Boats?

[MATT HASSMER]

Actually, I had been looking at the FS17 as well. Looks like no one has built one or at least, no one has submitted pics of their own on their site. It looks like it would use the same amt of wood as the OB15, but i'd get a bigger boat http://bateau.com/studyplans/FS17_study.htm?prod=FS17. Looks like it would be more fiberglassing, but this is more like what I'm looking for. Plus, I can fit it the way I want & there's an option to make the sides 6" higher as well. I would opt for the center console option. One day, I'd like to build bigger boat with a cuddy cabin or pilot house. One day, we plan on moving to/near the Bay; somewhere on the water & it'd be nice to have a bigger boat to take family out. I like the cuddy cabin/pilot house plans because some of my family really don't do well out in the sun.
=-)

[MATT HASSMER]

I am also always cruising e-bay motors & craigslist for used & inexpensive boats/hulls. I don't know if it would be easier to rehab than to build, though. Sounds like there are pro's & con's to each. I'm thinking it would be easier to start from scratch that to repair something already built. Thoughts?

[Bob Smalser]

I'm thinking it would be easier to start from scratch that to repair something already built. Thoughts?

I post a lot of pictures to provide an idea of what you have to buy besides wood, and what you'll have to make in anything more complicated than a bare bones canoe or skiff. Powerboats use pretty much the same quantity of expensive goodies, they are just different goodies like motors, tanks, rails, windshields and controls.

















It's amazing how much money building from scratch adds up to. I stopped counting finishing out this simple dory, made all the wood and much of the metal fitments myself and I bought the remaining bronze hardware used on eBay.

You can't buy retail wood and West Marine fitments and can't come out much ahead of a storebought boat, let alone restoring an older boat in middling condition. It's often worth a week's vacation time and long road trip to find the right one. Surveying an open boat doesn't require an special expertise. Moisture meters can find rot almost as well as ice picks.

I'd much rather build from scratch than restore, but if you need a boat for the family to use in the near term, finding the right oldie is cheapest and most efficient in manhours by far. Then once you have a boat to use, you can take more time and care building your next one from scratch.

I'd also like to wean you from the idea of plywood, as using the real thing is more fun. But that depends on whether you live in an area with local sawmills and the right trees.

[MATT HASSMER]

Definitely food for thought. I don't have a timeline on this & I figure that instead of plunking down a chunk of change for a new/used boat, I could pay as I build & get the boat that I want by building it myself. I could build in whatever additional bait boxes, storage/stowage, & seat configuration I wanted (within reason of course). I figured it would take me a while to build it or it would take me a while to pay for it. Either way it's a waiting game, but building it would give me bragging rights as well.

[Bob Smalser]

I don't know if it would be easier to rehab than to build, though.

Other than replacing the stem and keel, there is little restoration on a wooden boat that isn't within your capacity now with a little coaching. Restoring one involves measuring the boat for true and correcting if necessary, just one of dozens of practice events for lofting, layout and spiling later.



This Meranti ply lapstrake pram was headed for the dumpster because of extensive rot and three inches of twist in the hull.



Repair is simply a matter of saw, feather the hull and a matching patch, glue and fair one problem at a time:







To remove the twist I removed all the knees, pulled the boat into place on a strongback, and added new, stringer knees:



An efficient method to get out knees is to steam strips in place til they take a set, then laminate in place using slip sheets followed by removal, cleanup and final installation:



The result in 30 manhours turned firewood into a boat with decades of life remaining.

[Joe LeFevre]

Matt, I have not built a boat yet, although 8 years ago, I attended a two week introduction to wooden boat building class at WoodenBoat headquarters in Maine. I totally enjoyed the class and have had the urge to build a wooden boat since then. Eventually I will, but not in the near future. Since attending the school, I have been a regular subscriber to WoodenBoat magazine, an excellent bi-monthly publication. The magazine is full of information, including sources for kits. It's up to you to decide how much effort and money you want to put into the project and this magazine can help you sort out things.

[Allan Froehlich]

Did any of you not use full-length strips to build your boats?

