Lobsterman's skiff

[Hooligan]

Not a seacraft but just wanted to post up a pic. Im building a 14' Lobsterman's/ Maine/ Brockway type skiff with my nephew (for him to go fishing in). It came together in a couple days- just need some plywood on the bottom and some fiberglass. Pretty fun little project.

Anyone ever build one of these or own one and any tips/ afterthoughts, etc for me/ stuff to build into it etc? Any comments appreciated. Just want to make sure I build it right the first time. Ive never owned one of these but its time to have a rugged skiff, last few dinghies have been too nice to beat up.

Unfortunately the seacraft project is on hold for a few days but back at it before long... ah im starting to miss the smell of the styrene.

[riverrat]

They built one up here in strawberry bank in Portsmouth,nh a few years ago.in the old boat house..one of my friends who's into woodworking put some time in on it..ill give him a call if you like

[Islandtrader]

Did you use any specific plans?

[Bryan A.]

Very cool!

I have built many of these over the years with my students, currently building a 15 that we modified to get a small V under it, no reverse chines though.

What plans did you use? are you putting it together with PL Premium, 5200 or something else?

When you paint it, use regular oil based paint, I like Rustoleum but thin the first coat way down with whatever the paint recommends.

Here are some pics of past projects.

[Hooligan]

ITrader, I started with a manual on "how to" but otherwise cut all my own lines and decided on my own length and beam etc. Just following basic rules for the frames and other basic construction. Pretty easy to do.

BryanA, those boat look great. Are you putting some "Vee" in this one in an attempt to make it ride better? I am curious about adding some to this boat. Just thought it might make it more tender at rest...

[Bryan A.]

Yeah. The vee is there to hopefully take some of the slap out of the flat bottom hull.

This thread might interest you.

http://downeastboatforum.com/downeas...kiffs-754.html

[Hooligan]

Bryan, Great link to downeast, I'm new to that forum and theres another wealth of knowledge over there isn't there? Very cool.

I was also tempted to add some Vee to the bottom but still on the fence. In a simple manner I would add a single longitudinal stringer or "keel" piece to run along the bottom of the existing stations/ frames and curve up toward the stem. I would then fill in the bottom of the frames between the keel with some wedges epoxied in place.

Also, you had asked if I was using PL400 or some other adhesive- I am using thickened epoxy for joining all of the pieces together. Little messy but worth it for sealing up the wood and for its strength.

[Bryan A.]

Try the PL premium, you might be surprised.

I use epoxy also but it tends to crack in areas where the wood needs to move.

[Hooligan]

Thanks Brian for the tip= you're the one whose built a gang of these things. Ill be doing another one of these at some point and will go the PL premium route. Epoxy cache is growing smaller each day anyways.

All that is left is to get the bottom put on this thing- do you use PL at this joint too?

[Bryan A.]

Yes, we use PL on some, and 5200 on others if the owner wants to spring the cash.

The 5200 will move a little more and allow the plywood to move when it soaks up water.