Boat Builder Central - Builder Forums

Posted: **Wed Feb 09, 2011 12:57 pm**

Might as well get another one started, spring is coming

I've decided to build an FS18 specifically for sight fishing in the skinny creeks and oyster flats of South Carolina. The OD18 is great, but she's a little too deep and almost impossible to pole. When you get her stuck it's a bear to push her off again, especially when the water is 45F and you can't get out of the boat to push

I ordered the plywood last Thursday and picked it up yesterday. It arrived in perfect condition, no shipping damage, and it sure is pretty wood

Nothing much better than a fresh stack of good mahogany plywood

Joel does a great job of packaging the pallet.

Sam is getting on his work clothes now!

Posted: **Wed Feb 09, 2011 1:07 pm**

This will be a closely watched build. Very popular boat (not just on this forum). Wishing you a warming trend in the weather.

Posted: **Wed Feb 09, 2011 1:11 pm**

Thanks Mark. I've been fascinated by them since I saw the first one at Crystal River a couple of years ago.

Amen on the weather, dang it's been cold and windy! Was supposed to go offshore fishing for the extinct Black Sea Bass today, but got blown out, again

Posted: **Wed Feb 09, 2011 1:11 pm**

Can't wait to see this one come together. It'll be interesting to see a Cracker built V-hull for a change

I'm sure Sam can't wait for another build

Posted: **Wed Feb 09, 2011 1:19 pm**

Larry, are you going to build the round chine or the square chine version? Looking forward to watching this one come together.

Posted: **Wed Feb 09, 2011 1:23 pm**

Probably the square chine version, I don't see any real advantages to the round, but I could be wrong about that. Would welcome any feedback from owners of both models.

Posted: **Wed Feb 09, 2011 2:56 pm**

Larry, hope you don't screw up and put one of those junk Yamaha motors on it

Posted: **Wed Feb 09, 2011 3:54 pm**

Ahhhh, I feel my C.L. build DTs going away.

Is this going to be part of the Cracker Fleet, or still putting away a few bucks for the AB23?

Will

BTW it's good to see this thread starting off on the right foot.

Posted: **Wed Feb 09, 2011 4:44 pm**

WooHoo

Another CL build to follow. I would talk to Sam about the round or square chine. He may have some input.

Good Luck. I am sure you will build a nice boat.

Matt

Posted: **Wed Feb 09, 2011 4:49 pm**

I would not bother with round chine personally, when poling with another person in the bow the chine is almost completely immersed. - my 2 cents

Posted: **Wed Feb 09, 2011 7:23 pm**

I haven't posted in a while, but this build has me excited!

Posted: **Wed Feb 09, 2011 8:11 pm**

I hope you have it ready by the first week of Nov. Thats when I'll be down your way for a week. Will be watching this one. Have fun on the build.

Posted: **Wed Feb 09, 2011 8:22 pm**

Go baby GO!!!

Posted: **Wed Feb 09, 2011 8:28 pm**

I appreciate all the comments yall

A&H, good to hear from you! It's been a while.

I would not bother with round chine personally, when poling with another person in the bow the chine is almost completely immersed. - my 2 cents

Thanks for that Joel, that is what I was thinking to be the case. Not worth the bother and extra fairing.

Good Luck. I am sure you will build a nice boat.

Thanks Matt

I hope you have it ready by the first week of Nov. Thats when I'll be down your way for a week. Will be watching this one.

Should be no problem Brett, we'll see. I don't plan on 2,000 hours for this one

If it's not finished, the OD 18 will put you on the fish in November and you have a standing invitation.

Will, this one will be a fleet boat. The AB23 is on hold since the feds closed our offshore fishing. No need to build an offshore boat if I can't fish it.

looks like you need some of this in your thread

Not sure that is strong enough Bradley, but I'm not putting up with his crap in this thread.

George, thanks for the back up

Posted: **Wed Feb 09, 2011 8:37 pm**

Will, this one will be a fleet boat.

Just posted on another thread a similar thought...My $0.02. Keep it Spartan, keep it light, run out and back with the minimum required. This design deserves a really light build to see what's possible.

Posted: **Wed Feb 09, 2011 8:43 pm**

Always nice to have a Cracker build thread going.

Posted: **Wed Feb 09, 2011 8:49 pm**

Keep it Spartan, keep it light, run out and back with the minimum required. This design deserves a really light build to see what's possible.

That's what I'm planning on Craig, I've already got a heavy boat and this one probably won't need radar and a T-top. I'll do my best to keep it light

Thank ya too Steven

A build is always better when your friends come along

Posted: **Wed Feb 09, 2011 8:50 pm**

Yep, Cracker builds are very detailed, well thought out and always include lots of pictures

George, thanks for the back up

No sweat

Posted: **Wed Feb 09, 2011 8:57 pm**

Great to hear that another cracker build is underway. I'll try to send some epoxy-curing temperatures your way!

Posted: **Wed Feb 09, 2011 9:34 pm**

I'm a little disappointed its not the AB23

But hey, this is gonna be sweet. And what could work out in your favor is that you've got a friend in High Springs FL that has purchased all kinds of stuff for his XF20 that he's not gonna use

Send me your email again (it didn't pop up on mine when I tried) and I'll let you know what kind of stuff I might could send your way if you're interested...
sethgs0982 at gmail dot com

seth

Posted: **Wed Feb 09, 2011 9:49 pm**

Welcome aboard on another one Ross, always good to have you along

Seth thanks a bunch, heck yeah I'm interested

email is coming.

Posted: **Wed Feb 09, 2011 9:50 pm**

Always nice to have a Cracker build thread going.

Couldn't agree more!

Joe h

Posted: **Wed Feb 09, 2011 9:51 pm**

check your phone

Posted: **Wed Feb 09, 2011 9:55 pm**

Larry I just had a thought about this new boat. In addition to being good for sight fishing the shallows it will also be an ideal little boat for getting up in the swamps and little creeks like Ebeneezer that feed into the Savannah river. There's some nice fish up in there, or at least there was ten years ago.

Posted: **Wed Feb 09, 2011 10:23 pm**

Great to see you are starting another build

I know you don't do deadlines, but do you have a gut feeling about when you might be splashing the boat? Good luck on the build...

Richard

Posted: **Wed Feb 09, 2011 10:27 pm**

check your phone

Sorry Bradley, phone was off

it will also be an ideal little boat for getting up in the swamps and little creeks like Ebeneezer that feed into the Savannah river. There's some nice fish up in there, or at least there was ten years ago.

Yes it will. Still plenty of fish in there

Posted: **Wed Feb 09, 2011 10:34 pm**

I know you don't do deadlines, but do you have a gut feeling about when you might be splashing the boat? Good luck on the build...

Thanks Richard. I've got no idea really and surely no deadlines. I've got a good boat, so no hurry. I've also got a couple of big repair projects to take care of. This Hard Headed B@tch is getting a new transom, and some other work. She's due at the house on Monday and that might take a few weeks. Need some warmer weather too! The last few projects I've done required heat lamps for the epoxy to cure.

The groundhog says spring is coming early, I hope the SOB is right

Posted: **Wed Feb 09, 2011 10:58 pm**

Larry, on the HHBT's starboard gunwale is a peice of gear that looks like it is made for pulling a crab pot. Do those blocks have a hydrualic motor on them or is it just used like a deadman with a pulley for a man to pull the pot?