My Kayak Story:

About a year ago, I was delivering pizzas when I drove past this one house where I recognized the sound of an orbital sander. I looked to the left and there I saw a garage with about 10 completed boats on one side and another under construction on the other side. I was so caught up in the sight that I couldn't find the house a mile down the road that I was delviering to, despite the guy being a regular.

So, I stopped at the house on the way back. I was about as excited as a 10-year old with a new xbox. I walked up to the guy and said "It is so awesome to know that there are other people around here who wants to build kayaks too!" I had a really big smile at this point!

BUT, the guy said, "I'm sorry to tell you this, but the gentleman who owns these boats and tools just passed away two weeks ago. Mabey you would like all of these forms and tools."

So, I have about 15 templates now to build kayaks and canoes. I've seen many of the plans offered by different companies.

I think that I will build a Peterboro for my first canoe, but I want to shorten the front and rear so that it is a bit smaller and easier for me to move around.

[Jim Creech]

Allan,
For my canoes I always use full length strips. As I am not into kayaking I haven't built one.
The Peterborough is an excellent all purpose canoe and a wise choise. I would however caution you as to shortening the length. Anymore than about 10% will have an impact on the boats handling and stability characteristics. Rather than shortening the bow and stern, just place the station moulds closer together. Remember you only have about 10% to play with. Been there , Done that, Got the tee shirt!

[Gary Kvasnicka]

Allan,
I used 12' strips on my 18' kayak. I scarfed the sheer strips, most others I butt jointed on a station, being careful not to have joints fall on the same station. I used bead & cove strips which helps hold the joints in line. Also, as I milled the strips I kept the strips in order of the way they were ripped from the board. This helped with color and grain matching of the western red cedar. There are many joints that are hard to find...and a few that are... well not so hard
Cheers,
Gary

[Jim Creech]

Matt,
I have spent the last few days reviewing Bob's comments and recommendations and I have to agree with all.
One comment he did make about being in an area with both sawmills and the right trees pretty much tells the story. Southestern Va lacks what Bob has in his backyard. Most if not all of suitable boat lumber is imported from either the northeast or northwest. As a result the price of what is available is out of reach for most working people. Even marine grade ply is out of sight. I do envy the resources he has readily available.
Irregardless whether you choose to build from scratch or restore, It's ultimately your boat and your decision. Keep us posted (with pictures)
Let me know if I can be of any assistance.

Pictures- Something a father carries in his wallet where his money used to be!

[Bob Smalser]

Plywood is a state of mind.

Virginia is abundant in:

Black Locust for frames.
White Oak for frames.
Black Walnut for frames and transoms.
Black Cherry for frames and transoms.
Apple for knees.
Sassafras for planking.
Atlantic White Cedar for planking harvested from coastal NC to NJ.
Doug Fir construction lumber and Western Red Cedar are sold nation wide.

All are durable woods.

Solid wood takes a bit longer than plywood, but from a local sawyer is less expensive yet the resulting boat is both worth more dollarwise and will stand the eventual abuse boats get much better than ply. It's also a helluva lot more pleasant to work.

Doug Fir construction lumber can be had these days for as little as 80 cents a bf. Buy 2X12's thru 18' ....mills save their best logs for long joists and rafters....and you can highgrade these into lovely VG heartwood for frames, transoms, thwarts and rails:



The notion that carvel boats don't make good trailer boats because they dry out and leak until they take up is nonsense. That's true for older boats with planks worn out from compression set, but get the moisture content right in a new boat and it will remain leak free forever on a trailer. Just don't leave it in the water for more than a couple weeks. And if you need a trailer boat capable of being moored for extended periods, double planking with tarred canvas in between the layers is the way to go. Double planking a flat-bottomed skiff of Garvey isn't a big job, either. Caulking small boats is child's play and can be done using a pizza cutter.



If you live anywhere near the woods in most parts of the country, plywood simply isn't necessary.

[Jim Creech]

Bob,
Pizza cutter???
What kind of pizza do they serve you guys out there? Over here pizza cutters are a little to sharp for caulking purposes ( I will admit however to occasionaly using mine to trim veneers).
As for the lumber, the key word is locally available. The majority of mills are in the western part of the state and are a 4 to 6 hour drive one way."Locally" about an hour away, the only place selling boat material is commanding top dollar. Everyone else is doing treated landscape timber and warped 2 x 4's. If you know someone in the Hampton Roads area, let me know. I haven't found them yet!

