Hey everyone, I am getting a real bug to start construction on a small yacht for weekend cruising. I am looking at something in the 20 to 24 ft range and am still shopping for designs. My questions (just the beginning) include:
- I am looking at plywood strip planking - any good books out there?
- Can I put compound bends in this form of planking in the area at the curve of the bilge.
- Has anyone cold-molded the hull this way, using glass and epoxy as in sandwich construction?
- Alternatively, I have considered glued-up plywood frames on a solid wood keel and stem.
- Has anyone used lead shot for keel construction? I have heard of using cement, sand, and boiler punchings (1:1:5) to mold a keel with. I would be interested in hearing if anyone has tried this. I would also contemplate a combination fixed and swing keel combination to assist with trailering.
Thanks, Andy
p.s. I just took the tarp off of the 16 ft'er and am anxious to begin decking and spar making this spring. Looking for a launch date of mid-July...
Have you considered used wheel balancing weights, they're mostly made of lead and should be readily available from your local Auto Garage or Tire Store. ----------------- George >Pickering, ON, CAN<
ReplyDeleteThanks George! I had never considered that resource before. I have a couple of different friends in my town here who own tire stores. I'll ask them today what the chances are of the availability of used weights. Andy
ReplyDeleteANDY, Another great source for lead is the hospitals and doctor offices. The radium used in x-ray machines comes in little 35mm type can that is lined with lead. A friend of mine collected over 8,000# of lead from tire stores and hospitals for the keel of a 38' replica of the "SPRAY". CB
ReplyDeleteThanks to both of you. Two new resources revealed to me. Ya know I took the tarp off my daysailer. Thank God I put it right back on again - Monday we got over 19" of wet snow. Whew, it was a close thing though. I am a florist with pretty good connections at our local hospital and several private practices. I will also put a call out to them also to save me the cannisters or any other lead sources that they have. As a side note, does anyone have an idea if there is a free or cheap source for data on the Irwin 27. I am specifically looking for the design lines - I like the basic shape and proportions - not really interested in specifics as to interiors, steering, etc. Andy
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