sled boat with my dad back in the early 70’s. Ever since, I’ve wanted to build another. With a friend and my son, I visited the Sierra Boat Company at Lake Tahoe in 2009, on our way to a hike. We all loved the Chris Craft and Gar Wood mahogany runabouts there. From that, research led me to Glen-L and, for my birthday in May 2010, my family gave me plans for the 23′ Belle Isle. The build started on Saturday October 16, 2010. The frames are now completed and mounted to the motor stringers. Today (February 21, 2011), the preliminary setup of the keel and stem were completed. One unusual aspect of my build is that the frames are Port Orford Cedar from trees which were in our backyard. They died a few hears ago, so we had them cut into lumber, hoping to build a boat in the future. See my “photo journal” of the build on Facebook at Building a Boat: the Belle Isle. The design and plans are great! The books and forum you provide are very helpful. Other builders provide inspiration, especially Bill Checkerberry, Bob Perkins, and Mark Broncalla, and their photos are also a great help! Thanks! (See Customer Photos)
BIG HUNK / Howard L Ruiz / Kennewick, WA / N.ruiz@verizon.net / 4-12-02: Started the frame work. I’ve got two bad legs, but they are there, can’t get around like I did 20 years ago, but I can get around. I bought the plans 10 years ago, I liked them then and love them now that I am retired. This is my first boat, but worked construction 30 years and have the knowledge to build. We are having a ball. With the plans & patterns, it is so easy… with a little help from you all. The Norma-K is my dream 3-21-03: Barry don’t delete me, we are starting to do all the cut out work from our plans & Patterns now.
BINGO / Matt Duller / dullerca@hotmail.com / 10-24-01: Building as a High School project.
BINGO / Rob Russell / Arkona, ON, Can / robrussell@xcelco.on.ca / 3-8-04: Started March 2/04, bottom complete. 11-30-05: Started the project again on Nov.1/05. It was sitting in the attic getting dusty. Just had the hull inside done. Started the deck and finished it on Nov.25, flipped the hull over on Nov, 28 and laid up the glass the same day. Started sanding it Nov.29/05. 2-14-07: Project finished. Just playing around with the performance of it now. Pic in Customers Photos. Also built a lift for it. Plans available for those who would like to make a lift the will lift 1000 lbs. Only cost about $300 to build the lift with electric controls on it.
BINGO / Brad Lynskey / Arkadelphia, Arkansas / bradlynskey@hotmail.com / 2-16-09: Cutting all parts and encapsulating. I’ll send pictures when the boat is complete; hoping to finish it before June 20th, 2009¦we shall see. Thanks again for the plans and kits!
7-10-09: Construction began 2/15/09, ~400 hours to date. This has been a fantastic project and I’m sad/relieved/excited it is almost complete. I modified the deck shape to provide a larger dash and added a hatch behind the passenger compartment for storage. I rebuilt a 1964 Mercury 500 (50hp) and I am in the process of painting and restoring this great little motor. Should be a fun and exciting boat, can’t wait to put her on the lake! I have over 500 pictures documenting the progress of this boat; email me if there is any way I can help. Thanks to Gayle and everyone at Glen-L for the help and encouragement!