Posted: **Wed Feb 09, 2011 11:19 pm**

Yeah, it's a crab pot davit, and yes it has a hydraulic winch to do the hauling. She does a lot of hauling

She's been catching 75 bushels a day all winter, fishing offshore Daufuskie and Hilton Head Islands. That's a lot of crabs. He just got all of his 300 traps pulled for the season and is wrapping it up for a few months. She's been fishing every day since I repaired the hole in the bottom last summer. You reckon those Yamahas gets some hard use? I inspected the bottom repair recently, it was worrying me a little bit, but it's holding up perfectly. I had a hard time even finding it

Thank you Lord!

Posted: **Thu Feb 10, 2011 12:21 am**

Before we got sidetracked I asked about the Crab Pot Davit and you told me it was Hydraulic. Thanks Do they use an auxillary engine to run the pump? Thanks again.
Paul

Posted: **Thu Feb 10, 2011 12:56 am**

Thanks, Larry, don't know why I want to know these details but it is interesting.

Posted: **Thu Feb 10, 2011 3:33 am**

Hi Larry,

let's the show begin - watching your threads of boatbuilding is more interesting as watching TV or a movie.
I'm sure it will initiate others to build their first boat...or...a second, third.....

I believe once I day I can read :" Last boat build by Cracker - Gulfstream 28X - if finished I have built all boats from the bateau website"

I'm looking forward to your pictures

Have fun !

Kind regards from the South of Germany

Bernd

Posted: **Thu Feb 10, 2011 4:31 am**

I always enjoy a Cracker build thread. Nice one Larry.
Steve

Posted: **Thu Feb 10, 2011 7:05 am**

[quote="gstanfield"]Yep, Cracker builds are very detailed, well thought out and always include lots of pictures

[quote]George, thanks for the back up[/quote]

No sweat

[/quote]

Hey Larry,

I always enjoy your builds/threads...this one should be fun.
If you have time do you think you could start a file that would become an index to the build for those that would like to go back later and check on some of the milestone steps in a build.?

Frank

Posted: **Thu Feb 10, 2011 7:15 am**

Larry,

I'm excited to see your new build. Like other said, it's alot better than watching a movie or TV!!

Andrew

Posted: **Thu Feb 10, 2011 7:38 am**

cleaned up the thread a bit. 2 pages with nothing to do about the build

Posted: **Thu Feb 10, 2011 8:08 am**

Thank you Joel

That's much better

Thanks to the rest of you too!

Posted: **Thu Feb 10, 2011 8:32 am**

Larry can you give me the link to see some of your buildings?
Daniele

Posted: **Thu Feb 10, 2011 8:37 am**

Sorry I came into this thread by the how to's page, I, soon after I've seen Your Od18... simply beautiful!
Daniele

Posted: **Thu Feb 10, 2011 8:51 am**

OD 18 is here http://gallery.bateau2.com/thumbnails.php?album=608

GF12 is here http://gallery.bateau2.com/thumbnails.php?album=1012

GF16 is here http://gallery.bateau2.com/thumbnails.php?album=282

Posted: **Thu Feb 10, 2011 8:59 am**

Hey Larry,
I have also decided to build this boat and I'm glad I'll have a perfeshional doing the same project to ask a million stupid questions. I went motor shopping before ordering because I was concerned about weight. I was able to locate and now have in my garage a new Yamaha 25 hp 2 stroke. it wasn't easy to find a deal but I located one in the midwest for a decent price. Most dealers who have them are asking a mint for them. The 4 strokes are so much heavier I didn't want to hang that much weight on the transom. I'm wondering what motor you plan to use and also what layout? Do you have an anticipated time span for this project? I'm down the road in N FL so I might like to see what you are doing at some point. My plywood and epoxy are on order and I'll make the trip to Vero in 2 weeks or so. Looking forward to seeing your project progress.
John

Posted: **Thu Feb 10, 2011 9:22 am**

Craker My brother and I built the FS18. It is a very good boat. He has had it for a few years now.

Some observations: keep the bow high because if you are standing on the front and a boat blows by you the third wake of the triple will lap over. As shine said no need for the rounded hull. It is underwater. Also make sure you completely seal the sole. he left drain holes in the front compartments and always has moisture in the sole area.

Johna I have put my Yam'y 25 2 stoke on this boat and it works great. It will flat rip with just one person and gear.

Posted: **Thu Feb 10, 2011 11:01 am**

I'm glad I'll have a professional doing the same project to ask a million stupid questions.

Don't mistake me for a professional, I'm just an amateur with some experience

I still ask questions, and the things I don't know outnumber the things I do. Ask anything you want and I'll do my best to help. I haven't made any decisions on the motor and probably won't until it is near completion. If I buy new it will almost certainly be Yamaha. It's good you could find the 2 stoke, there are still a few around. What is the shaft length of what you found? The layout will be almost exactly to plans, probably like "It's A Floater" shown in the study plans. That's the first one I saw in real life and I like it.

Some observations: keep the bow high because if you are standing on the front and a boat blows by you the third wake of the triple will lap over. As shine said no need for the rounded hull. It is underwater. Also make sure you completely seal the sole. he left drain holes in the front compartments and always has moisture in the sole area.

Thanks for the input, keep it coming. It seem like everyone who has this boat likes it

I was planning to keep the high bow as you suggest. Feel free to make any other suggestions, and if you see me screwing something up, please holler STOP

Oh yeah, what shaft length are you using? I've never been one to under power a boat

Posted: **Thu Feb 10, 2011 11:53 am**

I found a 20" pull start. Would've preferred electric start but now I don't need a starter battery. interesting about the bow height. I think I'm going to cut the freeboard down a bit though. Don't want all the windage, don't need the freeboard so much. I like fruitfly's version, with a transom for a regular outboard.

Posted: **Thu Feb 10, 2011 5:06 pm**

I surely like what I've seen, congrats Larry I'll count even on you when I'll start building my C21.
Daniele

Posted: **Thu Feb 10, 2011 5:26 pm**

CL,

Soooooo the FS 18 instead of the AB 23........ Got scared of the fairing hmmmmmm...... Chicken...

I look forward to watching this as well...

Posted: **Thu Feb 10, 2011 6:13 pm**

Got scared of the fairing hmmmmmm...... Chicken

Actually it terrifies me

This is pretty cool that we're building again at the same time. We need to give Craig a boost and it will be like old times

Posted: **Thu Feb 10, 2011 6:34 pm**

Craig may jump in prior to the end of my build that is for sure. He lives close enough to come by and live vicariously through my build...

Posted: **Thu Feb 10, 2011 10:53 pm**

I was hoping to see the 23 footer being built, but this should work out nicely.....will you match the colors to your latest custom rod build? Might as well make it a trend?

Posted: **Thu Feb 10, 2011 11:19 pm**

will you match the colors to your latest custom rod build? Might as well make it a trend?

Fuchsia and blue

I think I'll match it to the half gallon of Sterling that we still have left

Posted: **Fri Feb 11, 2011 4:15 pm**

I'm looking forward with anxious anticipation to your build. You do a wonderful job of documenting everything and your boats are beautiful. When I told my wife about your builds(you and Richard), she said I hope they aren't making you get the itch

. Between Richards beautiful canoe and seeing your plywood, I'm getting the itch. Guess I'll just have to scratch for a little longer.

Posted: **Fri Feb 11, 2011 4:41 pm**

Thanks John. Yours isn't shabby either, it was one of my inspirations when I was building mine. It's about time for you to be getting that itch again too

I'm glad you got your motor problems cleared up cheaply

Posted: **Fri Feb 11, 2011 5:37 pm**

Ok. Enough of the love fest. Let's see some build pictures.

