BBSB Restoration Update (pic heavy)

Tom Barb

Tom Barb

Active member
Well I am officially the slowest boat builder ever but I finally made some progress on my Sneakbox. I decided not to keep posting little updates as to not keep anyone waiting lol. But here is my old heinrichs box that I am restoring. I had it all stripped down and replaced the boards on the top of the boat. Then i flipped it over and ripped off the bad planks.

When I did this I decided to replace as much stuff as I could. I re did all the gussets with 1/2 inch fir plywood. (Thanks Tod and others who stopped me from using okoume on this traditional build). I then replaced the small plywood pieces on the hull that held the framing members together with 1/2 cedar.

I had to replace 3 ribs which was an interesting task. I tried numerous methods to replicate the rib and finally landed on one that worked. I cut some cardboard and put it in the boat, traced, scribed, and cut and fit some more until I got something that worked. I then cut it out on some scrap ply to fit before using my 1 inch cedar.

After finishing all the framing, I painted everything I could with FME. Now onto replacing the planks on the hull and then glass. Enough rambling here are the pics.













































 
This project was WAY more work than I ever thought I was going to do. Everything I got into just turned into something else that needed replacing. I think that is why it's taking me so long. I get frustrated and walk away for a while. I was very close to calling it quits and buying an all glass boat. There is just something about the lines on this boat though that keep it as my favorite of the jersey boxes.

I think I am through the hardest part of the build. I'm going to start the replanking process this week. Hopefully it goes smoothly and then I can glass.
 
Tom,

That's quite the contraption for the right angle fastening deep inside the hull. I'm sure it comes with a heavy dose of choice words.

Keep up the good work.
 
Thanks guys. The sides along the cockpit were extremely hard to get to. There are shelves on both sides that are nailed with brass nails to the ribs. These are original and in great shape so I did not want to remove them and risk damaging. So onto the drill attachments.

I had to use a Milwaukee right angle attachment just to be able to get anything back there. Then to drill pilot holes I had to put a keyless chuck in the right angle attachment. Then take that out and put in my regular apex to drive the screw in. Some of the spots i needed an extension. Here is a pic with the extension on.



Painting these areas was "fun" as well. And yes this whole project has come with a lot of choice words haha. I think the old man Gus is smiling down on this one though. I hope I'm doing him some justice bringing this old girl back to life.
 
Tom~

I really appreciate the need for the right-angle drill attachment. I, too, will be using one soon - it's what happens when you cannot remove the decking....I never wqould have thought of using the extension bit - great idea!

All the best,

SJS
 
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