What I've been up to lately...

[Derek and Xena]

Well, this little(not so little) guy takes up most of my time, but I love him to death...

Braiden Michael Stockdill 6months, 28inches, 20lbs.!!!

I've also started on my experimental boat, which I'm sure will bring up some controversies on here but I've enjoyed working on it when I actually get the chance. This is a test model and if I get 4 or 5 seasons out of it I will be happy. It's basically a Devlin Broadbill(which I bought plans from Sam) out of a 4x8 sheet(no scarf joint). I am planning on laminating up some high density foamboard(extruded polystyrene) and gluing it to the bow and carving a nice rounded bow like a bbsb. It will be fully glassed and will also have the rubrails and center keel attached to it so I'm not worried about strength, this will be strictly a rowboat anyways. It'll probably end up about 10'. So bring on the criticism, I know it's coming...

 

[Bob B]

Derek,
great to see the little one. They do take up a lot of time and energy but you will beam when they break a first target or catch a first fish. The best is yet to come.

Boat looks great. Too many worry about the boat being perfect. Build it, and run the thing. See what works for you and dosn't. Then build the next one. For some the project is so daunting the build is the last one. That is hard because it has to be just right. I like the building and learning that goes with each build project.

You will get your ducks with that boat for sure.

 

[Derek and Xena]

Thanks Bob,

I do look forward to what lies ahead with my little 'bubba'!!! And, the boat has been a blast so far, a nice way to take a little break from things once in a while, and I do mean 'once in a while.' I've only put an hour or two here and there over a couple of weekends into it so far. Some may say I used the wrong materials or tell me that my time is money, but I don't look at it that way. It's more a vacation than a job! This may be my first, but it definitely won't be my last!!!!

 

[Brandon Yuchasz]

Derek, I like the project. To be honest I think we need more people trying new idea's and sharing around here. It expands everyone's knowledge of what is or is not possible.

Keep the pics coming as you move along.

 

[Derek and Xena]

Thanks a lot Brandon,

I have enjoyed watching your builds on this site and really appreciate your input! You have more skills than I!

I just figured in my head that the bow of the broadbill is foam filled anyway (and I didn't like how it is square) so why bother with the scarf joint? I want a round bow like the older sneakboxes and figured this would be possible with the foam sheets, we will have to wait and see. If it doesn't work out, I'll still have an 8' john boat out of it right?! But I'm fairly confident it will work just fine.