12-14-09: My original completion date of June 20th is long past, but the fiberglass is finished and I am now painting the bottom. Really glad to finish the fiberglass/epoxy and SANDING Just placed an order for some additional foam rollers (seem to work good with the Interlux VCPerformance bottom paint and hopefully the Perfection topside paint as well). (See Customer Potos)
BO-JEST (stretched 10%) / Jim Hopkings / hopkings@halhinet.on.ca / 12-6-98: Stem and frames complete. 7-16-00: Sides on, bottom almost complete. 10-22-02: Not finished yet. Shop time has been hard to come by lately and I guess I am not nearly as quick as I was 50 years ago. I am just ready to set the engine in place (a 1954 Buchanan) after spending some time rebuilding it and fitting an alternator. “TUGGER” is much admired by my friends and neighbours. They all are very impatient and don’t understand that most of the fun for me is in the building. I stretched the length 10% causing many little adjustments and much pondering. Anyhow, I hope to move her outside next spring and finish the tall parts during the summer. (see Customer Photos)
BO-JEST / Bob Ellis / ellis198@yahoo.com / 7-10-99: Set-up complete, fairing in progress. 7-28-99: Side planking installed. Used 8′ sheets, 2 butt joints per side. Looks great. 8-22-99 Update: Bottom plywood on 1/2″ aft, two 1/4″ sheets fwd. Again, 8′ lengths posed no problems. 9-2-99: Fiberglass complete. Building outdoors, so winter will be shutting things down. 8-1-00: Skeg complete, bottom painted, building cradle complete and hull rolled over. Deck and cabin clamp installed. Bulwark framing 80%. 5-2-01: The hull and bulwark are complete; interior framing and engine beds are installed. Now back from our winter in California, will be starting the cabin. 11/23/01: Trunk cabin and cabin complete. Now need an engine to do the tanks, plumbing, rigging,etc.. Will send photos to the archives soon. 5-3-02: Back to work after another winter in California. Have purchased my engine and now starting installation. It’s a Yanmar 1GM10 (9.1hp). 11-6-02: The boat’s complete; just window glass and paint to go. With a trailer it will be in the water in 2003! I guarantee it. If it doesn’t see the water, it’s only because I will be in the ground! This has been a long term project for me, but probably one of my most enjoyable! (See Customer Photos-Archives)
BO-JEST / Otis G. Gifford / ogifford@inwoodinc.com / 8-99: Planking bottom. 10-27-99: Planking complete and ready to fiberglass. I’d like to correspond with other Bo-Jest builders. 5-14-02: Newly completed Bo-Jest called O’s Ark now in Launchings section of current issue of Woodenboat Magazine. The boat draws lots of attention everywhere it goes. It is incredibly quiet and pleasant to cruise protected waters.(Photos in Customer Photos-Archives)
BO-JEST / W. Deason / wdeason@paradise.net.nz / 10-19-01: September 2001 – frames begun. 10-22-02: The project is on hold, but I have not abandoned the project and will pick it up again as soon as I can.
BO-JEST / Craig Aasen / Minneapolis, MN / caasen@attbi.com / 4-3-02: I just Started construction of the frames. I choose White Oak for the frame lumber.
BO-JEST / Doug Wolven / Whittier, CA / mrwolven@yahoo.com / 5-1-02: “Lily Pad” is being constructed by my second-graders. I teach in a public school. The stem, transom and frames have been built in the classroom. I then take the parts home to attach to the building form. My children will visit the Glen-L site to see what is going on in the backyard. The Frogville Navy last year built the stem and transom. All the parts have been framed and the sheer clamps are bent and ready to be added. I will add the planking this summer. Next year the kids will work on the deck and rail stanchions. This is the third boat I have done with children but this one is much larger.
BO-JEST / Bob Trygg / Duluth, MN / bvtrygg@wmconnect.com / Project has been completed as of 6/2002. (see Customer Photos)
BO-JEST / Mark Jones / Lewiston, Idaho / jones83501@msn.com / This boat is being built as an open crabbing/fishing boat and will be powered by a 1960’s IHC self-contained power unit, dry-stack fashion. Operations commenced June 21, 2003. 8-4-03: Boat is completely framed and stem, keel, chinelogs, sheerlogs installed. Fairing to begin witin five days. 8-25-03: Fairing 99% done, very minor undulations being sighted with the use of an 1/8″ mahogany door skin as per Glen’s advice. I hosted an “open shop” last night so others could come and see the framed boat; people are always amazed when they can come close to the project, feel the “warmth” of the wood and view the blueprints which are posted on my shop walls. I have “aquired” a partner to help with planking for this week (25th-29th) and I expect to have the boat planked by end of day, Friday. I did hit quite a snag trying to figure out the planking contact in the sheer/chine/stem area, but with emails from Bob Ellis (to whom I’m grateful) I believe I’m seeing the light. One more conversation via phone with Glen this morning and then we’ll set into planking. 3-27-08: Because I decided to focus on detailed woodwork and inlays, I basically added a year to my expected completion schedule. I am now within days of starting the trailer (3800 series). I will provide more pictures of the completed Bo-Jest and I will also photograph the trailer building process (See Customer Photos).
