Boatbuilding Tips and Tricks

Thursday, December 22, 2011

New Mission Bay Stitch and Glue Boat Launched

Just got these pictures of a recently completed homebuilt Mission Bay stitch and glue boat. The builder did a great job. These weigh only about 75 lbs empty, so are easy to cartop, they can carry a small family, plus they're stable enough for you to stand and cast. On top of that, for about $250, the first time builder can build one in three or four weekends! Well, what are you waiting for?

Mission Bay stitch and glue ultralight Boat Plans

Here's the information page for the Mission Bay: Mission Bay Ultra-Light Stitch and Glue Boat Plans

Here's a Photo Essay of me building a Mission Bay: How To Build a Mission Bay Ultralight Skiff

- Jeff

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Wednesday, December 21, 2011

One Way to Flip Over Your Power Dory Project

Zachary Frangos, who lives along the beautiful Santa Barbara - Ventura coastline of Southern California, is building his third Spira International boat plan, a 19' Albion. When it came to flipping it over, he elected to go the easy way, hiring a forklift.

Albion Pacific Power Dory Boat Plans

The boat is coming out just beautifully!

Albion Pacific Power Dory Boat Plans

Here's the information page for the Albion: Albion Pacific Power Dory Boat Plans

- Jeff

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Thursday, December 1, 2011

Muskies and Yukon Drift Boats

One of my customers posted this on my wall on Facebook. Thought you would enjoy....

Yesterday was the last day of our Musky season. 20 degrees temps, sunny with no wind. Gorgeous morning. Homemade Spira Yukon drift boat, Homemade Musky Fly. What Fun! Wouldn't you agree the oarsman and picture taker (me) should get all the credit for putting him on this fish?

Yukon Drift Boat Plans

Well - yes, but save a little credit for the great Yukon Drift Boat!

Yukon Drift Boat Plans

Here's the Yukon: Yukon Drift Boat Plans

- Jeff

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Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Boy Scout Troop's Kayak Adventure

Back in the late 1960s, I was a boy scout in Prarie Village Kansas, and our troop went on a 3 day canoe trip down the Current River in Southern Missouri. It was one of those memories that etch themselves into your consciousness. It is one of the reasons I am still so enamored with boats and has made boating such an important part of my life.

When later I was approached by the leader of Boy Scout Troop 578 to assist them with a very ambitions project of building ten 2-person kayaks and taking them on an epic adventure down the Willamette River, I jumped at the chance. I designed a new kayak for them and named it the "Willamette River." Well the trip was a resounding success, and watching the video brought back so many memories of my days in scouts.