[Bob Smalser]

The Forestry Forum
Sawmill and Milling Services Database
Country=USA Sell Lumber=yes State/Province=Virginia Custom Saw=yes
Company Name
State/Province
City


Beechnut Hollow Portable Milling Virginia Oak Grove

Brookside Farm Portable Sawmill Service Virginia Charlottesville

Fawcett Woodworking Virginia Covington

Got Logs? Virginia Remington

Portable Sawmill Services Virginia Hampton

Rocking K West Virginia Valley Grove

Skyhawk Custom Sawing Virginia Williamsburg

Slider Saw Mills West Virginia Fairmont

Westfork Wood Works West Virginia Weston

The Forestry Forum
Sawmill and Milling Services Database
Country=USA Sell Lumber=yes State/Province=North_Carolina Custom Saw=yes
Company Name
State/Province
City


Beaver Branch Saw mill North_Carolina Burgaw

Edwards Custom Sawmilling and Lumber North_Carolina Iron Station

Feltz's Sawmill North_Carolina Raeford

Have Saw Will Travel North_Carolina Saluda

Heartwood Milling North_Carolina Candor

H&W Custom Cut Lumber North_Carolina Waxhaw

H&W Custom Cut Lumber North_Carolina Waxhaw

Murdock Building & Portable Sawmill North_Carolina Rolesville

Peterson & Sons Sawmill North_Carolina Yanceyville

Weeksville Wood Worx North_Carolina Weeksville / Elizabeth City

Whispering Pines Farm North_Carolina New Hill



North Carolina postal code: 27946
Company Name: Tony's Custom Sawing
Services Offered: Sawing
Company Contact: Anthony Tauscher
Address: 021 Catherine Creek Rd. Hobbsville North Carolina 27946
Phone: 252-221-4526
Fax:
Email This Company

Directory ID Number: 1249
Website: http://www.biilt-it.com/

Description: I can handle logs 32" dia. 20 ft long. Eastern NC and southern VA areas.


North Carolina postal code: 27958
Company Name: Currituck Millworks
Services Offered: Sawing
Company Contact: Craig Eason
Address: 328 South Mills rd Moyock North Carolina 27958
Phone: 252-340-1670
Fax:
Email This Company

Directory ID Number: 1356
Website: http://www.currituckmillworks.com

Description: We provide full service portable sawmilling,tree removal, and stump grinding to Northeastern NC and Southeastern VA. SAWMILLING IS OUR SPECIALTY!


North Carolina postal code: 28018
Company Name: Moores Wood
Services Offered: Sawing
Company Contact: Jeff Moore
Address: 493 waters rd bostic North Carolina 28018
Phone: 828-289-7634
Fax:
Email This Company

Directory ID Number: 1153
Website:

Description: Moores Wood Operates a stationary bandmill. We provide quality hardwoods lumber, framing, mantels,and custom sawing.to the surrounding area.


North Carolina postal code: 28078
Company Name: Edwards Custom Sawmilling and Lumber
Services Offered: Sawing Kiln Drying
Company Contact: Kyle Edwards
Address: 107 Huntersridge Road Huntersville North Carolina 28078
Phone: 704-875-8901
Fax:
Email This Company

Directory ID Number: 1078
Website: http://www.sawmillnc.com

Description: I am a full cycle small sawyer that can process logs to lumber to kiln and through molding and other specialty products.


North Carolina postal code: 28173
Company Name: H&W Custom Cut Lumber
Services Offered: Sawing
Company Contact: Randy
Address: 10800 Waxhaw Hwy Waxhaw North Carolina 28173
Phone: 704-243-1318
Fax:
Email This Company

Directory ID Number: 1765
Website: http://woodbutchernc.tripod.com/

Description: Custom Cut Lumber, logs upto 31"X23'


North Carolina postal code: 28376
Company Name: Feltz's Sawmill
Services Offered: Sawing Kiln Drying
Company Contact: Eric Feltz
Address: 903 Myra Rd Raeford North Carolina 28376
Phone: 910-875-5827
Fax: 910-875-5827
Email This Company

Directory ID Number: 1174
Website: http://www.ncagr.com/NCproducts/ShowSite.asp?ID=2439

Description: We operate a portable sawmilling and lumber business dedicated to providing services not normally available in the local commercial market.


