Boat Builder Central - Builder Forums

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

pretty boat , you did a great job .

Not sure I have seen it done like that before but the end result is one nice looking boat. Congratulations!

Beautiful work!! Jeff

I think you did a great job. It looks great. Don't sweat the small stuff. There are not too many builders where everything is perfect on their boat. I sure don't try to make it perfect. Just strong and looking good from 20 ft or so.

What kind of wood did you use for the strips on the upper sides. The pattern of light and dark is great.

Regards
Tom in Steinhatchee

thb wrote: ↑Mon Sep 16, 2024 7:53 amI sure don't try to make it perfect.

This is true of a lot (most) of the pro/mass production shops as well. The full custom people are really the only ones that take the time to do it "perfect" and even then, there are humans in the mix. 90% of the time there are pretty gross issues that need addressed in the first couple weeks/months. I always tell folks "a basball bat stops the negative comments, just remember that the bat isn't for the boat."

That is a wonderful concept there. The idea of merging the "fast" stitch and glue with traditional strip ... beautiful in thought and execution.

I'm with Jaysen. You executed your plan beautifully.

What a beautiful boat. You executed everything to the T.

It's more fun riding in a pretty boat!

Thanks all for the kind words and comments. The oars still aren't done yet, but I was able to get it on the water with my little 2.5 hp.
I couldn't be happier with it and it exceeded every expectation.

When I started building her I had five other boats sitting in my yard. I really didn't need another one, but I've always wanted a real row boat. Not an aluminum v hull or Jon boat that had oars, but a real boat made for rowing, instead of the bricks I've been rowing my whole life. To be honest, I was worried that this boat wouldn't really row any better than the others and that the narrower beam would only make it tippier too...

All that said, I couldn't be happier with how the OT 16 handled with the little outboard. Not tippy at all, far more stable than I expected (with 2 people on board). The other thing I noticed instantly was how "quite" the boat was. I never realized how much an aluminum hull resonates and vibrated with an outboard. It was a striking difference. Performance was outstanding with the little 2.5 hp. Zips right along and real smooth.

Anyway, I can't wait to row it and definitely recommend this boat to anyone wanting a fun little rowboat. I thought I'd share one more picture from its first launch. <img src="blob:chrome-untrusted://media-app/1da18695-03ae-4d54-b3b2-458e7634f0fd" alt="boat pic.jpg"/>