Replies

1. 
   TomMGTC | Feb 18, 2003 06:36pm | #1

   I made a very simple, yet effective, steam box using a 30.00 wallpaper steamer from Home Depot or Lowe's  and some pvc pipe. Just make sure you do something to support the full lenght of the pipe as it will get hot enough to bend.   

   Tom
1. 
   Pieter | Feb 19, 2003 12:14am | #2

   do you mean a wallpaper steamer whit a hose?

   and do you totally close the pipe or leave a opening on the opposit side?

1. 
   TomMGTC | Feb 19, 2003 05:28am | #3

   Yes, it is a wallpaper steamer with a hose. The tank hold about a gallon of water and has an electric heating element. I put caps on either end of the pvc pipe. I drilled one cap for the hose to fit snugly in and I drilled several holes in the other cap to vent the steam. I also drilled a couple holes in the bottom of the pipe and sloped it slightly to allow condensation to drain out. It workes very well. I steamed 15' chines and battens in it for a runabout I am building.Tom

1. 
   Pieter | Feb 19, 2003 11:19am | #4

   well thanx tom i think this will work for me

   cant wait to start

2. 
   RickL750 | Feb 19, 2003 07:37pm | #5

   Hey Tom,

   Just curious what kind of runabout are you building. I used to build boats in another life.

   RickL

1. 
   TomMGTC | Feb 19, 2003 11:25pm | #6

   I'm building the Rascal design that can be found in one of wooden boats design books. It is a small two seat outboard runabout and is a bit of a hot rod. My first attempt at boatbuilding. It has been on hold for a while as I have far too many projects and far too little time but it will get it's turn again. Tom

2. 
   RickL750 | Feb 20, 2003 04:32pm | #7

   Tom, that's a nice little boat. I hope you get a chance to get back to it soon and If I can be of any assistance let me know. I've done several similar boats from 14' to 21'ft long.

   Good luck,

    RickL 

3. 
   davamoore | Feb 20, 2003 05:00pm | #8

   Ah, Rick, now you've gone and done it.  Don't you know that you should never, ever confess to any talent or experience, or someone will show up wanting to pick your brain? :-)

   I'm that guy... I'm looking at various plans for 16-17' trailer/sailor sailboats, with a hoped-for launch date of spring 2004.  I may need to tap your knowledge when the going gets tough.

   David"The world that was not made is not won by what is done" -- Mundaka Upanishad

4. 
   RickL750 | Feb 20, 2003 05:46pm | #9

   Hi David,

   No problem just let me know what you need. I also have several resources that might be helpful. Are you looking at any particular designs at this time?? Do you need any suggestions?? BTW building boats is my first love.  

   RickL

5. 
   davamoore | Feb 27, 2003 11:35pm | #10

   Rick, sorry... with all my yammering in other threads, I forgot to check this one!  Thanks for the offer...

   The three boats I'm looking at right now are the Devlin Nancy's China, the GFC Meadow Bird and the Glen-L17.  I'm looking for a 16-17 footer that I could haul around on a trailer, with enough of a shelter to allow for the occasional (albeit cramped) overnighter.

   I've gone to the Forum at Woodenboat.com and have read some interesting, though brief, comments.  I've also sent links to another friend, an old (I should say "experienced") sailor for her feedback... but I'm taking my time.  It's not, unfortunately, top priority right now.  I'll probably think differently come spring!

   David"The world that was not made is not won by what is done" -- Mundaka Upanishad

6. 
   RickL750 | Feb 28, 2003 05:00pm | #11

   Hey! I forgot myself with all the commotion around here these days. Anyway their all-nice little boats and the woodenboat forum is a great place to start. Good bunch of people I haven’t visited in a while, since I put boat building on hold and decided to try to make a living building furniture. Hmm! Maybe I should stop by to say hi ?? Or maybe not, I’ll get the fever for building something else again with spring just a few months away LoL. 

