Marsh Rat Build, Pt 1 - Pics

[Ben M]

So, I've been working on getting the frames built for this ply-on-frame boat. Been having fun, but there's nothing much to post when all you've done is built a few frames. Hahaha . . . But now, the thing is starting to look like something and I thought I'd post some of my progress on my very first build.

I've already learned a TON from you guys. What a great forum! I love seeing pics of what other people are working on, so I thought I'd share a few of my own project. Feel free to comment, critique, offer advice, etc. You won't hurt my feelings, and I would very much appreciate any advice you could pass my way!

Typical frame construction . . . The high top of the frame will be cut down and serve as a cockpit coaming.

Frame blocked up on sawhorse . . .

Cockpit sides attached . . .

Pulled a line to demonstrate the fall of the coaming front to rear and mark for the next frame . . .

Only one frame is actually in the cockpit. Plans call for it to be attached to cockpit sides/coaming first, then the keelson attached to all frames. Temporary blocks were screwed to cockpit sides to keep the frame square as I positioned it . . .

Here, the middle frame is clamped to the temp blocks in its final position for pre-drilling, gluing, screwing . . . the temp blocks HAD to be removed after gluing so they wouldn't stay there permanently! Hahaha . . .

All frames attached and notched for keelson . . .

Next step is to attach the keelson, then notch the corners of all frames for the chine log & sheer clamp. It's happening! I'm so excited I can hardly sleep at night! Hahaha . . .

Again, please feel free to offer any critique, criticism, advice, etc. I want to learn!

Thanks for looking!

Ben

 

[Chris S.]

Ben,
Looking good. Its fun working on your own boat. Making it your own and how you want is the best part. Will you have it done in time for this upcoming season? I have a count down. We have less then 100 days till we can hunt here in NJ. Keep the pictures coming. Good luck with it

 

[Ben M]

Thanks Chris!

I sure as heck hope I have it ready by this fall!

First weekend of September is the opening of resident goose in my neck of the woods . . . yikes! I gotta get to work!

 

[Chris S.]

when you get ready to glass check out Us Composites they seem to have the best prices thats where i got my epoxy

 

[Ben M]

Will do. I appreciate the tip!

 

[Dave Diefenderfer]

Ben, does the plans talk about limber holes for the hull to drain? Looks like cutting them into the frames prior to installing the keelson would make life easier.

 

[Anthony A]

Ben, does the plans talk about limber holes for the hull to drain? Looks like cutting them into the frames prior to installing the keelson would make life easier.

I second that! Wish I did that with my build!

 

[Ben M]

Ben, does the plans talk about limber holes for the hull to drain? Looks like cutting them into the frames prior to installing the keelson would make life easier.

Great question!

In the pre-build, planning, obsessing stage of the project I asked the designer about that. The plans and pics of another builder's progress that he sent me did not have any kind of limber holes at all. (I didn't even know what a limber hole was until you just used the term! Hahaha . . . I'm new to boat building, can you tell? I just knew that the dog retrieving and me hopping in and out to drag the boat around riffles would mean water in the boat!) The designer advised me to widen the keelson notches to allow water to drain. Other of his designs have these widened notches spec-ed, but this design didn't for some reason.

Here is a pic of the keelson clamped into place as it will eventually be permanently affixed. Of course, it will be faired down to the angle of the frames.