Boat Builder Central

Thanks for the tips. I want to do this not just because the hull cracked, but I know the wood is cheap and I know I am a big guy. The thought was always in the back of my mind, but I never acted. You are right, it is no big deal, I learned something and no one got hurt. If nothing else my kids are g...

My plywood is an oak veneer plywood. I doubt the interior wood is oak. It has voids. I would spring for the marine plywood if i did it again. Not only is it devoid of voids, so to speak, but it isn't that expensive when you are talking 3 sheets, I think, for the D4. How much am I going to spend maki...

My depression is quickly turning to determination. I am not sure if the wood is affected. I can see the wood from the inside and it is not cracked. This area is only epoxyied with removable carpet. Thanks, Jacques. I will use the 9 oz woven on the entire hull bottom and the inside areas I can get at...

I took the Otter (D4) out for a day of fishing and when I returned to the gravel ramp I beached her and then stepped out onto the ramp. Thats when I heard a cracking sound. This morning I inspected the hull and sure enough the epoxy on the outside of the hull had cracked. The crack is between the fr...

I used drywall screws. To avoid splitting the panel, I drilled small pilot holes. Actually, I was amazed I was able to get them in straight. I have a knack for putting nails and screws through edges. It worked great and once the boat was stitched, I removed the screws and patched the holes. I'm sure...

I had similar experiences with the medium hardener in cooler temps. I went to the fast hardener and it still took hours (up to 24 in very low temps). Just be patient or get some heat in the basement. Don't worry, sometimes I couldn't sand until the next weekend becuase it was slightly soft after 36 ...

I launched my D4, the Otter, this afternoon. What a blast! Check out the story and see some pics here:

http://www.flyfishnevada.com/boatlnch.htm

Does anyone have a cover for their D4 (or similar) or know a source? I looked through the West Marine catalog and saw nothing for dinghies but they did have covers for inflatables. They have drawstring bottoms and are the same general shape. Unfortunatly, they cost upwards of $150. Any ideas?

OK, I decided to just start building the final page. Its not finished but here you go:

http://www.flyfishnevada.com/boat13.htm

On my D4 I used two 1/2 x 3/4 radiused pieces I had left over from a cabinet job. They are finished in oak and back to back form a nice half round rub rail. They are probably OK alone for a D4 in strength, but on a larger boat maybe they could be the last layer over 2 layers of 1/4. Anyway they look...