Posted: **Sun Feb 13, 2011 8:19 am**

Larry,

I am going to be building vicariously off you guys unless someone hands me something like this....

Build on guys!!!

Posted: **Sun Feb 13, 2011 8:46 am**

Need two sacks. One for Larry and the other for me, unless its big enough we will share.

Posted: **Mon Feb 14, 2011 3:01 pm**

That would solve some problems

Probably create some new ones too

It'll be interesting to see a Cracker built V-hull for a change

George, I know you were losing sleep over this after the tongue lashing that you got, but I've had time to ponder the plans pretty good now, and she is indeed a V hull, or a modified V. Only the aft 36" is flat, the V extends almost 15'

And you are right, I've never built a V hull boat before. This will be a good one to learn on

Right now I've got this thing in my way...got to finish it to have room to work.

Posted: **Mon Feb 14, 2011 10:06 pm**

George, I know you were losing sleep over this after the tongue lashing that you got,

Nahh, didn't really care much. I'm told at least once a day that I'm wrong, either by some drunk at work or my wife at home

Posted: **Sun Apr 17, 2011 7:35 am**

No updates since February 14??
You're probably going to withhold any pictures that way you can do an album in the in end, right?

seth

Posted: **Sun Apr 17, 2011 12:54 pm**

majorgator wrote:No updates since February 14??
You're probably going to withhold any pictures that way you can do an album in the in end, right?

seth

Now that's funny

Posted: **Sun Apr 17, 2011 4:28 pm**

Bad troll... down!

We may need bags like this soon just to buy a loaf of bread.

Posted: **Sun Apr 17, 2011 9:48 pm**

No updates since February 14??

That's because on Feb. 14 I parked this behemoth in my boat building space, and she is still in it, and spread out all over it

Should be finished with her in the next few weeks I think. I need a larger shop

Posted: **Tue Apr 26, 2011 7:27 pm**

Posted: **Thu Oct 13, 2011 6:41 pm**

This build sure didn't get started as planned, obviously. It's been a busy summer with other peoples boats, lost a dog, builders meet, lost the other dog, vacation, other peoples boats, fishing trips, other peoples boats, fishing trips...been too dang hot anyway

Finally caught up, I think, and ready to start this project while Mrs. Cracker is out of town for a few days. A wise man once said it's better to beg forgiveness than to ask permission

Not a huge amount of progress yet, but rounded up the materials for the strongback today and started cutting it out. Tomorrow it will get put together, squared up, get some legs on it and leveled, and we'll be building again

I need another boat building dog, sure miss Sam's help

Posted: **Thu Oct 13, 2011 7:17 pm**

Oh yeah, here we go again.

Nice to see you back at it.
My condolences for Sam. It's never easy to lose such a close buddy. I think you're right; another boat building puppy might do the heart a little good.

Now for the over/under.

Bet 1: How long will it take C.L to finish the FS18?

I'm thinking end of May.

Bet 2: How many pages will his thread be?

188 pages

Will

Posted: **Thu Oct 13, 2011 8:30 pm**

I'll put a few green backs thats its "completely" done by your next southeastern builders meet......got a feeling another transom or the batman boat will be back in the shop for repair between now and then

Materials are getting expensive

Posted: **Thu Oct 13, 2011 10:37 pm**

Will, I say he has it finished by March 28th and at that time the build thread will be 164 pages long

Larry, congrats on getting back at it. You metnion forgiveness, how mad would Mrs. Cracker be if she came home to find a new puppy running around

Posted: **Thu Oct 13, 2011 11:36 pm**

Can't wait to see this one go together. I wish Larry had been in Texas to see Hooter's boat, it's a beautiful build, could have picked up a lot of ideas looking at it. Not to mention, I bet you have some new ideas to try on one of these boats. It will be interesting to see how far offshore an FS18 will go.

Posted: **Thu Oct 13, 2011 11:43 pm**

It will be interesting to see how far offshore an FS18 will go.

Are we betting on that one too? I'll say he takes it to Freeport

Posted: **Fri Oct 14, 2011 12:22 am**

CL, it's great to see you working on your OWN projects again

trc

Posted: **Fri Oct 14, 2011 2:34 am**

I just got through asking on another thread when you were going to start your thread, and here it is. Nice! I am looking forward to this build. I hope to build one of these some day.

Casey

Posted: **Fri Oct 14, 2011 7:02 am**

Glad to see you at one of your own again. John

Posted: **Fri Oct 14, 2011 8:08 am**

Boat building would not be nearly as rewarding without all of yalls support

how mad would Mrs. Cracker be if she came home to find a new puppy running around

Probably not as mad as when she comes home and finds another boat!

I wish Larry had been in Texas to see Hooter's boat, it's a beautiful build,

I wish I could have. I re-read his entire thread last night, he did do a beautiful job! And those hatches are fantastic

Don't expect those hatches out of me, I see T&H Marine hatches in my future

I have seen a couple of the FL built FS18s, very impressive boats. I need to read back through Bayport Bob's build too, another beautiful build. The bar is set pretty high on these boats already.

Posted: **Fri Oct 14, 2011 10:07 am**

Cracker Larry wrote:Boat building would not be nearly as rewarding without all of yalls support

...And I could not do it without your support, Larry

Looking forward to your build

Posted: **Fri Oct 14, 2011 1:28 pm**

CL - Good to see you going on a fresh build again!

Posted: **Fri Oct 14, 2011 3:38 pm**

Cool CL. Defiantly need a puppy to help.

Posted: **Fri Oct 14, 2011 5:41 pm**

Still not sure what to do about a dog yet. Pondering. Sure could have used Sam today, he was pretty good at holding up one end of things.

Finished the strongback today, got it square, level, and ready for some boat parts. A neighbor stopped by a while ago and asked how many people we had coming for dinner

Speaking of level, have yall used any of the Android level apps? Wow, first class, and accurate to .1 degree

Posted: **Fri Oct 14, 2011 7:02 pm**

Strongback looks good

Speaking of level, have yall used any of the Android level apps?

I've seen those apps, one of my friends is a smart phone addict always looking for new apps, but so far I've managed to not need a smart phone so I have to make do with water levels and my old Johnson levels.

Posted: **Sun Oct 16, 2011 7:51 pm**

I'm looking forward to this. Now I can see what I could have done better and faster!

hOOter

Posted: **Mon Oct 17, 2011 7:24 am**

Strongback shouldn't collapse. I like your "clamp clothesline". Very ingenious.

Posted: **Mon Oct 17, 2011 8:42 am**

Two days without any updates? Come on now, there can't be that much firewood to cut

Posted: **Mon Oct 17, 2011 2:31 pm**

Patience. Fall is fishing time and the weather is beautiful

but it won't be soon, got to get that firewood cut too. I've got a good boat to use, so no rush.

(moved from another thread)

CL, looking at your strongback pic, I didn't see the transom angle cut on the end. On Bob's, he shows mounting the transom to the precut angle on the strongback.

I haven't looked at Bob's, but no, you don't need to cut the transom angle on the strongback, in fact I don't see how that would work. The top of the strongback is the base line ( upper face of deck with boat upside down). All the frames are installed inverted, flush to the deck, then the stringers are fitted into notches in the frames. Transom knees are fitted to the ends of the stringers and these knees are what defines the transom angle. The transom is attached to those knees, not to the strongback. The top of the transom will hang slightly below the strongback top when installed.

