OT16 - ply bottom and strip plank on top?

[madtom]

Just started on the Otter 16. I know we're supposed to build to plans and not start messing with things. But I can't help but wonder.... would it be a huge mistake if the bottom half of the boat were stitch and glue and the top panels were strip planked (and covered inside and out)? This would be painted below the waterline and left bright above.
I guess I'm wondering how much it would affect the strength of the hull?

Also, I don't know if it matters, but no sailing. Just rowing and putt-putt-putt with a little 2 horse at idle speed.
Has anyone tried this?
Thanks for any advice at all.

[jonnymac]

I can’t give you a technical answer, and I would be really interesting to see the build! We love some pictures around here

[TomW1]

As long as you build the the stringers, frames and hull up to the plans the deck and any thing else like deck and insides can be built how you want how you want it.

Tom

[madtom]

Thanks for the heads up Tom. So it sounds like a definite no, on using plywood stitch and glue for the bottom 2/3 and strip planks for the top 1/3 of the hull sides.
Shoot thats too bad. I think it would have been gorgeous.
Thanks for the help.

[jonnymac]

I wonder if you could veneer them on top of the existing construction method to the outside. so you could get the looks, but still retain original strength.

[Fuzz]

I have been told the bottom supplies the strength, all the sides do is keep the water out. I know this is not totally true but it does point out what is under the most strain. Before I gave up on this dream I would get the final word from JM.

[jonnymac]

I would sketchup where exactly you are thinking of making the material change. so its easier to see your intentions. I think you’ll get a more educated response.

[silentneko]

The 2 materials will flex at different rates and have different strengths/weights. I would just do the whole built out of strips then paint and bright finish where you want.

[jonnymac]

thats a really good point. the forms needed to do the strips, are different thickness than the ply forms too.

[madtom]

It looks like it's been nearly three years since I started this thread and the Otter 16. I'm almost done with it and wanted to share a couple pics just in case it helps anyone else.

It's not perfect, but it looks like the picture I had in my head before I started, and from a couple feet away looks pretty good. That said, I know when it leaves the shop and gets in the sunlight, its gonna look a lot worse, lol. I think building a boat is like a lot of other things, at some point you just have to say it's done, or you could tinker on it from now on.

Anyway, I need to add another coat of epoxy to the oars, put on a bow eye (to cover the messy spot on the bow), and then varnish everything that isn't painted.
I think I'm going to try the America's Best varnish listed on BBC, unless someone talks me out of it...
https://community.boatbuildercentral.co ... w&id=29199
https://community.boatbuildercentral.co ... w&id=29200
https://community.boatbuildercentral.co ... w&id=29201