FL14 Question

[Grant]

I am a new boatbuilder and have recently purchased the plans for the FL14. I noticed on the plans that the forward seat frame is only one piece, with the "seat" sitting on top of the frame like a "T". I was hoping to make the space underneath this seat available either for foam or storage like in the pictures on the following site:http://www.bateau2.comFL14/

Does anyone know the dimensions for these frames?

Thanks,

Grant

[Hoot]

I was thinking of doing same on FL11. I was simply going to run some battens up to the bow and make pattern for seat top/locker w lid.

You might have to wing it unless a builder has saved patterns??

Hoot

[Grant]

Hoot,

Thanks for the reply and your idea. Sometimes winging it is all we can do! I just hated to wing it too much on my first boat building adventure. I know that someone out there has done this, and done it well based upon the fine pics. Hopefully a builder has saved their patterns and can enlighten me.

Thanks again!

Grant

[jacquesmm]

The dimensions for all the frames are on the plans.

[ross61]

Grant,

To make the forward seat into a storage box I would do the following:

1. Stitch sides, bottom and frames together as specified on the plans
2. Mark on the sides and bottom where you want the new frames to be
be located. (on the front and back of the seat)
3. Use strips 2"-3" wide of 1/4" cheapo plywood to make patterns for the
new frames.
4. Install new frames and remove the original frame which was located in
middle of the seat.

I believe this is what I am going to do on my FL14 also.

I got this idea from George Buehlers Backyard Boatbuilding Book which is about building larger sail and power yachts, but is loaded with many simple solutions which can be used for anything. Fun read too. Good Luck!!

Ross

[Grant]

Ross,

I was thinking of something along those lines. Thanks for the info! Let me know how it works on your boat.

Grant

[jacquesmm]

Finally, I understand what all this was about. Sorry but some days I go through 50 messages and get confused.
OK, here is how I would do it assemble the boat as explained in the notes but cut the forward frame from any cheap plywood.
Push that forward frame in place and, with all other frames in the boat, measure the size of the new frames, one in front, one behind the forward frame.

Now, there is an easier solution: cover the whole front of the boat, from the frame we show on the plans to the bow. Simple, easy, strong and gives lots of storage.

[Grant]

Jacques,

Another great idea. Now to decide which one to do. Thanks for the help everyone!

Grant