There is more than one way to do it for sure, but that's how the plans show it done.

I like your "clamp clothesline". Very ingenious.

Those chain hoists get a lot more use holding clamps than they do hoisting anything

Keeps them handy.

Now I can see what I could have done better and faster!

hOOter

I don't know about that hOOter

I didn't see a thing wrong with yours. One thing I do have to make it go a little faster is a full set of frame templates, compliments of Stickystuff

Verifying all the dimensions now, not that I don't trust Ken, just checking

No problems found.

Posted: **Mon Oct 17, 2011 3:06 pm**

Good to see you back at it Larry

Posted: **Mon Oct 17, 2011 3:27 pm**

too bad he won't get much done on it this weekend

Posted: **Mon Oct 17, 2011 3:37 pm**

Doc_Dyer wrote:too bad he won't get much done on it this weekend

Alright, you got my curiosity up

Posted: **Mon Oct 17, 2011 3:40 pm**

The Smokey Mountain boys are coming down for some redfishing

too bad he won't get much done on it this weekend

Too bad it isn't further along, I'd put you to work with a sander when you get here

Posted: **Mon Oct 17, 2011 5:05 pm**

Cracker Larry wrote:The Smokey Mountain boys are coming down for some redfishing

too bad he won't get much done on it this weekend
Too bad it isn't further along, I'd put you to work with a sander when you get here

Sounds like experienced and free labor- how much better can it get? You three should have it planked by the end of the weekend!

Good luck with the reds, we'd love to seem some fishing pictures!
wade

Posted: **Mon Oct 17, 2011 5:09 pm**

You three should have it planked by the end of the weekend!

Might could, if we could figure out how much plywood we needed to build the dang thing.

how much better can it get?

Catching fish, with good friends

Posted: **Wed Oct 19, 2011 9:58 am**

Got to Chine in here so I get notified of updates. Good Luck Larry

Posted: **Wed Oct 19, 2011 10:08 am**

Thank ya sir

No progress to report. Several days of bad weather here, which is good, we really needed the rain. Doc and Andrew are coming down tomorrow and we'll be fishing all weekend, so it will be next week before I get anything else done. I was hoping to get out this week and scout up some fish but the weather hasn't co-operated with that plan either.

Posted: **Wed Oct 19, 2011 10:23 am**

Back to the BOM and the 6mm plywood: you need 6 sheets.
The nesting drawing shows only one side of the hull, you need two more sheets for the other side.
And the text under the 6mm plywood was wrong too.
On most other plans I write "two required" but here I wrote down the wrong total.
The plans were corrected but at some time, we reverted to printing a backup file and the text was wrong again plus the BOM on the study plans page was never corrected.
The drawing was always correct, it is the text on the study plans and on the drawing that was wrong.
Sorry for all that. It is corrected now: I updated the study plans page and removed the bad print file.
Larry, Joel will contact you about the plywood.

Posted: **Wed Oct 19, 2011 10:59 am**

Thanks for the follow up Jacques. We'll work it out

Posted: **Wed Oct 19, 2011 11:51 am**

Wow Larry, 13000 post.

Thanks for the help you have provided on this forum. Congrats. Don

Posted: **Tue Oct 25, 2011 10:20 am**

Wow Larry, 13000 post. Thanks for the help you have provided on this forum.

Time does fly! Thanks for the kind words. I've learned over the years that you usually get back what you put into something, and I've got more back than I've put into this forum. The new friends alone have made it worthwhile

Got started on the lay out work yesterday. Today I hope to finish it up and begin cutting plywood.

Posted: **Tue Oct 25, 2011 11:08 am**

memories....

Posted: **Tue Oct 25, 2011 11:12 am**

According to the weather channel you're gonna have a wonderful day to be outside and working. I'm running the heater in my shop watching it snow outside

watching and dreaming.....

Posted: **Tue Oct 25, 2011 2:52 pm**

Larry, I like the adjustable "T" square. Guess I gotta go back to the home store.

What are you using as a batten??

Posted: **Wed Oct 26, 2011 6:45 am**

Larry, Did templates work out OK> Any errors?If and when I build another it will also be FS 18. Going to try something a little diff. I was thinking plywood on bottom and cedar strip the sides. Got to love the natural wood finish. What do you think?
Got moved in to new place. Sure miss my 24 X 36 shop. Down to a 12 X 30 storage shed. It is slap full. No boat building room in it. I should have given you two more truck loads of stuff. LOL I will master posting pics yet. Why is something so easy so hard for me?

Posted: **Wed Oct 26, 2011 7:31 am**

Sure is good to see you building again. You are a huge inspiration to many of us. Not to mention your wealth of knowledge and humor. have a great day. John

Posted: **Wed Oct 26, 2011 10:23 am**

According to the weather channel you're gonna have a wonderful day to be outside and working.

It couldn't be better George. Low of 45, high about 80, clear blue sky, calm wind. Perfect building and fishing weather

Larry, I like the adjustable "T" square.

You've got to have one of these! Very handy. It's actually a drywall square, but it's never been on a sheet of drywall.

What are you using as a batten??

I've got several, the one above is a strip of white oak, about 3/8 X 1 X 6'. The one below is about the same size but mahogany and 10' long. Compliments of Stickystuff

Larry, Did templates work out OK> Any errors?

They were perfect, Ken. Sure saved a lot of time, thanks again for those! I'll hold on to them tight for when you start yours. I think the cedar strip sides would look great, but I'd just mess it up in the oysters. The maintenance wouldn't suit my disposition

Glad to hear you are getting settled.

I should have given you two more truck loads of stuff.

I can make another trip

Finally got everything sorted from the last load. It sure has been useful. I'm going to use the mahogany you gave me for trim on this boat.

Today I hope to finish it up and begin cutting plywood.

So I might have been a little optimistic

Still drawing lines....

Sure is good to see you building again.

It feels good John, just got to find another dog who knows how to build a boat

Your OD18 was the inspiration for mine you know!

Posted: **Wed Oct 26, 2011 10:34 am**

Uncle D,

Regarding the T square...

Cracker Larry wrote: You've got to have one of these! Very handy. It's actually a drywall square, but it's never been on a sheet of drywall.

That's what I have. I use it a lot. It worked great for drawing the hull on the sheets of ply. Since it comes apart, I find the sections also make a handy rule for general measuring as well as a fence for a jig saw. I clamped it down with two clamps, one on each end, and was all set. With a good blade, I was able to cut panels as strait and as as precise as with my table saw. Works the same way for a circular saw. This is how I cut out all of my bulkheads as well as the slots for the stringers. I picked it up at Home Depot.

Posted: **Wed Oct 26, 2011 11:02 am**

Yeah, I also use it for a saw guide just like Casey does

Posted: **Wed Oct 26, 2011 11:07 am**

Don't ya just love tools? There seems to be no end.

Posted: **Wed Oct 26, 2011 11:11 am**

I love my Bosch jigsaw, too. and all the rest of them too for that matter. Tools - Good. - Uggg!
my girlfriend doesn't understand football either......

Posted: **Wed Oct 26, 2011 11:14 am**

I just ordered a whole assortment of items for my orbital sander. Different pads, vac hose connection, etc... It's amazing what all is out there.

Posted: **Wed Oct 26, 2011 1:38 pm**

flyfishingmonk wrote:vac hose connection, etc... It's amazing what all is out there.

