My first scratch build

[Doug Kirkland]

As I am just starting out I have posted a few pictures of my first scratch build in my gallery. Though I have a fair amount of skill shaping and working with fiberglass I have never built a boat. I decided to scale down a drawing of a Flats boat I designed in order to see if my theories would work. The plug is 45" long and 15" wide semi tri hull. Any input from others is appreciated.

 

[153stars]

As I am just starting out I have posted a few pictures of my first scratch build in my gallery. Though I have a fair amount of skill shaping and working with fiberglass I have never built a boat. I decided to scale down a drawing of a Flats boat I designed in order to see if my theories would work. The plug is 45" long and 15" wide semi tri hull. Any input from others is appreciated.

You have more guts than me. I can't seem to get a little fiberglass right, make a mess of me and everything around me. If I did a boat they probably find me dried in a cocoon of it.. Looks cool can't wait to see it finished.

 

[Kez]

Just curious....what did you skin the plug with? Was it plywood or did you fill the frames with foam and shape it?

I'd like to see the finished boat.

 

[Mark Poole ModVP]

I'll offer up some advice......when you get the shape you want, get the surface clean but don't worry about it being scratch free perfect. Get some Dura-Tec surfacing primer and spray on a nice hi build but not sagging coat. Let it set 48 hours and then block sand the plug with wet sandpaper. If any flaws show through sand the whole thing until the primer is flat and has no orange peel. Shoot it again and block down again. Dura-Tec will wet sand to a near mirror finish once you get to about 600 grit. But don't stop there, go up to 1000 grit. Polish with with 3M Finesse-It 2 polishing compound, it will take out 1000 grit scratches. Wash with soap and water and you are ready for the mold release system you are going to use. I did it the hard way before discovering Dura-Tec. You won't find another surfacing primer that will sand so easy yet shine so good.

 

[Doug Kirkland]

I'll offer up some advice......when you get the shape you want, get the surface clean but don't worry about it being scratch free perfect. Get some Dura-Tec surfacing primer and spray on a nice hi build but not sagging coat. Let it set 48 hours and then block sand the plug with wet sandpaper. If any flaws show through sand the whole thing until the primer is flat and has no orange peel. Shoot it again and block down again. Dura-Tec will wet sand to a near mirror finish once you get to about 600 grit. But don't stop there, go up to 1000 grit. Polish with with 3M Finesse-It 2 polishing compound, it will take out 1000 grit scratches. Wash with soap and water and you are ready for the mold release system you are going to use. I did it the hard way before discovering Dura-Tec. You won't find another surfacing primer that will sand so easy yet shine so good.

 

[Doug Kirkland]

I have to laugh because I just got done spraying the plug with "dura-tec" I was going to post some new pics but I'm not sure how to ADD them to this post. Thank you for the advice and I'm glad I'm on the same page as someone. By the way I think it is comming out nice.

 

[Doug Kirkland]

Just curious....what did you skin the plug with? Was it plywood or did you fill the frames with foam and shape it?

I'd like to see the finished boat.

 

[Doug Kirkland]

I framed out the plywood as seen in the photo then I stretched and tacked fiberglass cloth across the ribs then a couple layers of glass over AND under that for strength then bondo and Dura-tec primer. I will then gel-kote and buff and wax the PLUG to make a mold from it.

 

[Doug Kirkland]

As I am just starting out I have posted a few pictures of my first scratch build in my gallery. Though I have a fair amount of skill shaping and working with fiberglass I have never built a boat. I decided to scale down a drawing of a Flats boat I designed in order to see if my theories would work. The plug is 45" long and 15" wide semi tri hull. Any input from others is appreciated.

You have more guts than me. I can't seem to get a little fiberglass right, make a mess of me and everything around me. If I did a boat they probably find me dried in a cocoon of it.. Looks cool can't wait to see it finished.

 

[Doug Kirkland]

Well here goes the deck it will have a removable center for access complete with center console and cooler seat. There will also be a poling platform in the back that will fold up for motor starting. I am considering putting an inboard gas engine in the second one...... What do ya'll think?

 

[Doug Kirkland]

Just wanted to post the latest pics

 

[julianconde]

good job what engine you going to put in it ??

 

[Doug Kirkland]

good job what engine you going to put in it ??

I have a K&B 7.5 for starters, I will probably try a couple different set ups, maybe an inboard, maybe a sub surface steerable drive. I will have the molds so I can try as many options as money will allow. Thanks for the compliment! I hope she floats lol.

 

[Doug Kirkland]

O K I've been silent for a while but I have resumed production. Here are some pics