North Carolina postal code: 28425
Company Name: Beaver Branch Saw Mill
Services Offered: Sawing
Company Contact: Ivey Pridgen
Address: 409 Horse Branch Rd. Burgaw North Carolina 28425
Phone: 910-259-4777
Fax:
Email This Company

Directory ID Number: 1544
Website:

Description: PORTABLE SAW MILL 36"X24'


North Carolina postal code: 28451
Company Name: Cape Fear River Wood Products LLC
Services Offered: Sawing
Company Contact: Jesse H. Jarrell
Address: 430 Bluff Hill Drive Navassa North Carolina 28451
Phone: 888-371-0388
Fax: 910-371-0387
Email This Company

Directory ID Number: 1762
Website: http://www.capefearriverwood.com

Description: Eco-friendly business specializing in river recovered heart pine flooring. Building Recovered Heart Pine, saw mill and other finish milling availble.


North Carolina postal code: 28532
Company Name: Charlie's sawmill
Services Offered: Sawing
Company Contact: Charles Ewing
Address: 275 Pine Cliff Rd. Havelock North Carolina 28532
Phone: 252 652 4616
Fax: 252 652 4616
Email This Company

Directory ID Number: 1701
Website:

Description: Can custom cut to 24',3ft. dia. Mostly yellow pine or your own logs.


North Carolina postal code: 28625
Company Name: Statesville SawMill & Lumber
Services Offered: Sawing Kiln Drying
Company Contact: Brent Cook
Address: Scotts Creek Rd Statesville North Carolina 28625
Phone: 704-682-8084
Fax:
Email This Company

Directory ID Number: 1197
Website:

Description: WE can Turn Your Logs Into Lumber with the ability of Kiln Drying


North Carolina postal code: 28644
Company Name: Crosswell
Services Offered: Sawing
Company Contact: Mike
Address: 8825 hwy 88e Laurel Springs North Carolina 28644
Phone: 828-964-2903
Fax:
Email This Company

Directory ID Number: 1677
Website: http://summitwoodworks.com

Description: We offer onsite custom milling.


North Carolina postal code: 28730
Company Name: Mountain Sawyers, LLC
Services Offered: Sawing
Company Contact: Warren Keull
Address: PO BOX 2554 Fairview North Carolina 28730
Phone: 828-713-5851
Fax:
Email This Company

Directory ID Number: 1559
Website: http://www.mountainsawyers.com

Description: We are a custom based sawyer, specializing in custom molding and lumber. We can saw on location, for more information please check our webpage.


North Carolina postal code: 28748
Company Name: Innovative Wood Products
Services Offered: Sawing
Company Contact: Eric Lynn
Address: 182 Worley Cove Rd Leicester North Carolina 28748
Phone: 828-273-5878
Fax: 828-683-8492
Email This Company

Directory ID Number: 1154
Website:

Description: We provide custom cut rough green lumber, small or large orders, grade material, ability of 20' material form various hardwoods.


North Carolina postal code: 28748
Company Name: Woodsmith Portable Mil Service
Services Offered: Sawing
Company Contact: Nathan Schomber
Address: P.O. Box 1529 Leicester North Carolina 28748
Phone: 828 683-5734
Fax: ----
Email This Company

Directory ID Number: 1725
Website:

Description: We come to your location and saw your logs to your specifications. We generally travel within a 60 mile radius around the Asheville,N.C. area.


North Carolina postal code: 28763
Company Name: McConnell Millworks
Services Offered: Sawing
Company Contact: Shane McConnell
Address: 834 Fred Vinson Rd Otto North Carolina 28763
Phone: 828-369-6514
Fax:
Email This Company

Directory ID Number: 1402
Website:

Description: Small, one man operation specializing in custom sawing.Call me for all of your lumber needs. If I can't help you, I probably know someone who can.


North Carolina postal code: 28787
Company Name: C&M Sawmill
Services Offered: Sawing
Company Contact: Michael McCoy
Address: 27 Sawmill Rd. Weaverville North Carolina 28787
Phone: 828-645-4086
Fax: 828-645-0543
Email This Company

Directory ID Number: 1087
Website:

Description: We do custom sawing and moulding.Our specialty is in log homes.