I also have that accessory

Posted: **Wed Oct 26, 2011 4:45 pm**

Good old "Duct Tape". If they ever stop making it, we will all be in trouble!

Posted: **Wed Oct 26, 2011 5:11 pm**

It's second next to the wheel. That's how good of an invention it is.

Posted: **Wed Oct 26, 2011 5:18 pm**

Duct tape is great stuff. The wind blew the vent lid off the bathroom vent on my RV in Wyoming last week. No problem, a little duct tape and we were good to go, although it was a little odiforous in there after the tape job.

Posted: **Wed Oct 26, 2011 6:47 pm**

What about 600 mph tape ? Larry sorry for going offtopic

Posted: **Wed Oct 26, 2011 7:20 pm**

What about 600 mph tape ? Larry sorry for going offtopic

Ramble on, it don't bother me none

I like tools and duct tape, wheels are good too

Made the virgin cut today and figured the first cut was photo worthy, using the drywall square for a saw guide ..

Then made a lot of other cuts, and got all of the frames and the deck parts and the 3 transom layers cut out.

Tomorrow I'll work on the bottom and side panels.

Posted: **Wed Oct 26, 2011 7:36 pm**

Nice progress

Posted: **Wed Oct 26, 2011 7:43 pm**

Sweet!

Posted: **Wed Oct 26, 2011 8:06 pm**

Posted: **Wed Oct 26, 2011 11:26 pm**

Was Peter hacked?

Posted: **Thu Oct 27, 2011 12:43 am**

Larry its looking nice I have not had the time to follow the board but as winter comes I will be sequestered inside reading all the post from sunny fl and paradise ga. I wish my wife wanted to move back to the coast maybe one day…so anyway keep up the good work and I look forward to seeing it come together your work is impeccable…..Rob

Posted: **Thu Oct 27, 2011 1:15 am**

Looks real nice Larry. Are you using Okume?

Posted: **Thu Oct 27, 2011 8:08 am**

Thanks for the good words, everyone

Was Peter hacked?

Nah, Peter just ain't right

Are you using Okume?

Okume for all the framing members, transom and deck, meranti for the hull panels.

Posted: **Thu Oct 27, 2011 8:18 am**

Nice job Larry , good to see you back cutting plywood again

Posted: **Thu Oct 27, 2011 8:47 am**

Cracker Larry wrote:Thanks for the good words, everyone

Was Peter hacked?
Nah, Peter just ain't right

? did I miss something?

Posted: **Thu Oct 27, 2011 9:44 am**

I think they were referring to your post above where the image did not show up properly

Posted: **Thu Oct 27, 2011 10:01 am**

Yep - that's the one.

Posted: **Thu Oct 27, 2011 10:15 am**

gstanfield wrote:I think they were referring to your post above where the image did not show up properly

flyfishingmonk wrote:Yep - that's the one.

You guys mean the thumbs up smiley? if so that's strange on my side It shows up fine

Posted: **Thu Oct 27, 2011 10:18 am**

I was referring to the "TheDawgPound.com".

Posted: **Thu Oct 27, 2011 10:21 am**

Yeah, on our side it shows a picture about hotlinking and stealing bandwidth

Posted: **Thu Oct 27, 2011 10:21 am**

flyfishingmonk wrote:I was referring to the "TheDawgPound.com".

??

I will look for another thumbs up smiley and change it

Posted: **Thu Oct 27, 2011 10:25 am**

You might want to edit that post so people don't go there. Looks real spammy and no telling what they might bump into. Like viruses and such....

Posted: **Thu Oct 27, 2011 10:31 am**

flyfishingmonk wrote:You might want to edit that post so people don't go there. Looks real spammy and no telling what they might bump into. Like viruses and such....

I just did, it wasn't my intention to place a link just a thumbs up smiley I looked up in Google pics, Better now?

Posted: **Thu Oct 27, 2011 10:38 am**

Yep, working from my side now.

Will

Posted: **Thu Oct 27, 2011 10:42 am**

Yes, it works for me too now.

Posted: **Thu Oct 27, 2011 11:00 am**

that fixed it.

Posted: **Thu Oct 27, 2011 1:45 pm**

Okay sorry about that.

Posted: **Thu Oct 27, 2011 2:58 pm**

No Worries Bro!

Posted: **Thu Oct 27, 2011 3:27 pm**

looks like my check in time was just about perfect.

Posted: **Thu Oct 27, 2011 5:23 pm**

Whew, I'm glad yall got that worked out

Hello mecreature, where have you been lately?

Posted: **Fri Oct 28, 2011 3:25 pm**

Cracker Larry wrote:Whew, I'm glad yall got that worked out

Hello mecreature, where have you been lately?

Chopping wood for the coming cold winter. A buddy and I did get a nice little ice fishing shanty together this fall.
I just stopped by to look at the builds going on. I was wondering ho Joe H was getting along on his P19 too.

I cant wait to see the FS18 go together.

Posted: **Mon Nov 07, 2011 5:55 pm**

Finally back on it again. Progress has been slower than expected, life got in the way. Most of the posts I've made in the last 2 weeks have been from a hospital room with a very sick relative, but things are looking better now, better than expected anyway

We've got the bottom and side panels measured, marked and ready to cut out. I jiggled with the nesting so that I could stack 2 layers and draw out the complete bottom and sides full length. This way I only have to measure and mark once, then cut once, and I'll have 2 side panels and 2 bottom panels that are identical. The center waste will be the stringers. Hopefully I'll get these cut out tomorrow, unless the phone rings.

Things should start going faster now, I got a new apprentice today that will be helping out, once he gets a little training

It's really hard to find an apprentice who already knows how to build boats

I think this one has potential though. Meet Cane, as in Sugarcane, but I can't bring myself to call him that. He's only 10 months old and a little rough around the edges, but he's got the right attitude. You'll be seeing more of him

In other news, CallyB came out over the weekend again, and we introduced him to some more genuine GA crackers at an oyster roast down the road. Hate for him to be stuck in a motel not knowing anybody. I don't think he'd ever seen people eat a pile of rocks before

Don't know if he ever saw a small group drink 750 jello shooters either, but I suspect so

Glad to have him around, he's good people

Posted: **Mon Nov 07, 2011 6:03 pm**

Good to see you back at it CL. Sorry to hear about your relative. Hope everything is on the mend.

I gotta say that all seems right with the world now that you've got Cane. He looks like he's a good one.

Will

Posted: **Mon Nov 07, 2011 6:08 pm**

Larry, glad to hear it's going better with the relative, and that is one fine dog you have there! nice to see you have another pall you can glue to the concrete floor

Posted: **Mon Nov 07, 2011 6:34 pm**

Larry, it's good to hear that your relative is improving and you're back to boatbuilding. That dog looks like a natural for Armadillo patrol, the boat building will come with time.

Good to see you have a new friend.

Posted: **Mon Nov 07, 2011 6:41 pm**

Georgeous dog CL - do you hunt too ?

Posted: **Mon Nov 07, 2011 7:02 pm**

Great looking pup! Glad your relative is doing some better. Illness has been tough for Shella and I over the past 2-4 yrs. We've both experienced the big "C". Don't wish this on anyone, but Guess its part of getting older. Sure beats pushing up daisies. Love your work. Won't be long before stitching now. Can smell the epoxy from here. John

Posted: **Mon Nov 07, 2011 8:01 pm**

I think Cane is a keeper for sure. He's gonna be a good boat builder, just has that nautical look about him

Posted: **Tue Nov 08, 2011 12:34 am**

It's good to read the update. Prayig for your relative.