   Good Luck,

    RickL

7. 
   edcross1 | Mar 02, 2003 03:41pm | #12

   Hi Rick,

   I have been looking at some of the palns available on various sites fpr wooden boats but all seem to be for lakes or rivers. Is there a design you would recommend for sea use. I live on the coast and would like to build my owm boat and spend weekends just off shore. Anay ideas would be gratefully recieved.

   Ed

8. 
   RickL750 | Mar 05, 2003 07:44pm | #13

    Hi Ed,

   Sorry for not responding earlier, I’ve been kind of busy and this is the first chance I’ve had.

   Ok your looking for a boat with sea going capabilities, are we talking Open Ocean or partially protected waters like a bay?

   Would you like power or sail?

   Something you can put on trailer or are you going to keep it docket somewhere?

   Do you have any particular length in mind?

   Are you just starting out in boating, being doing it for a few years, or are you very experience?

   If you answer these questions I should be able to guide you to some resources that will assist you in making your decision.

   Regards,

   RickL

9. 
   edcross1 | Mar 05, 2003 08:06pm | #14

   Hi Rick,

   Thanks for taking the time to have a look at my question. I will try and give you the info you need to help me. Here goes:

   First of all I wouldn't be goping out in the open sea probably just offshore. Skipping from bay to bay, there are lots where I live. I would also like to do a little river crusing.

   Secondly I would prefer power to sail. Just seems less work. I know that's lazy but that's what I would like the boat for - just relaxing.

   If it's possible I would prefer to trailer rather than moor around were I live. This is a mater of expense, also I have plenty of space to store a boat and work on it.

   I don't have any length in mind I had not got that far I was looking more at constuction and what various plans offered. I would like to be able to use the boat for sleep.

   I did some boating years ago but have not had the chance for about 10 years. Now I have more time I would like to build and sail my own boat. I would not say I am very experienced but have had some experience.

   Hope this helps it would be great if you could point me in the right direction.

   Many thanks

   Ed

10. 
    RickL750 | Mar 07, 2003 07:42pm | #15

    Hi Ed,

    First of all I would suggest something at least 20’ long for accommodations and safety reasons and 7”+ wide, the wider the better for stability of corse without exciding 8’ otherwise you’ll need a special permit for your trailer. The bottom should be at least a semi V shape or deep V. The deeper the V the better it is in rough water (open water) but not great on flat water, a good compromise might be 12° to around 15°. As for the construction you could go with stitch and glue but unfortunately there aren’t a lot of plans outhere, the other option is ply over frame, it’s a little more work but in my opinion a stronger boat. I prefer double bottom sheathing or diagonal planking (cold molded) or at least a couple of layers of fiberglass covering. Yes I like to over built just incase.

    Bellow please find a few links to boats I’ve consider in the past and think they might be a good starting point for you, also you might want to visit one of my old stomping grounds and ask the same question http://www.woodenboat.com/.

    Good luck,

    RickL

    Stitch and glue plans by Devlin. You may what to checkout his books. 

    http://www.devlinboat.com/ 

    Clarke Craft here are two boats I like.

    http://www.clarkcraft.com/cgi-local/shop.pl?type=item&categ=015&item=936043558&cart_id=2f6fb13a12e582a022e17a3fec20dd5f

    http://www.clarkcraft.com/cgi-local/shop.pl?type=item&categ=015&item=936098897&cart_id=2f6fb13a12e582a022e17a3fec20dd5f

     

    http://www.Glen-L.com Could not provide you with direct links.

    Checkout the Albert-E and the Vera Cruise.

    Edited 3/7/2003 11:44:30 AM ET by R!CKL

    Edited 3/7/2003 11:44:56 AM ET by R!CKL

    Edited 3/7/2003 11:45:33 AM ET by R!CKL

    Edited 3/7/2003 11:47:00 AM ET by R!CKL

11. 
    edcross1 | Mar 14, 2003 04:34am | #16

    Thanks Rick,

    been very busy so sorry the late reply I am about to start looking at the info you sent. Hope to start this project in the next few months. so late nights ahead wading through the info

    Many thanks again

    ED