FS14 Build - Pics, etc.

[Capt UB]

So, I'm back at boat building for a short bit and am installing inside seats and stringers. I remember reading about lowering stringers btwn seats to install sole at slightly lower level. My memory is this can be done to 3"? I want lower it to 3" btwn stern seat and mid-seat (and leave full height within the mid-seat and stern seat compartment,-- but then btwn mid-seat and bow it tapers less than 3" already. Can I cut it down in this area at all?

Leave the stringers as is.

I put in a deck, no center bench and lowered the foredeck. I did beef up the rub rail, installed thick inwales and glassed inside and outside the hull fully.

[finalfront]

Capt UB - Looks great, but I'm leaving in mid seat and putting remote steering. I saw "Bayou.?. " reduced stringer height to 3" (75mm) and it gave him a bit more legroom - I might need this for more comfort around the steering console and behind midseat as well. Can't see how this compromises anything? I had hoped to reduce it a bit in front of midseat as well..
Chime in Jacques, if you're around?

[Capt UB]

You should ask the question in the:

Board Index, Plans and Building, Small Boats

JM checks this and so does Jeff.

JM wants 3" min. on frames, not sure about stringers.

[OrangeQuest]

When I was wanting to put a sole in my FS14 JM stated that the stringers and the frames could be cut to 3" but not any less than 3" .
But....

I did not keep the frames at the minimum 3". But added more frames and will have a sole. My frames are closer together than the plans call for and more of them. There is a maximum distance the frames can be apart too. Once the sole is down, the sides will get 3" ribs and a gunwale. The seams were taped with 12 oz. and inside of hull also has 12oz cloth. Still have one more frame to install once I know where the console will go.

You can see where the sole will meet the bottom of the boat at the black line. I cut the top of the stringer and lost a few inches of the taper towards the bow. There is more than 8 feet from frame A to frame E. This will be a one person utility/fishing boat and at times carry two people. WILL BE VERY HEAVY!

[jacquesmm]

You can lower the stringers but the cockpit will not be self bailing anymore.
Such a small boat can not be made self bailing with crew but it can be self bailing empty at the dock. It is a good safety feature.
However, in this case, with all the reinforcements, the boat may be so heavy that it will never be self bailing.
All those reinforcements; double layers, extra stiffeners, are not necessary. They just make the boat heavier.
keep in mind that for a sandwich bottom panel, I can't specify less than 1 layer 12 oz. each side. That is fine for a PH16 or PH18 but overkill for a 14' boat.
I can't use less: I want 12 oz. outside for resistance to puncture and while I could use 6 oz. biaxial inside, we would gain very little in weight and make our life complicated by buying two different types of fabric for the bottom. Plus biaxial 45/45 in 6 oz. is special order.
That bottom is very stiff as designed.

I owned (and still own) several of my designs and always built them lighter than specified. They never broke or cracked.

From what I see in the picture above, that missing floor frame will not be a problem because the sole meets the bottom further back.

[finalfront]

Getting very close. Here's pics. Got Honda 20hp 4-stroke remote engine used..
Two questions :
Engine height - 22"shaft, but 20" transom.. manual says anti-ventilation plate should be 0-2 inches below hull.. It's therefore 2" below hull, logically. Is this to low & if so, must I build up transom by filling in with an inch or so of plywood to the existing arc in design.?
Engine weight - 130 lbs. I added extra 3/8 ply to full transom when building, & extra clamping board. I feel it will handle 130 lbs? Do I need alum plate inside to distribute weight (more than the large washers)?

[finalfront]

[finalfront]

Anyone else with thoughts on my last post about transom & engine height & weight? Calling Honda guy tomorrow on why manual says anti-ventilation plate install 0to2 inches below hull.. & why their long shaft is 22"

Here's some pics I finally got sized correctly...

[Jeff]

Really nice work!! Jeff

[finalfront]

Really nice work!! Jeff

Thanks Jeff.
Any thoughts on my questions in post before pics?
Seems I may have to mount/bolt my engine up 2"off transom to get anti-ventilation plate even with hull.
Tricky.