BO-JEST / Werner Haas / hasso_haas@yahoo.de / 10-5-03: Ship was built from 03/00 to 10/03, 80% done. In 6/04 ship will be complete… I hope. (See Customer Photos).
BO-JEST / Don M. Ranly / Atlanta, GA / don.ranly@ibb.gatech.edu / 12-15-03: Bo-Jest named “Short Shrift” completed. Adding Stanchions for grandchild safety. Planning to launch soon. Will send photos and story of construction.
BO-JEST / Thomas Walli / Innsbruck-AUSTRIA / t.walli@gmx.at / 8-14-04: Began 2.8.04- Converted your design to European measurements on CAD and sawed all frames out on a flatbed computeriezed machine with only 4 sheets of 1250×2500 AW100 Bruyncell Okume Plywood 25mm. All stringers sawn out of Tyrolean Mountain Larch and planking begins next week with 10mm Sapelli Mahaghoni Plywood. Hope to do good job for a high gloss Mahoghoni finish. We will see, we are beginners with this stuff. A special European goal is to keep it light. We have special rules for driver licenses to carry trailers behind an normal car. Maximum load for both is 3,5 tons! So the boat can’t be more than 1000kg. Try to solve problem with Mahoghoni foam pannels for the deck and Pilothouse and light engine; a Spanish Sole Diesel 3 Cyl 16 HP with only 180 kg all included with keelcooling and dry exhaust for easy winteriezing on the trailer. We will keep you guys informed and hope to send you soon more fotos of “MINERVA” (the Greek goddess of luck). 2-2-05: It’s going fine here in Tirol-Austria. Outside the workshop it’s snowing hard today, 3 feet fresh powder snow, and inside a lot of work. Engine is in and main electric from engine to starter batterie and main switchbord is finsihed as well Mainbatterie to all users. My freind Nori has finsised the cabin bed and Helmut and I are working on the steering panel and chart table. Next will be the drawer and hanging locker in the cabin and the cabin sides & roof. The pilothouse we must construct moveable otherwise we can’t bring the boat out the workshop. We will see. (see Customer Photos)
BO-JEST / Rick Klemm / Delta, BC Canada / rklemm@vsb.bc.ca / 9-2-04: Have completed all frames and the stem. I am now working on the transom. So far so good, I’ve had no major problems. This will be about a 2-3 year project. I am going to use an out board engine because of the huge price difference between an inboard and a four stroke out board. 10-28-04: I have just finished the transom. It was a little tricky mounting it at the correct angle so my neigbour helped me. I have installed both chine logs. I messed up the notching on frame 5 so I had to glue a piece on wood in and start over. The second chine only took an hour to install. So far I’ve been using DF for the frames and the plywood. I find it very easy to work with and it bends without a lot of difficulty. After doing some research and my own personal testing, I have been using PL Premium PU glue. This stuff is easy to work with, waterproof, and very strong. I have just started installing the sheer.
BO-JEST / Peter Tonkin / Australia / tonkinpm@bigpond.net.au / 9-9-07: Bit the bullet and started the Bo-Jest today! Standard plan with a 10% increase in overall length. Boat is being constructed in Mooloolaba Queensland Australia.
9-15-07: Frames have been roughed out. Next step is the strongback and setting and spacing… looking forward to that! No issues to date.
10-17-07: Stongback built and squared away to the mm – cost nothing as I scavenged the bits and pieces. Frames are coming together nicely should have them finished and mounted to the strongback this weekend. So far everything is going very well …
1-28-08: Bo Jest is going well and the keel is forming up nicely it is constructed from Australian Flooded Gum (Eucalyptus grandis). Hull has one side completely sheeted with two sheets of 6mm to the bottom and a 6mm and 3mm to the side panels. I have used a single coat foaming epoxy to laminate the sheets. The only trick is to keep the glue thin and the pressure even and heavy across the sheets. I have however ruined two sheets of 6mm achieving the bow ‘lower’ bend (photo of repaired split attached). The ply was soaked etc but it still did not want to form without cracking. In the end I simply repaired the crack by laminating ply to the inside of the split. There was just no way that I could make the ply follow the stringers at frame four to five lower front bow. The sheets have required packing with a tapered (both ends) 20mm thick piece of hoop pine running between frame four and five. I was worried that it might of ruined the line of the boat but it looks perfect so I have put the problem down to the laying up of the frames to the strong back. I should finish laying the hull sheets this weekend. I will plug and sand the screw holes and send you more pics of the keel attached. Enjoying the project immensely.