Posted: **Tue Nov 08, 2011 7:33 am**

Glad to hear your relative is doing better, and Cane is looking good. I see you had to tie him to the prop to teach him how to hold still till the epoxy dried

Don't forget to untie him before starting motor

Posted: **Tue Nov 08, 2011 8:43 am**

Larry Hope your relative is doing better. Glad to see you got another dog, life is not the same without them.

Posted: **Tue Nov 08, 2011 8:55 am**

Thanks all for the prayers and wishes for my uncle. The best we can pray for at this point is that he goes peacefully in his sleep

He's just too old. We've gone from ICU ,to a regular hospital room, and now to a nursing home. The home is very similar to the dog pound, and I can't stand it. I'm going to break him out of there real soon, even if I have to unpack the Stoner. It's no place for anyone to spend their last days, much less a WWII hero who fought every major battle in the Pacific. This is a screwed up society to treat our old people like unwanted dogs

Cane is a good looking pup, really smart too. Hard to believe he was on his way to the pound

I had put feelers out for a young Golden at all the animal shelters within 50 miles. Got a call yesterday morning from Ft. Stewart. The owner was just deployed to Afghanistan and the owners wife was dumping him. Some people shouldn't be allowed to have dogs, or kids.

do you hunt too ?

Yes, I hunt Mark. So does he! So far he's hunted up every dead armadillo that I've shot in the last month, phew

Which is why he is tied to the boat. He woke me up barking at 0400 this morning, first time I've heard him bark. I thought he needed a nature call but he'd smelled 2 armadillos rooting in the yard. I let him out and he quickly dispatched one of them and ran off the other one. Then he came back inside and jumped in bed with his muddy feet, very proud of himself. Mrs. Cracker was not amused. The cat has been up a tree since yesterday. She is not pleased either. They'll learn to adjust

Posted: **Tue Nov 08, 2011 9:43 am**

outstanding story of Cane
cant wait to meet him

as for the quote about some people not having dogs, I agree

but You ARE a dog person and I knew it wouldn't be long before you had another one to share your heart with

Bradley

ps and if I recall correctly your not overly fond of cats anyway

Posted: **Tue Nov 08, 2011 10:00 am**

The best we can pray for at this point is that he goes peacefully in his sleep He's just too old. We've gone from ICU ,to a regular hospital room, and now to a nursing home. The home is very similar to the dog pound, and I can't stand it. I'm going to break him out of there real soon, even if I have to unpack the Stoner. It's no place for anyone to spend their last days, much less a WWII hero who fought every major battle in the Pacific. This is a screwed up society to treat our old people like unwanted dogs

Well put Larry. My wife's granddad was a pilot in WWII, and transported troups to and bombed about every island over there. He's an amazing man, with incredible stories. We just learned yesterday that he fell and broke his hip for the 3rd time now. The only difference is that instead of fixing it, he just got sent to palliative care (AKA end of life)

Like you said, he's just too old. I'm sure we will be flying to Augusta pretty soon for a funeral.

Good luck on finding a good spot for him. A man like that certainly deserves his piece of heaven by the beach with a marguerita in hand

Will

Posted: **Tue Nov 08, 2011 10:04 am**

Illness has been tough for Shella and I over the past 2-4 yrs. We've both experienced the big "C". Don't wish this on anyone,

John, I sure hope you and Shella are doing better. I'd sure like to see yall again in the spring at the Keys builder meet. If getting the boat down there is a problem, just plan on fishing with me.

cant wait to meet him

Come on back down Bradley, we'll teach him how to catch redfish

A man like that certainly deserves his piece of heaven by the beach with a marguerita in hand

Thanks Will

Posted: **Tue Nov 08, 2011 10:28 am**

Larry,
So sorry to hear about your relative, I feel the same way as you, I don't know how familiar you are with Hospise care but we had them come out to Janet's Dad's couple of months before he passed away, I won't get into the details but they were fantastic and Dad passed away at the house he live in for 40 years in a very peaceful manner thanks to Hospice.

Cane, what a great looking Dog! He has the look of an old soul and lots of spunk too!

Hello mecreature, haven't got much done this summer, fishing or boatbuilding, medical reasons, but's that all behind me, time to get back at it!

Thoughts out to you and your own Larry, Janet sends her Love.

Joe H

Posted: **Tue Nov 08, 2011 10:57 am**

Cracker Larry wrote:Thanks all for the prayers and wishes for my uncle. The best we can pray for at this point is that he goes peacefully in his sleep

Understood. Will do. No fun at all.

Posted: **Tue Nov 08, 2011 1:01 pm**

Just getting caught up. So sorry to read about your uncle, Larry. Prayers sent for him and you guys.

On another note, that is a fine looking pup. You and Cane will be good boat building buddy's.

Posted: **Tue Nov 08, 2011 9:14 pm**

Larry,
Our thoughts and prayers for a smooth beginning of rest for your Uncle. I know that he has seen things that I have no concept of and wish him the best. I think about you quite a bit and watch your posts and still learn much from what you teach while building.
I am glad that you have found a very contemplative. good looking pup to start building this new boat with.

Keep on Buildin'
Robbie

I have not had much to say lately and the electronics on the boat have me at a standstill for now. I have a plan, but have to get started with it.

Posted: **Wed Nov 09, 2011 5:06 am**

It's no place for anyone to spend their last days, much less a WWII hero who fought every major battle in the Pacific. This is a screwed up society to treat our old people like unwanted dogs

Hate to hear that Larry. Everyone should embrace a WWII vet if you know one. Everyday we lose about 740 more, and in the next couple of years, there'll be less than 1,000,000 of them left. This is something that means a lot to me

seth

Posted: **Wed Nov 09, 2011 5:58 am**

Sorry to hear. Myself I am down to one Uncle left. He recently turned 102 yrs. Old. Talking about a good run. I can just imagine all the History he has seen after all these years.

Posted: **Wed Nov 09, 2011 7:17 am**

Larry,

Sorry to hear about your uncle, your absolutely right about nursing homes!!. Love your new boat building partner!!

Andrew

Posted: **Wed Nov 09, 2011 12:10 pm**

Larry, Thank you for your offer to let me fish on your boat at the next builders meet. As usual, you are so unselfish and generous. I will have to respectfully decline the invite. Shella and I are planning to go out to Colorado, Wyoming, and the Dakota's for 3 weeks in July and August. I'm having to save my vacation time for that trip. We had planned for it to happen this year, but when Shella got sick, we had to cancel. I do want to try and come up and see you in the future. John

Posted: **Wed Nov 09, 2011 5:52 pm**

CL-
regarding you uncle, I 2nd hospice. They brought my Dad home from the hospital and let him die at home, with most of his family there.

2nd- sounds like a good dog! Enjoy the new pup - he will be a much better dog having you over the family that didn't want him.

Last - I got your letter, Thanks!

Posted: **Wed Nov 09, 2011 5:59 pm**

Larry - Regarding your uncle - My prayers are with you.

Regarding the puppy - Congratulations on that find! I'm glad you rescued him!
However...

CrackerLarry wrote:Yes, I hunt Mark. So does he!

I guess I won't frequent you when hunting. My name happens to be Mark!

Posted: **Wed Nov 09, 2011 6:42 pm**

Thanks all of you for the kind words and advice. Hospice does sound like a great option, we will check into that.