North Carolina postal code: 28805
Company Name: Edens Custom Milling
Services Offered: Sawing
Company Contact: Forrest Edens
Address: 10 Craig Cr Asheville North Carolina 28805
Phone: 828-768-1364
Fax:
Email This Company

Directory ID Number: 1678
Website:

Description: We offer complete tree to trim services. We take your tree down and use our portable mill to turn it into useable lumber.


North Carolina postal code: 28901
Company Name: LegacyWoods
Services Offered: Sawing Grading Kiln Drying
Company Contact: Bart O'Sullivan
Address: 300 Kent St Andrews North Carolina 28901
Phone: 800-586-LOGS
Fax: 828-321-0827
Email This Company

Directory ID Number: 1500
Website: http://www.thelegacyadvantage.com

Description: Concentration Yard, 400mbf Kiln Capacity,S2S,S4S,SLR,gang rip, custom milling and drying. Export prep. Processing Hardwoods, Softwood, and Exotics


Virginia postal code: 20132
Company Name: Beck
Services Offered: Sawing
Company Contact: Kenneth
Address: 300 Main St. Purcellville Virginia 20132
Phone: 540-338-5290
Fax:
Email This Company

Directory ID Number: 1483
Website:

Description: Custom Sawing at Your Place or Mine


Virginia postal code: 22314
Company Name: Peterson's Lumber
Services Offered: Sawing Kiln Drying
Company Contact: Brian Peterson
Address: 2732 Monacan St Alexandria Virginia 22314
Phone: 724-272-0614
Fax:
Email This Company

Directory ID Number: 1187
Website:

Description: Portable Sawmill, Custom Sawing, Kiln Drying, Timber Acquisitions Covering VA,WV,PA,MD


Virginia postal code: 22443
Company Name: Beechnut Hollow Portable Milling
Services Offered: Sawing
Company Contact: Troy Lancaster
Address: 477 Bristol Mine Rd. Oak Grove Virginia 22443
Phone: 240-925-9030
Fax:
Email This Company

Directory ID Number: 1394
Website:

Description: Portable swingmill operation with ability to custom mill and slab large logs at your location or mine.


Virginia postal code: 22553
Company Name: WoodHelvin, Inc.
Services Offered: Sawing
Company Contact: Wayne Ayers
Address: 8961 Fox Run Drive Spotsylvania Virginia 22553
Phone: 540-854-6452
Fax: 540-854-4123
Email This Company

Directory ID Number: 1368
Website:

Description: Portable bandsaw sawmilling at your site or ours. Small or Large lots. No firm pricing without inspection of your logs. Small lot Kiln Drying.


Virginia postal code: 22611
Company Name: Green Hill Woodworks Inc.
Services Offered: Sawing
Company Contact: Logan and Todd
Address: Stringtown Rd Berryville Virginia 22611
Phone: 540-955-1567
Fax:
Email This Company

Directory ID Number: 1767
Website: http://www.greenhillwoodworks.com

Description: Run a portable sawmill operation, that will cut your logs at your location.


Virginia postal code: 22630
Company Name: Whitehead Studios
Services Offered: Sawing Kiln Drying
Company Contact: Brian Whitehead
Address: Catlett Mtn Rd Front Royal Virginia 22630
Phone: 540-635-6603
Fax: 540-635-6603
Email This Company

Directory ID Number: 1401
Website: http://www.whiteheadstudios.com

Description: Custom Millwork, Sawmill, Kiln Drying


Virginia postal code: 22630
Company Name: Whitehead Artisan Studios
Services Offered: Sawing Kiln Drying
Company Contact: B. Whitehead
Address: Catlett Mn Rd Front Royal Virginia 22630
Phone: 540- 827-4858
Fax:
Email This Company

Directory ID Number: 1748
Website: http://whiteheadstudios.com

Description: Offering full processing from log milling to finished lumber, and custom woodwork.