2-11-08: Bo-Jest now completely sheeted with skeg attached. Skeg is seated with epoxy and an epoxy fillet glue line added It was then fastened to the keel with 12mm hot gal dipped threaded rod. A little fairing was needed to the bow section to smooth the sheet joins due to my lack of skill in cutting and shaping an exact fit (quite a learning experience). Number one son took one look and suggested I use fly screen cut to shape as a template over the first bow sheet to make the next sheet of 6mm fit and it worked a treat and saved lots of shaping work. Project is now ready to glass/epoxy.
5-8-08: The hull was glassed in 4 continuous panels. 8 oz multi directional bias on the bottom and 6 oz plain weave to the sides. She has had her first coat of hi build epoxy undercoat and prelim sand and is now ready for the final undercoat and top coat.
7-7-08: I rolled her over by myself by suspending the hull from some old sailing pulleys. It all happened a little quickly as, while suspended, I leant on the boat to pick up some gear and round she went! – Gave me a hell of a scare. Fit out starts this week.
10-21-08: Project has been going a year to date. Tanks and motors etc are sitting randomly while I redo the engine supports which I made a little undersized. Water tank and two rear fuel tanks were custom made. I have 170 litres of water and 80 litres of fuel. Most of the inside of the boat is cut out very roughly and stacked pretty much everywhere until I sort the mounts. Then I have to take Richard Klem’s (Bo-Jest Canada) advice and finish one thing before I start another!!! So the order of attack is 1 New Guinea Rosewood decking ( because it going to look great! ) 2 Port Hole windows to front sides ( see above! ) 3 Engine Mounts ( because everyone keeps asking is the motor mounted there? ) 4 Starting at the back and working my way fwd for furniture and fittings The windows, more NG Rosewood, I chickened out on and I called in a specialist timber window/door maker. I explained, with drawings, exactly what I wanted to the response of “No worries Mate – costcha about a grand that ok?†Which of course I am thrilled with. Bo Jest can’t be fitted with the windows in its current home and the boat will be completely finished except for windows and roof before leaving the shed.
12-24-08: Sole and Deck timbers (Flooded Gum 5mm laminate to 12mm ply) pretty much set in place; next job is a sand up and fill with black acrylic filler. What you can’t see is the hours spent under the floor on supports, plumbing and water tanks! On holidays for three weeks so I expect to have the inside completely done – then I have to take the front of the shed off (yep very funny – she won’t fit out the door) and install the windows and roof.
1-9-09: Bo Jest is to the internal fit out, floor tanks are in. I have 175 litre ‘shaped’ poly tank under the floor fwd of the motor and a shower sump mounted just behind that. All accessible as the floors are done in sections that lift out. All of the plumbing is in loosely but can’t be seen in the pics. Currently pulling the bunks out and redoing them and working out shelves and cupboards. The window man (Warren) has come and taken his templates and they are currently underway. Monday and Tuesday this week I will be dedicating to the boat as I have to get it to trailer stage to fit the windows.
2-9-09: Update on SheelyKeel. Decks 5mm Flooded Gum laminated to 12mm exterior structural ply. Front cabin New Guinea Rosewood. Steering is in all tanks are in an plumbed, wiring is next. I have started the main cabin walls and the windows but need to remove boat from shed before I can go to full height.
6-9-09: It’s been the wet season here and its pretty much rained nonstop for 5 months … but winter is here, skies are now clear, temps in the 70’s and I can take the front off the shed to get the boat out to put the roof on… quite a drama getting the boat out, that is! (see Customer Photos)
BO-JEST / Read Smith / Agassiz, BC, Canada reado@telus.net / 12-16-07: Hull finished & righted. Ready for decking, motor installation, superstructure construction.
BO-JEST / Tom Smitherman / Montevallo, AL mtsmitherman@gmail.com / 5-3-08: Frames are complete and mounted onto the building stand. I used mahogany and white oak for the frames.