We did get the side and bottom panels cut out yesterday, but no pics yet. Had to go to Savannah today, and again tomorrow. Should be back to boat work on Friday.

Today Cane graduated to a certified companion dog (with a little help from the computer and laser printer

) and he went to town visiting old folks with me. He'll be going back tomorrow also

guess I won't frequent you when hunting. My name happens to be Mark!

I think that sentence needed a comma

Posted: **Wed Nov 09, 2011 7:59 pm**

C Larry, I'll second the Hospice, When my Dad got Lou Gehrig's disease and just didn't want to suffer anymore, with the help of Hospice we were able to take him home with us. On the way we stopped at his junk yard and he was able to say goodbye to his dogs. Hospice was a great help for us. They are there for one reason and thats to help.
Larry B

Posted: **Thu Nov 10, 2011 2:30 am**

CL: I don't know you, and I am one border and many waters away, so all I can say is I pray you can find your way through rough waters. Most of my family has served in the military for many generations back, and I have seen first hand how the adminstration of our taxes falls very, very, short of caring for and giving due attention to, those who have put their lives on the line for our freedom.

God bless,

Mark

Posted: **Thu Nov 10, 2011 8:29 am**

Cracker Larry wrote: The cat has been up a tree since yesterday. She is not pleased either. They'll learn to adjust

Hey Larry -
i brought home a lab pup (Barley) and Robin has a cat. It took a good 8 weeks for the cat to stop hissing and spitting. 4 months later (now) she stands her ground and smacks Barley in the nose. It's funny how he doesn't even seem to notice. Looks like we will be going through the puppy phase about the same length of time - Barley was also born in Dec 2010.
Congrats on the new family member!

PS - I've only had to cut cured epoxy out of dog fur twice so far, but my boat is alrady flipped. I'd bet you've got a bunch of that coming, too.

Posted: **Thu Nov 10, 2011 5:25 pm**

LarryB, Mark, Wade, everybody else I didn't call by name, thanks

I appreciate all of yall and your support

Been another one of those days. Cane is making a great companion dog though. We're getting back to that boat tomorrow.

Posted: **Sat Nov 12, 2011 9:13 am**

I wanted to show yall an easy method I've found to lay out the points for the curved panels. Instead of using finishing nails or screws to bend the batten around, I use some V shaped scraps of wood. Put the point of the V on the marks and clamp them in place, then bend the spline around the points. Quick and accurate, with no screw holes to fill.

All the hull panels are cut and ready to splice..

Stringers are cut and ready to splice also, I think

Question for other FS18 builders, how thick did you make the stringers? The building notes say to laminate 2 layers of 1/4 for a total of 1/2. Put the plans call for a thickness of 7/8

These discrepancies drive me nuts. Any feedback appreciated on that.

In other news, thanks to Mother Nature and Allstate, we're getting a new roof installed on the Cracker bed and breakfast

If there is a job worse than grinding fiberglass, this is it!

Posted: **Sat Nov 12, 2011 9:36 am**

Great idea Larry, thanks for sharing

Posted: **Sat Nov 12, 2011 9:56 am**

I'm late coming in on this thread but want to add my best wishes. Also, that's a nice tip for bending a batten, and a nice batten too. FWIW I just checked Nina's plans and her stringers are two 3/8" pieces laminated, so 6/8" stringers. Seems like the LB22 wouldn't have smaller stringers than the FS18

Bettin' that new pup's gonna love boats Dougster

Posted: **Sat Nov 12, 2011 11:44 am**

Good tip on the making curves, I like it!

I agree with you on roofing. I grew up doing that stuff for my Dad and hate roofing most of all, especially in GA summers

I learned it's not much more fun in WY wind either though

Keep up the good work, you apprentice looks great

Posted: **Sat Nov 12, 2011 2:34 pm**

Looks good Larry, really like the method using the clamps and scraps to lay out a curve. Good luck on your stringers, don't have a clue what thickness they're supposed to be.

Posted: **Sat Nov 12, 2011 3:06 pm**

Looking good from here. I also like the scrap and clamp method. Good idea

Will

Posted: **Sat Nov 12, 2011 5:34 pm**

FWIW I just checked Nina's plans and her stringers are two 3/8" pieces laminated, so 6/8" stringers. Seems like the LB22 wouldn't have smaller stringers than the FS18

But my OD18 has 2 laminated layers of 3/4, for a total of 1 1/2". Seems like the LB22 would have larger stringers than an OD18

I reckon it don't matter too much

We made some good progress today

Next will be to glue up the stringers to some thickness, and glue up the transom. Then the bottom and side panels.

Posted: **Sat Nov 12, 2011 5:39 pm**

Cracker Larry wrote:We made some good progress today

You surely can say that !

Posted: **Sat Nov 12, 2011 9:16 pm**

Looking good Larry! I will be following your build closely, I hope to have mine started before the holidays. That way I can have everyone buy boat building supplies for me for Christmas! Are you going with hard chines or round? Any other modifications to the plans? I will be asking lots of questions, hope you don't mind. This will be my first boat build.

Posted: **Sat Nov 12, 2011 11:05 pm**

He's going with the hard chine version, you can tell by looking at the frames

Posted: **Sun Nov 13, 2011 6:36 am**

I hope to have mine going before the holidays also. There will be a considerable break from building for the Mardi Gras season, so I need to get on it quickly. This is the first one I've noticed going together as suggested, with the decks in place. It looks easier, no elevating the frames on the strongback. My thoughts are to perhaps alter the sheer by a few inches so I doubt this option will work for me.

Posted: **Sun Nov 13, 2011 6:54 am**

I just looked at Bayport Bob's build for the 1000th time and his frames sit directly on the strongback. Now I don't know where I saw them elevated above the jig.

Anyway, that's something i was a little worried about because it looked like a real pain to get the frames into the proper position. Now i'm thinking it's a non-issue.

Posted: **Sun Nov 13, 2011 8:41 am**

Are you going with hard chines or round? Any other modifications to the plans? I will be asking lots of questions, hope you don't mind.

Hard chines. I don't see any benefit to the rounded chines on this boat, and it's a lot more work. I don't mind the extra work if there was a gain in function. This will be the high sheer version. I will probably build a small live well in a box in the center, sort of like Joel's FS17, but otherwise it will be mostly to plan. Plans are subject to change though, we'll see

Ask all the questions you want, that's how we learn

This is the first one I've noticed going together as suggested, with the decks in place. It looks easier, no elevating the frames on the strongback. My thoughts are to perhaps alter the sheer by a few inches so I doubt this option will work for me.

This ways seems to be the easiest and most accurate to me, and insures that the deck will fit the hull later. This is the way that Jacques recommends too, and he knows more than I do

. The side panels will go outside the deck, so it would be no problem to alter the sheer. Just make the side panels a few inches higher, and after they are installed use a long batten to mark the sheer where you want it. One thing to consider is that the nesting is very tight. If you make the sides much higher you will probably need a couple extra sheets of plywood.

Posted: **Sun Nov 13, 2011 9:46 am**

Larry good idea with the batten

Posted: **Sun Nov 13, 2011 4:59 pm**

Oh cool another Cracker build

Glad to see you back at it

Posted: **Sun Nov 13, 2011 8:20 pm**

Thanks for joining in BassMunn

Moving slow, but still moving

Transom is dry fit and drilled for 3/8" dowels. These will keep the 3 layers aligned for gluing. Epoxy is slicker than whale poop and the dowels keep things from sliding around.

