Boatbuilding Tips and Tricks
Saturday, February 4, 2012
First Pactola Drift Boat Nearing Completion
The first 15' Pactola Midwestern Drift Boat is nearing completion. The builder is a student and has been diligently working on it for over a year. He's doing a very professional job on it and he should be proud of his accomplishments so far:
I absolutely love those seats!
Here's the Pactola information page: Pactola Drift Boat Plans
- Jeff
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Friday, February 3, 2012
New Huntington Harbor Kayak Built from Free Boat Plans
A new Huntington Harbor has been launched. The builder did a very nice job. It was his first boat, too:
He had all sorts of praise about how well the boat handled. I included that second picture to show you that, yes, you can fish from one of these.
Here's the page where you can find out more and download the plans: Huntington Harbor Kayak Free Boat Plans
- Jeff
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Sunday, January 29, 2012
Welded Aluminum 17' Texan Grand Banks Dory Being Built
I just got these pictures of a 17' welded aluminum Texan Grand Banks Dory being built. Thought you'd enjoy:
This one uses the basic wood framing frame size and spacing, but this results in a heavier boat than is really necessary. I'm in the process of re-engineering the hulls to take advantage of the strength of the aluminum so they'll end up lighter, stringer and easier to build than the wood versions. If there's a boat you particularly want in aluminum, let me know. I'm working on a 24' Grand Banks style (the Labrador) and a 28' Cane River versions right now.
- Jeff
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Friday, January 27, 2012
New 20' Caladesi Carolina Dory Build Framing Completed
I designed the Caladesi 8 years ago in 2004 for a builder on the West coast of Florida (Near Caladesi Island) as a bigger Carolina Dory skiff, but smaller than the Key Largo. As far as I know a number have been built but his is the first picture I've seen of one. You can see how simple the framing is for this boat. Anyone with even passing skills at using hand tools can build one, and it'll turn out as a great sea boat and fun and inexpensive project.
Randy Mills is putting this one together and he's obviously doing an excellent job. Thank you very much Randy for the picture. Looks like by Spring it should be ready to head out and have some real fun on the water.
Here's the info page on the Caladesi: 20' Caladesi Carolina Dory Easy-To-Build Boat Plans
- Jeff
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Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Seneca Power Dory Build and Review
I just got this email and pictures from a 14' Seneca Pacific Power Dory builder:
Jeff,
I ordered the plans to the Seneca back in the late fall and had a completed craft 3 weeks later. Currently i have had it in heavy use and putting it through some paces.
I initially used my 3.5hp 4 stroke to push it for a week and with obvious poor results switched to a 25hp evinrude which provides more than adequate power and usually makes people stare in shock at the speed of the little craft. The craft does not pound as bad as I thought in rough water (I think it is the slight attitude which seems to wedge the chop under the hull as it pushes ahead.)
A few changes. instead of 2x4 frames, I used clear grain white oak 1x3's, eastern red cedar for interior finish to keep weight off and provide a very tolerent species to exposure. wrapped the hull is bs1088 with4 coats of system 3 silver tip in 10oz glass, then coated with a graphite composite then coated the interior and out in PSX 700 (prev from Ameron now at PPG), then shot the exterior in a cranberry metal flake, also clear coated the cedar with psx then psx +awlgrip. Welded frames for the two center seats and rear seating which adds additional support to the transom and freeboard (and keeps the floor space clean and clear, nothing to step over.) I placed a large casting deck at the bow and filled 1/3 floor cavity with floatation foam.
Thanks for the good plans.
Review: boat handles very well, drifts great on the fly down the river and runs across the bigger lakes with confidence, sits atop the water well even in 2-3' swells, comes on plane quickly without too much bow rise and maintains a good attitude, even with a 25hp and me at the transom. & at the local ramp it was hard to get in or out of the water without 10 people coming over to check out the boat had to start adding an additional hour to our day plan. I'll will be taking it to the gulf in March for some Cobia fishing.
The first pic 85% done, 2nd pic is why I built it.
- JOHNATHAN KING
Thank you Jonathan, for the review and pictures. You did a beautiful job there - And in only THREE WEEKS? Wow. Love the interior clear finished red cedar.
Here's the info page on the Seneca: 14' Seneca Pacific Power Dory Easy-To-Build Boat Plans
- Jeff
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Saturday, January 21, 2012
New Hatteras V-Bottom Dory Coming Together
I just received this email from a 19' Hatteras builder along with some pictures:
Good Afternoon Jeff,
Just forwarding you some progress photos of the boat, the 19ft V Bottom Hatteras. This is one solid boat design we expect it to outlast me and my family…
Happy New Year!
Jason MacDougall
Looks like you're doing a great job there Jason!
Here's the info page on the Hatteras: 19' Hatteras V-Botton Dory Easy-To-Build Boat Plans
I love getting your updates and pictures, so keep 'em coming!
- Jeff
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Sunday, January 15, 2012
Major Website Update
I just did a major revision to the website and added many new boats. Be sure to check it out. I also took the flash of the photos off so those of you with iphones and ipads can new see the photos. Your inputs are always appreciated.
Here's the front page: Spira International Easy-To-Build Boat Plans
- Jeff
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Friday, January 6, 2012
New Huntington Harbor Kayak Completed - FREE Boat Plans
Happy New Year everyone! Even though this year is the end of the world according to the Mayans, I'm figuring they just ran out of space when carving that rock.
I recently received this email and picture...
Jeff,
I've been looking at your web site for months now. I built the Huntington Harbor kayak, see the attached picture. Thanks for the free plans.
I am ready to build a power boat. I have decided on the 20' Caladesi power dory.
Randy Mills
New Bern, NC
Great job there Randy. This is one of the nicest Huntington Harbors I've seen! I bet you do a great job on the Caladesi too.
Here's the information page for the Huntington Harbor where you can download the FREE plans: Huntington Harbor Kayak Free Plans
- Jeff
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