3-9-09: All decking is attached, and it actually LOOKS LIKE A BOAT! I will start fiber-glassing the hull next month.
4-20-09: My BoJest hull is planked and the fiberglass cloth was applied today. Hopefully I’ll have the bottom painted and be ready to roll her over next month. I’m shooting for a launch next spring, but that may be too optimistic.
6-9-09: The bottom paint is on and she is ready to be turned over as soon as I can get 15 friends here at the same time! (See Customer Photos)
BOLERO / Howard Pincus / West Palm Beach, FL / hpincus@adelphia.net / 1-13-03: I have just completed cutting and sanding all of the frame pieces. This weekend I will assemble the frames.
BON VOYAGE / George Woods / GWoods5856@aol.net / 9-9-98: Purchased framing materials. Will begin construction of framing members on 9/12/98. Found excellent supplier of boatbuilding lumber and materials, California area. Answer E-mail twice weekly. 3-24-03: I have not worked on the project for a while, based upon the fact that I have recently retired and needed to establish a buffer perimeter between the money I have for retirement purposes and the money that would be expended for completion of the project. My project at this time is about half way to completion. I am totally fascinated with the leisure. However, (As you have reminded me) there is a hulk of wood in the backyard that require attention. I have found that materials and expenditures do not necessarily dictate the success of the project. I spend probably more money playing golf than would be required to complete the project. I will complete this project. Please remind those persons interested in the BON VOYAGE to identify their messages with BON VOYAGE, otherwise I will probably scroll past and not recognize their intent. PS How is Mr. Witt? Fine I hope. He was a great help to me in progressing to this point.
BON VOYAGE / Rob Nicholson & Maureen Chrystall / Auckland, New Zealand robnich@orcon.net.nz / 6-26-08: My name is Rob Nicholson. My partner Maureen Chrystall and I are building the house boat Bon Voyage. We purchased the plans last year (2007) and then ordered the timber from your list – wow – a fair amount of timber, especially when you have to unload by hand. The frames are all now made, and stem, which I laminated from 10 mm timber, rather than the plywood. I then scarfed all the stringers (you guys call them battens) and scarfed the keelson (again you call this the keel). It took me two days to build the strongback (building form). Today, 26 june 2008, I have mounted all the frames and stem on the strongback. Pics will follow shortly.
7-22-08: We are building out boat to survey standards, as we hope to charter her out…so we have had to make some alteratons to her construction to satisfy the surveyor. Namely, the stem is now laminated from 22 strips of lumber (not the plywood as stated) and the chine log and gunwhales (shear clamp) are also of laminated lumber. It really does pay to read the building instructions, as I dressed all my timber to the sizes, but as I found out last week when trying to install the chine log my straight planks won’t bend; no matter how much brute force was aplied, they would not go…. So I ended up slicing the 6″ x 3/4″ planks down into square strips and laminating them up in position. Seems to be working; fitted both first layers to boat yesterday.
2-18-10: I have just about completed the frame work….but am having a little difficulty in the forward section…mainly with the chine, side stringer and gunwhale,,, (See Customer Photos)
BONANZA / Anthony Herrett / Melbourne, Australia aherrett@au1.ibm.com / 12-14-10: I have finally started the Bonanza, after much deliberation on design, wood type, ferreting out local supply shops and talking to some local boaties, the first 2 frames are in the shed gluing. Over the previous couple of months, while I was waiting for time and $$, I also built a little cardboard version of the Bonanza. That was a good project in itself, it certainly gave me an idea of some of the finer points of getting it together, as well as colors and finish. Over summer (here in Aus) hopefully I will get enough time (and $$$$) to keep plugging along and if all goes to plan I should be turning it over before it gets too cold and wet here. I will get some photos once I have something worth sending, probably around the same time my wife finds out what I am actually doing in the shed!!!