Primed all surfaces with straight epoxy, then glued with thickened epoxy...

Weighted and clamped, cleaned most of the squeeze out..

Any other modifications to the plans?

I'm building the transom for a long shaft motor, and from experience I know that most long shafts are a little longer than 20". This transom is built to 23", but we'll be using a jack plate too, so it doesn't have to be exact. Better too high than too low.

Posted: **Sun Nov 13, 2011 8:48 pm**

Transom's looking good

It's gonna be strong too

Is it 3 layers of 1/2"? The layers appear to be thicker than the 3/8" dowel pins.

trc

Posted: **Sun Nov 13, 2011 8:57 pm**

Nice looking work Larry, good idea using those dowels. Heard about a train derailment over that way.

Posted: **Sun Nov 13, 2011 9:01 pm**

Is it 3 layers of 1/2"? The layers appear to be thicker than the 3/8" dowel pins.

No, it's 3 layers of 3/8" ply, that's what the plans call for. I'm trying to curb my tendency to over build on this boat

The dowels might actually be 5/16, I didn't measure them, just matched them to a bit.

Posted: **Mon Nov 14, 2011 12:05 pm**

Nice tip on the curve. I've seen that done before somewhere, kind of, not sure where.
Cool looking pup, Lucky dog.

Posted: **Wed Nov 16, 2011 11:28 am**

sambeaux wrote:I hope to have mine going before the holidays also. There will be a considerable break from building for the Mardi Gras season, so I need to get on it quickly. This is the first one I've noticed going together as suggested, with the decks in place. It looks easier, no elevating the frames on the strongback. My thoughts are to perhaps alter the sheer by a few inches so I doubt this option will work for me.

The only issue with doing the assembly/stitching with the decks in place is access to the bow area from underneath the overturned hull. If you do the rounded chine version you need access to get under the bow section to adjust and position the side panel strips. This may or may not be an issue when doing the hard chine version.

There is no "right" way in my opinion. Personally, I would recommend not even cutting out the deck sections until the hull has been glassed.

- Bob

Posted: **Wed Nov 16, 2011 9:21 pm**

Nice to see that you are building again Larry

Also great to see you got a new dog too! Coming to you was like parole for that puppy...

I know this is late but best wishes for your Uncle too. Hope everything works out as well as it can

Posted: **Thu Nov 17, 2011 8:41 am**

There is no "right" way in my opinion. Personally, I would recommend not even cutting out the deck sections until the hull has been glassed.

- Bob

Thanks for the feedback, Bob. I suspect you are right about cutting the deck, but I'm just bumbling along following the plans, a step at a time

We'll see how it works out.

Nice to see that you are building again Larry Also great to see you got a new dog too! Coming to you was like parole for that puppy...

I know this is late but best wishes for your Uncle too. Hope everything works out as well as it can

I appreciate it, Richard

Posted: **Thu Nov 17, 2011 9:19 am**

Aripeka Angler wrote: Coming to you was like parole for that puppy...

that puppy went from no love and headed to the pound

to the most love a puppy can get, at the cracker estate

a lucky dog indeed

Posted: **Thu Nov 17, 2011 10:07 am**

a lucky dog indeed

Yep, he's settling in just fine

Posted: **Thu Nov 17, 2011 10:51 am**

Gluing up laminated stringers is a sloppy, floppy mess! Might as well resign yourself to getting covered in epoxy and just get in there with it. Nothing vinegar won't take off

Pre-coat all gluing surfaces with epoxy

Then smear on some glue and try to align all the pieces and get them clamped in place. A couple of dowels helps here too. Used too much glue on this one, really made a mess. Got some sanding to do here

Much better with this one. I find it easier to align them upright rather than flat. Use plenty of plastic, anything epoxied to concrete is there for life

In the middle of this, another boat showed up needing a little work..starting to look like a boat yard around here.

So I'm building some new deck hatches for the little Whaler, in between stringers

Seriously need a bigger shop!

Posted: **Thu Nov 17, 2011 11:27 am**

Looking good Larry, did you ever think about pouring a slab and putting up one of those prefabbed steel carports. SWMBO's uncle has one of those that he parks boats under, he hasn't done it yet but a lot of guys close in the ends and put doors in them. Don't know the dimensions of his for certain but it's probably 20X50 and I believe he said the whole deal cost him 10k. That would make for a good workshop without going whole hawg.

Posted: **Thu Nov 17, 2011 1:42 pm**

Posted: **Thu Nov 17, 2011 1:55 pm**

Good job Peter

Posted: **Thu Nov 17, 2011 2:52 pm**

Yall crack me up. That's funny, Peter, I'll have to show Dori that

Splicing bottom panels today, wind is blowing about 40 though and giving me a fit. I can grind out the leaves and such later I reckon

Posted: **Thu Nov 17, 2011 3:00 pm**

Just a breeze Larry, but you do need an indoor boat shop. The winds here today are blowing steady in the mid 50's with gusts to 65+ according to my weather station on the roof. It's supposed to be windy and in the 40's for today and tommorow then on Sat the wind will stop and we're supposed to get a foot or more of that nasty white stuff

I can grind out the leaves and such later I reckon

That's the spririt though. I'm turning wimp as I don't even want to go outside and sand quickfair inside the shop today, maybe tomorrow...

Posted: **Thu Nov 17, 2011 4:48 pm**

did you ever think about pouring a slab and putting up one of those prefabbed steel carports.

Oh yeah, I've thought about it, and priced them. The slab alone would be almost 10K, plus the building. Don't really like the looks of those metal shelters either. I can build something that will look better for less money, but it's a matter of time, and money

Just a breeze Larry, but you do need an indoor boat shop.

I'd sweat to death 9 months out of the year unless it was air conditioned. Can't afford that either

Really just need a big roof. A really big roof

It's supposed to be windy and in the 40's for today and tommorow then on Sat the wind will stop and we're supposed to get a foot or more of that nasty white stuff

Which is why my Cracker @ss lives in Georgia. South Georgia

It's been near 80 for the last week, low last night was 68. Cold front moving through now though, low is supposed to be about 40 tonight, high tomorrow about 60.

Sorry, the lighting sucks, but the bottom panels are spliced

Posted: **Thu Nov 17, 2011 4:53 pm**

Looking good, you'll have it done early I'm guessing

Posted: **Thu Nov 17, 2011 6:12 pm**

[quote]
Which is why my Cracker @ss lives in Georgia. South Georgia

It's been near 80 for the last week, low last night was 68. Cold front moving through now though, low is supposed to be about 40 tonight, high tomorrow about 60.
quote]
It was 17 when we left the house this morning.

At least the wind wasn't blowing!

Posted: **Thu Nov 17, 2011 6:29 pm**

Ahh the weather always a good start of a conversation

The weather channel girl with her perfect weather curl
Is talkin' cold, cold, cold.
You can't get out of bed, you can't remember what you've said,
You're feelin' old, old, old....................

Posted: **Thu Nov 17, 2011 8:10 pm**

Cracker Larry wrote:Gluing up laminated stringers is a sloppy, floppy mess! Might as well resign yourself to getting covered in epoxy and just get in there with it. Nothing vinegar won't take off

In the middle of this, another boat showed up needing a little work..starting to look like a boat yard around here.

So I'm building some new deck hatches for the little Whaler, in between stringers Seriously need a bigger shop!

More money for the AB23...or more vinegar...or a bigger shop...or something

trc

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