Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Home Built Paddle Wheel Boat Build

Collapse
X
 
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • Home Built Paddle Wheel Boat Build

    Hey all!
    I am always building things around here, Sheds, garden planters, sheds with garden planters on top, treehouses, etc.
    I've been planning a boat building project for a few years, and it's finally getting the bones ready for assembly. I am building this from plans that were in an ancient Popular Mechanics magazine from the early 1960's. It's a small craft for two adults, or possibly 2 adults and two kids.
    I will be deviating from the plans a bit, but for good reason. The original plans called for the paddlewheels to be hand cranked. I'm going to make it into pedals so you can lean back, kinda recumbent style. Also deviations in wood thickness, coatings, and screws because a lot has changed since the early 1960's.
    Progress will be posted here
    Attached Files

  • #2
    Finally time to start assembling the boat. Everything must be lined up and trued before drilling pilot holes. I use wood shims underneath, and furniture clamps to hold it. After it's set. then pilot holes are drilled for the screws. Then the clamps come off, waterproof glue applied to the joints, and then re-clamp it, but this time screws put in the pilot holes.
    After the glue cures, the clamps come off, and we're ready for plywood to be put on for the bottom of the boat. This is why it's important for it to be trued before drilling, screwing, and glueing. The plywood must fit properly, and it won't if your frame is askew


    Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20221018_175812471.jpg
Views:	48
Size:	69.1 KB
ID:	24760 Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20221018_175828041.jpg
Views:	37
Size:	74.4 KB
ID:	24761 Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20221018_183023579.jpg
Views:	38
Size:	71.8 KB
ID:	24762 Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20221018_182958827.jpg
Views:	39
Size:	94.6 KB
ID:	24763

    Comment


    • #3
      Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20221024_182301935.jpg
Views:	26
Size:	62.2 KB
ID:	24770 Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20221024_182331493.jpg
Views:	33
Size:	58.2 KB
ID:	24768 Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20221024_182342088.jpg
Views:	32
Size:	109.2 KB
ID:	24769 I drilled the holes for screws using a countersink bit, and then drove marine grade screws in. I had to hunt around town for some good waterproof epoxy for the joints. I settled on one that needs mixing, but it was an easy mix. I then unscrewed one corner of the boat at a time, and applied the epoxy to the joints. Next, re-set the wood into the rabbeted ends, line up the screws a bit and clamp both joints on one side of the boat, tightening the clamps and screws a little each time until both are snug, and the screws slightly recessed. Let set for 24 hours, and then repeat on the other side. It's important to buy an epoxy that is waterproof rated for below the waterline, and....get one that isn't fast drying. Especially stay clear of the ones that say "contact glue or cement or what have you. Once those touch, they stick for good. You want one that's forgiving while you align and tighten.

      Comment

      Working...
      X
      😀
      🥰
      🤢
      😎
      😡
      👍
      👎