The next step was to install the skeg on the bottom. Following plans, one was fashioned out of white oak. I also decided to add an external strip to protect the keel. After this was completed the bottom of the boat was sanded and given 3 coats of paint.
The boat was turned over and work on the cockpit coaming started. I used a template for the bow and stern parts of the cockpit but they turned out to short to match the side coamings and to cover the rib. If building using the plans you need a 3 1/2" width at the mid section to match the desired arc and cover the rib.
Here is my first attempt and second piece.
Using a 1/4 round over bit all edges were rounded over. I made 1/4 round molding to cover the transition between the deck and the coaming.
I then added 1/2" rub rails to the edge of the boat. Rub rails were fashioned out of white oak stock I have on hand. Using 1" ring nails the rails were mounted to the boat.
I then started work on the decoy racks. Using 1" white oak the aft decoy rack brackets were made. I used the table saw to cut the mortise for the 1/2" white oak stakes. I gave allowance for paint and swelling. I matched the opening to 1/2" white oak for the stakes. Edges were rounded over using 1/2" round over bit and temporarily mounted to the stern. Using a template I started working on making the rack using 1/4" plywood.
The boat was turned over and work on the cockpit coaming started. I used a template for the bow and stern parts of the cockpit but they turned out to short to match the side coamings and to cover the rib. If building using the plans you need a 3 1/2" width at the mid section to match the desired arc and cover the rib.
Here is my first attempt and second piece.
Using a 1/4 round over bit all edges were rounded over. I made 1/4 round molding to cover the transition between the deck and the coaming.
I then added 1/2" rub rails to the edge of the boat. Rub rails were fashioned out of white oak stock I have on hand. Using 1" ring nails the rails were mounted to the boat.
I then started work on the decoy racks. Using 1" white oak the aft decoy rack brackets were made. I used the table saw to cut the mortise for the 1/2" white oak stakes. I gave allowance for paint and swelling. I matched the opening to 1/2" white oak for the stakes. Edges were rounded over using 1/2" round over bit and temporarily mounted to the stern. Using a template I started working on making the rack using 1/4" plywood.