BRAVADO / Dan Coffman / Rochester, WA / dancoffman@msn.net / 6-15-06: I recently have completed building a modified version of the Bravado. The modifications I have done to it, are as follows. I went with a flat raised floor in the cuddy, which required the deck to be raised 8″. I had to raise the main floor 3″ to allow room for the fuel tanks under the floor (2 12 gal. moelen tanks). I let the upper sheer run high all the way back. It is a very fun boat, and is very stable. I also doubled up the transom and added a few extra supports that were not on the plans. I mounted a 90 hp outboard on it . It does about 40 mph, and is very dry. It was a pleasure to build this boat. And I a sure you it won’t be my last. If anyone has questions, I’m sure I could help. (see Customer Photos)
BUCKBOARD / G. Frank Nin / gfnin@earthlink.net / 9-14-99: Just finishing up boat skeleton. Next step is to apply keel. 3-23-03: I built the hull, but never fiberglassed it. So the project remains unfinished…
BULLET / Al Mahler / Annapolis, Maryland / fiploss@comcast.net / 6-8-2007: I have finished the layout board and setup the form with a few minor modifications to adapt to the building space. I will be taking pictures of the different stages of building for reference.
BULLET / Will Hopkins / South Carolina / whopkins5@comcast.net / 8-12-07: Just got the plans and patterns. Going to get wood in a few days. Starting building form. First boat project would appreciate and help or advice.
BULLET / Chris Rowe / Minneapolis, MN / cjrowe@csbsju.edu / 8-15-07: I finished buying the lumber and I have laid out everything onto the plywood and started cutting out the transom, the stem and the breasthook. 8-19-07: I cut out the frames and I will be assembling them soon (hopefully). I also bought a 1962 Larson for parts and stripped it bare! I’ve gotten some very cool old cleats and lights and a couple of boat horns. Not to mention a 50 hp motor (its way too big for my boat so I’ll use it to trade for a smaller one). This week starts the crunch time since I go back to school and I really want to get some progress on the bullet before I leave.
BULLET / Mark and Luke Finnila / Vass, NC / finnilam@embarqmail.com / 4-15-08: Father and son project began construction 1/23/08. Okoume mahogany ¼” BS1088 plywood, doulgas fir ¾” marine plywood, and vertical grain douglas fir solid wood. Lengthen to 12′ 1″ per plan option. 1/27/08 Assembly frame complete. 3/1/08 Ribs, sheer, transom installed. 3/4/08 Chine log installed, but landed too vertical at stem. 3/8/08 Laminated extra ½” of fir to forward portion of chine and planed down to attain correct angle to sheer (necessary to attain solid surface for side panel.) 3/16/08 Fairing completed. Reconditioned Bosch power planer rocks! 3/22/08 Side panels installed. 3/28/08 Skin complete. 4/4/08 Fiberglass complete with three coats of resin total. Righted boat. 4/5/08 Carlins installed. 4/6/08 Coaming installed. Laminated from two 3/8†layers for much less struggle. 4/7/08 Seat frame (10 degree recline), fuel tank tray, and battery tray installed. First coat of epoxy throughout interior. 4/8/08 Fitted Wise fold-down, low-back fishing chair seats. Installed rear deck beams. Delivered boat for motor installation. Purchased 2007 Yamaha 25 hp, two-stroke, long-shaft, electric-start motor with remote control. Expect four week delay due to dealer backed up with motor installations.
Thanks for the great plan! (See Customer Photos)
BULL’S EYE / Danny Golden / annhiggins@tinet.ie / 9-6-98: Boat built and sailing.
BULL’S EYE / Jack Pace / Address not valid: 11-18-02 / 4-11-99: Started cutting pieces last week. 5-7-99: Hull stitched. 6-24-00: Boat complete am now finishing sanding (smoothing out tape lines, etc.) in preparation for painting. Cat sail ordered, mast built, expect to be on the water within the month. 7-11-00 Boat painted, sail received, hardware ordered to make wooden trailer (can’t transport a fine hand made wooden boat on a factory built metal trailer!) oars made, hardware goes on this week. 8-1-00, first sail!! Wooden trailer complete. Coated in epoxy and left unpainted. Looks good. I didn’t have to test the warning that the trailer would float. I can push the Bull’s Eye off the end on to a coaster I added to the keel and just walk her down into the water. Bull’s Eye very quick and smooth in a 10 mph wind. Had a slight vibration at the faster speeds. (Dagger board? will have to see.) I have to refine my oars yet to fit the hardware. As long as wind keeps blowing am in no hurry.