Virginia postal code: 22734
Company Name: Got Logs? LLC
Services Offered: Sawing Kiln Drying
Company Contact: Dave Buckwalter
Address: 11825 Remington Road Remington Virginia 22734
Phone: 540 439-8598
Fax:
Email This Company

Directory ID Number: 1594
Website:

Description: Portable sawmilling serving Nothern VA using thin kerf Wood-Mizer bandmill. Weekends & evenings. No job to small. Kiln drying. Lumber sales. Insured.


Virginia postal code: 22802
Company Name: Willow Run Custom Lumber, Inc.
Services Offered: Sawing Kiln Drying
Company Contact: Justin Schweitzer
Address: 2225 Fort Lynne Road Harrisonburg Virginia 22802
Phone: 540-433-0317
Fax: 540-433-0317
Email This Company

Directory ID Number: 1006
Website:

Description: We offer portable and stationary sawmill services of hard and softwoods, specializing in quarter sawing. We also provide custom kiln drying services.


Virginia postal code: 23009
Company Name: O'Dell Custom Sawing
Services Offered: Sawing Kiln Drying
Company Contact: Richard O'Dell
Address: 482 Hazelwood Road Aylett Virginia 23009
Phone: 804 994-5264
Fax:
Email This Company

Directory ID Number: 1107
Website: http://www.odellcustomsawing.com

Description: Portable sawmill offering custom sawing, onsite sawing, and dry kiln services to greater Richmond, VA area.


Virginia postal code: 23053
Company Name: JUST UE HARDWOODS
Services Offered: Sawing Kiln Drying
Company Contact: JEFFERY TRUETT
Address: 125843 BOYKINS Virginia 23053
Phone: 757-620-4517
Fax:
Email This Company

Directory ID Number: 1253
Website:

Description: CUSTOM SAWING,KILN DRYING AND MILLING


Virginia postal code: 23139
Company Name: Dreaming Creek Timber Frames
Services Offered: Sawing
Company Contact: Bob Shortridge Jr.
Address: 2487 Judes Ferry Road Powhatan Virginia 23139
Phone: 804-598-4328
Fax: 804-598-3748
Email This Company

Directory ID Number: 1261
Website: http://dreamingcreek.com

Description: Custom sawing to your specifications.


Virginia postal code: 23168
Company Name: CKs Portable LOG MILL
Services Offered: Sawing
Company Contact: Cary Kennedy
Address: 9405 Barnes Road Toano Virginia 23168
Phone: 757 566 4727
Fax:
Email This Company

Directory ID Number: 1273
Website: http://www.richmondrugby.net/lumber.html

Description: CKs Portable Log Mill service will convert your logs into valuable boards. Have mill will travel.


Virginia postal code: 23837
Company Name: Davis Woodworking
Services Offered: Sawing
Company Contact: Michael R. Davis
Address: 22390 Main Street Courtland Virginia 23837
Phone: 757-304-1482
Fax:
Email This Company

Directory ID Number: 1521
Website:

Description: Portable sawmill in historic Southampton Co. area, turning your logs into valuable boards


Virginia postal code: 23890
Company Name: Cool Spring Custom Milling
Services Offered: Sawing Grading Kiln Drying
Company Contact: Kevin Bain
Address: 15105 Old Forty Rd. Waverly Virginia 23890
Phone: 804-691-8057
Fax:
Email This Company

Directory ID Number: 1308
Website:

Description: Custom sawing at your location or mine. Fully hydraulic bandmill. 24 years experience in hardwood lumber manufacture, inspection and kiln drying.


Virginia postal code: 24064
Company Name: Tree Takedown Services, Inc.
Services Offered: Sawing
Company Contact: Trent Badgley
Address: 76 Silverbirch Dr. Blue Ridge Virginia 24064
Phone: 540-977-2260
Fax: Same
Email This Company

Directory ID Number: 1555
Website:

Description: Custom Sawmilling, on-site sawmilling, tree takedowns, lot clearing,and log removals.


Virginia postal code: 24087
Company Name: Custom Sawyer
Services Offered: Sawing
Company Contact: Robert Wimmer
Address: P. O. Box 244 Elliston Virginia 24087
Phone: 540-268-1803
Fax:
Email This Company

Directory ID Number: 1419
Website:

Description: Will saw logs and materials from old cabins, barns, etc.