New skiff project
 

Not a kayak,but I thought you guys might be interested in my latest project.It is a 9' whaler skiff that I plan on being a "throw it out of the back of the truck" ride.Throw it out of the truck is not going to be literally possible as I estimate its weight as being 150-180#.I can get in in/out by sliding one end in/out first.I will make some sort of dolly for launching at NPH and Dana and LJ during the crowded summer.I have a brand new 2008 mercury 4 hp OB for it that I am getting an alternator kit for(5 amps)

The transom had some termite damage that had to be cut out about 5" off the top as seen in the pics.It was difficult to remove to say the least.I replaced the rotten/eaten pine with hard rock maple which I laid directly to the prepped fiberglass with polyurathane (Gorilla) glue-amazing stuff and about 12 clamps.I then filled some other voids with bondo and sanded it all smooth.I origionally planned on glassing over this repair but now I may just lay several coats of poly over it and then prime and paint hammertone.\

I had to build a jack plate for the transom in order to get the correct 15" height for the OB.It is not complete yet but Its base is mahogany,installed to the maple with gorilla glue and several countersunk screws filled with famowood filler and sanded smooth.This connection is stronger than if it was one piece of wood which I considered,but I only want the mahogany exposed anyways and its a little pricey.The whole transom in mahogany would be about $60 for the wood alone.I am applying several coats of poly here then I have 2 pieces of polished 1/4" aluminum that goes on either side and will be through bolted with SS screws through the entire transom.

It should be quite fun when I finally get it in the water.

That is a rad little project. keep us updated.

Nice, looks like you have all the tools/shop to get the job done!

chris

Looks like a little bathtub... Cool project and nice looking repair job...

with the mercury...

Hey T-Bone,

Heres a link to my little 12' Gregor. I put a set of wheels on it for beach launching. Let me know if you want more info.
http://www.bloodydecks.com/forums/ch...ballito-2.html

Thats awesome.I love Gregors and Klamaths.This project sort of fell in my lap.The boat was free.I am discovering they are kind of rare,whaler doesnt make them anymore only the 11'er.
I am planning on some sort of cart but I definitely need some baloon tires because it will weigh over #250 loaded with engine,battery,bait tank,fishing crap etc...

Craigslist right now! http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/boa/1144843348.html

Better hurry thats a steal!

Found out boat is not a boston whaler but a clone.I have no papers for it.I looked at a 9' whaler on line and although the basic shape is similar,the whaler is finished out a lot nicer.The whaler is also heavier so I think this will actually be better for my purpose.
I am stoked its a fun project.I am putting on the Aluminum plate to the transom today,will post pics when done.

Completed transom jack plate:

1/4 ' aluminum through bolted through the transom.All SS hardware with bottom bolt-washer-hole sealed with 5200 and wiped clean with laquer thinner.I then chamfered the edges with a file.I also added 2 bolts to the transom a little outwards just to have a mechanical connection in there for the maple.I ended up exactly 1 1/2 inches thick which is supposed to be the optimum thickness.I need to cut the outer bolts and paint the transom and actually the whole boat probably and do the rail next,that will be mahogany too.
1/4 aluminum is tough stuff on a table saw and miter saw BTW,definitely put some blades out of their misery.

Seatrial in NPH yesterday.I need a hydrofoil to keep the nose down but it went pretty well.I was able to get it up to about 11 mph.it might have gone faster but I was in the harbor and you are not supposed to go over 5 mph.its going to be fun.

Sick! Super fun rig... we wil have to race sometime:the_finger:

Nice job there Travis! Looks like alot of fun. Don't forget to get your yearly CF decal....

bet that was fun to run around. time to get back to work :)

I can haul it on my kayak cart to and from the launch site!I did register it but didnt put the #'s on yet because I might paint it.I have completely new CF #'s to get.I still need to do the rails and build a Bait tank for it,my kayak tank wont work.

Nice job there. Always fun having a new project.

A little advice if I may, might want to think about glassing the transom area, esp since the brackets sit up high...

http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/a...1&d=1241055118

You will ultimately be putting alot of stress in that area over time with the torque, might be a good idea to glass the area underneath the aluminum plate entirely to save future headaches. You will get corrosion over time and it will compromise the integrity of the transom. Last place you'd wanna have dry rot...

Looks sweet though...don't forget the running lights and battery box...

Excellent observation there TMan ! Dry rot strikes quickly and silently.

I agree with Tman and D....that transom needs some (alot) of glass, that will tie the bondo'ed in wood to the exsisting hull and protect it from rot....make sure the wood is completely dry before starting.