Boatbuilding Tips and Tricks
TUESDAY, JUNE 29, 2010
New Blog of 17' Tilamook Pacific Power Dory Construction
One of my customers, named Robby is blogging his building of a 17' Tilamook Pacific Power Dory. Here's a link: http://robby8279theboat.blogspot.com/
Looks like he's doing a great job!
MONDAY, JUNE 28, 2010
New Alamitos V-Bottom Dory Launched
I just got this pictures of a newly launched Alamitos 15' V-Bottom Dory built in Florida.
Here's what the builder said:
Hi Jeff,
Attached is a picture the Big Tuna launched (15’ Alamitos). I have to tell you that I really enjoyed building this boat. Most importantly, I loved the time that I spent with my kids putting it all together. The memories will last a life time! I highly recommend any boater to build a boat and share the experience with a loved one.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, 2010
Web Site Update - Winchester Power Dory Added, plus 2 new Metric Carolina Dory Boat Plans
I just updated the web site and added the completed drawings for the 23' Winchester Pacific Power Dory. This easy-to-build fiberglass covered wooden boat plan is a great chice for those needing a larger boat to go out on rougher water all the while burning only very moderate amounts of fuel. 40 to 50 hp is plenty for this boat if you keep things light. Stop by abd check it out at: 23' Winchester Pacific Power Dory Plans
I also added metric versions of the 3.8M (14') Pescadero and the 5.5M (18') Carolinian Carolina style Dories. The plans are all in metric dimensions and standard sized metric fasteners and timber (lumber) is all used in the design to retain their very easy to build charisteristics, outside the US.
3.8M Pescadero Carolina Dory Plans
5.5M Carolinian Carolina Dory Plans
TUESDAY, JUNE 8, 2010
Setting Up Framing on Strongback Guide
To eliminate confusion and pass on some tips and tricks, I've come up with a setup guide that shows you how to go about setting up the transom, frames, stem and attaching the keelson to the strongback jig. If you had any questions or issues about this aspect of home built wooden boat building, this guide is for you. This link will take you to the page with this and all my boat building how-to guides, or just click on the graphic below to be taken directly to the new guide:
SUNDAY, MAY 30, 2010
Selecting Wood for Your Spira International Boat Guide
I get a lot of questions about how to choose lumber to build one of my boats that I put together this new guide to how to select wood for your homebuilt wooden boat project. In it I discuss types of lumber, species, and most important, the types of defects in standard construction grade lumber that are and are not acceptable - Enjoy! Just click on the image below and a Adobe Acrobat .pdf file will load. You can also find the link on my free video, books and reports page here:
SATURDAY, MAY 29, 2010
New Home Built Alaskan Grand Banks Dory Launched
These are the first pictures I've seen of an Alaskan in the water. I designed the boat way back in 1999 for a customer in Alaska, and I know that quite afew have been built, but no one has sent me any pictures until now. If you have built one of my boats please send pictures!
The boat came out beautiful - Great Job!
WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 2010
New Seneca Power Dory Launched
I just got these pictures of a new Seneca 14' Pacific Power Dory built in Oxnard California. The builder previously built one of my Huntington Harbor kayaks and had such a good time he wanted to build another boat.
Here's what the builder said:
Jeff,
Here is the completed Seneca, and her maiden voyage. She is a delight, and even more with the knowledge I built her. I get many complements from all who see her and ask if I built it. I suspect I will be building a larger 19-22 foot next winter for a Channel Islands run. Thanks as always,
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 7, 2010
Home Boatbuilding Plans Main Site Updated
Just updated the site. Added the Seneca 15' Pacific Power Dory, the Grader 17' extreme whitewater canyon crasher, the 32' Baffin Bay St. Pierre dory, and the 34' Lone Star St Pierre dory. Check them out!