first boat build - picture heavy

Mark Spolarich

Well-known member
After many months of planning and procrastinating I actually started my first boat build the end of July / first of August. I started with the basic Kara Hummer plans and modified them to accept my 9 HP Go-Devil. during construction this plan was nixed and I swapped that motor out for a 5hp air-cooled Briggs. I used 5200 on all joints for added strength. The boat's overall measurements are 12' in length and 44" in width.

Here is the framing started



I added a 2" board to the plans and made the transom out of laminated 3/4" plywood. I also added bracing between the transom and the first rib for additional strength in the transom.




I forgot to take pictures when I added the cockpit boards and deck ribs; so here I am laying the hull plywood




Here it is flipped and ready for decking


This is where i discovered I made an error in calculating my rear deck ribs; they were not in-line with the rear deck support ribs installed according to plans. I had to add some wood to make the deck level and so it would meet the transom properly.


After painting the interior with epoxy paint and adding a bilge pump I started inserting foam for floatation




Decking on, ready for trimming



This is where I discovered that my mudmotor wouldn't work as planned and that I needed to go with Plan B (developed on the fly). I added height to the transom and laminated it with 1/4" plywood glued with 5200 and attached with screws.





Holes filled and everything sanded on the hull, ready for glassing


Glassing complete, easier than I expected since it was my first time


Keelsons layed out and ready to mount



Had to finish in a hurry so I didn't take any pictures of how I mounted the keelsons or of glassing the deck. Here are photos after applying epoxy paint to the boat




I had to go with two drain holes because of how the keel separates sides.

Here is a picture Ed took as I visited him on the maiden voyage. I don't like how the paint color turned out so its getting re-painted in flat dark brown.


My 17-year old son took a video of the initial launch before I added the 5hp. I may need some paddling practice!
http://vid1123.photobucket.com/albums/l543/qcduckhntr/boat%20build/20150920_090501_zpswewfwzia.mp4

I do want to thank Ed L for his help with my many questions and for putting up with my sometimes hair-brained ideas (he would get me back on track) for design changes!
 
Cool!

Get a longtail or something on that thing!

I had planned to do that but my modifications to the plans didn't account for how the motor sets on the transom. There isn't enough rear deck between the transom and cockpit....
 
Thanks Ed!....it ran a bit slower into the current and that is why i tried messing with tilt on the motor. I took Tyler out in it and motored along with no problems....

Thanks for the video!
 
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