BULL’S EYE / E-J Ohler / Kalamazoo-South Haven, MI /ejan.ohler@gmail.com / 7-2-00: I just finished a Bull’s-Eye 07/01/00 as a sailing yacht tender to our old Chris-Craft.
BULL’S EYE / Kingsway Academy Boatbuilding club / David McGorrin /david.mcgorrin@batelnet.bs / Nassau, Bahamas / Students at Kingsway Academy are building the Bulls Eye. 01-26-01 Stitched hull peices together.
BULL’S EYE / Ira Stein / Northfield, NJ / Istein1@ix.netcom.com / 12-10-01: Stitch-glue kit ordered, plywood and hardwood purchased, first form #6 (temporary brace) cut from two pieces of scrap 3/8 plywood and laminated together. Got practice transferring pattern, cutting two pieces at once and handling epoxy resin. 3-21-03: Thank you for inquiring. I began the project in December 2001 and completed the boat in March 2002. I’ve taken pictures and kept a log during construction but haven’t had time to organize that. The boat came out very well (if I must say so myself). Its called Sea Nile too. I’ve only had it in the water a couple of times and am hoping for more water time this season. It rows very well but I have some concerns about sailing. I built it for sloop rig. The boat is very tender and I’ve already tipped enough to fill with water while boarding at the boat ramp. I’ve thought about cutting the mast down (I’ve also thought about keeping the mast and building a bigger boat, can’t let that thought get out around the house). The service from Glen-L was superb. The quality of all the parts and supplies was excellent. The instructions were thorough and easy to follow. The building method is so forgiving that even a rank novice as myself was able to build a very solid and good looking craft. My neighbor is an avid sailboat racer (J-150) and marvelled at the fair lines good looks of Sea Nile.
The sloop rig has the most sail area. When we did our tests, we started from the beach and did not have a problem. In fact, the wind was light and performance was sluggish. We had a sailing instructor sail the boat on the next outing. The wind was brisk, the instructor had no problems, but it was obvious that she was a good sailor with more experience than we had.
BULL’S EYE / Rick Ellis / EllisFam@vtr.net / 5-13-02: Started 11/2000. Finished 4/2002. Built as a sloop rig. First sailed on May first. Light breeze, nothing to get excited about, but sailed nicely. Cockpit somewhat cramped. Ballast placement crucial (Ballast? 225 lbs of “flesh & blood”).
BULL’S EYE / Mark Chadwick / Mississauga, Ontario, Canada /mchadwick@ica.net / 8-29-06: I received the plans from my wife for Christmas! She is wonderful. I don’t have a heated garage so I could only work on rudder/tiller/centerboard etc until things warmed up outside. I have been working in the garage and now have the centreboard case made and will complete the cutting of all the plywood parts this week. I am pushing to get as much done as I can now before the weather turns cold again. I hope she will see the water in 2007! 8-31-06: All plywood parts have now been cut out. Continued
BULL’S EYE / David Albright / Monterey, CA / david_albright@sbcglobal.net / 7-7-08: Finally got all the wood, epoxy, tools together and am laying out the cuts on some pricey Hydrotech Merianti ply. I have managed to cut out the single form member from some cabinet 3/4″ ply and the knees and breasthook from some nice mahogany but am anticipating getting all the hull pieces cut out and epoxied and ready for stitching by months end. I thought to start out with the transom on the 9mm ply what with the mostly straight cuts and seemingly straight forward laminations to get used to gluing up but have already run into a problem. I can’t figure out the reinforcing plys. I can get some nice matching sets on my cardboard test set but they don’t fit on the 2’x 4′ layout as indicated on the plans. My cardboard pieces are not the same shape as the miniature layout on the plans (though they form the same size and shape on the transom) and the single notation on the plans for the reinforcing laminations doesn’t seem to make sense (line cutting off the bottom v of transom though photos of construction don’t show it). I was planning on building the rudder and dagger board with the rest of the sheet and would like to avoid buying yet more of the 9mm ply. Must fit in some clever manner somehow as I haven’t seen any body else whining about it on the forum. Any suggestions out there…
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