New Kara build

bob welsh

bob welsh

Well-known member
Here are some random shots of the Kara I built a few weeks ago. I made an oval cockpit otherwise boat built to spec. Bob
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I've always thought that the square cockpit was the ugliest part of a Kara, and if someone would make a rounded cockpit it would look so much better...you did not disapoint me! And the grass rails are a sweet touch too.

Best
Chuck
 
That squared off combing did not do anything for me either. I thought about it for awhile then built a form for the oval and went at it.
 
I couldnt stand it any longer and the pool was right there.. Oh and dig the "push pole" Im using.
 
My first build of any sort was a Kara which I built more or less according to plan, with a few alterations here and there - mainly I just added a transom.

As I was building it, and making mistakes, I kept on thinking thinking what I would change, an how I could make it easier next time. One of these was the square cockpit, but did not know how I could do it. Nice Job! Congrats! Love the decoy racks as well, I never got around to adding them myself.

I think by the time I (would) do my tenth boat build, I'd know what I was doing :) Wish I had more experience with wood and tools...

Hope to see some action pics from hunting season.

Anthony
 
I used poplar, I know not a good wood for boats but since it was available at Home Depot like everything else, I went with it. It should be fine for a number of years, then I can replace. I used parts of erics tutorial on making grass rails on this site. I didnt want to be able to get a hand under it because it looks like an easy grab point, so I made the gap about 3/8 .
 
How did you do the rounded combing. Please provide some details. I am in the middle of a build that would benefit from that, if not to hard. I don't see the form that you built in the first pic. Thanks, Trip.
 
The first photo shows the plywood all clamped together. Under the plastic is the curved jig. Its covering the form so any glue leaking out wont stick the form to the finished piece.
The form is made from scrap 2 1/2 inch lumber i had laying around. I drew curve on paper then transferred it to the wood which I cut out on the bandsaw. I then layed some plastic on my bench top ,put the curved jig on top of itand screwed it to the bench. I made some blocks out of the same thickness and predrilled some screws through it and set them aside for now. I cut 2 , 6 inch pieces of 1/4 plywood from the 4 ft side of the plywood VERY IMPORTANT. Plywood will bend easy this way in tight radius . Coat one side of each mating surface with epoxy and then use a thickener to butter up one of the pieces as a gap filler. fold one piece on to the other and position on top of center on the curve. Remember those blocks you made? Those get screwed down on the outside of the form as you go after you start bending it around. Have plenty of clamps handy along the top edge. When dry assemble straight pieces using butt joint and fiberglass tape. I hope that helps,if its fuzzy to you ask and i will explain in more detail. I dont have the form anymore I cut it up today for some bluebill heads.
 
Very nice finished job. If you would have given the grass rails about three coats of epoxy, they would last a long time.

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A buddy saw mine and wanted to build one and I gave him a deal on the remaining epoxy so I didnt have any on hand. Then the paint arrrived from Lou and I just painted her. But you're right the epoxy would have helped in the long haul.
 
Looks great! Reminds me of pictures I've seen of a Civil War Ironclad. (That's a compliment.) Great job on the coaming!
 
Thanks Bob. I have an idea now. Love that shop. A couple of light up beer signs, big screen TeeVee, a couch and a mini fridge. You wouldnt need to get cleaned up to go in the house to watch Da Bears!!!!

Trip
 
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