Devlin Broadbill Bow Question

David Palmer

David Palmer

Active member
Okay folks ... I've started my Broadbill build (my first build at that) and everything has gone smoothly up until today. I've stitched the sides to the bottom of the boat and my transom fit perfectly on the first try. However, when I cut out the bow piece as per Devlin's instructions, it was way too small. I then cut out a second bow piece (it fit much better, but not as well as my transom did) but even then it didn't look right.

I think my big problem is that I can't visualize how Devlin wants it mounted into the rest of the boat. Does it go in at an angle similar to the transom's 17 degree angle or is it supposed to be at a 90 degree angle?

If any of you Broadbill owners have any pictures of your bow set up I sure would appreciate it. If not, any other help would be most welcomed.

Grace and peace,

David

P.S. I apologize that I don't have any photos to show you how my bow looks now. I promise I'll post some pics of the build early next week after I locate the where-a-bouts of my digital camera.
 
David,

I did the same as you. It's been a couple years so I can't recall if I just screwed up the dimensions or if it was exact per plans. Anyway, it turned out too small so I cut another. I stitched it in 90deg. I don't see where there would be an advantage to not mounting it at 90.

Also, don't forget, when you mix up the epoxy and really thicken it up, it can fill in those imperfections where the shear pieces may not marry up just right to the bow piece. I'll see if I have any close ups of that area from my BB build.

Best of luck.

Ryan
 
Dave,
I think I had the same issue on my Broadbill. It's been 9 years, but if memory serves, the bow, as specified on the plans, was too small, and I had to "custom" cut to get it to properly fit the sides/hull. Was real easy to do.

-Bill
 
I had the same problem also. i did what everyone else did and made a bigger one. epoxy and wood flour do wonders too, good luck.
 
You can make a template out of cheap luan, ply or even cardboard to get the size you need unless your trials are causing you to run out of wood to make another. Regardless, you can use your prior mistakes to build up your transom thickness to ramming strength.

Below is my Devlin Bluebill bow.

BowMortise.jpg

 
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Thanks, folks! Good recommendations from all. Looks like I might have a "ram proof" bow after all is said and done.

Happy Easter!

David
 
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