dark harbor

[Moose]

Hi everybody, I'm brand new to the forum. For some strange reason I decided to build a boat a while back, and today, my dark harbor plans arrived. I'm hoping that everyone will throw out some sage advice, because even with the book that I got with my plans it became immediately apparent that I have NO idea what I'm doing. Where should I start?

Thanks
Adam

[Thad]

First study the plans very carfully, working to develop in your mind how the building process will go. Art Read built one over the last few years and there are many posts on his experience in the Forum which you should be able to access through the Google search function. Read Greg Rossel (and any one else) on lofting. Read Bud McIntosh (and everything else) on boat construction. Put together a materials list and start collecting materials (especially the ones you need to start). Get lofting space, prepare, and loft, making molds and patterns. Get building space prepared and set up to build. Start!

[Joe ( Cold Spring on Hudson )]

Art's Dark Harbor

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid81/p4aad33ba6502b5943b4398af89615947/fafa25b8.jpg

An open invitation to a launch.... (http://media5.hypernet.com/cgi-bin/UBB/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=6&t=001468&p=)

She Swims! The Dark Harbor "MELINDA" is launched... (http://media5.hypernet.com/cgi-bin/UBB/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=6&t=001589&p=)

She Sails! MELINDA's maiden voyage... (http://media5.hypernet.com/cgi-bin/UBB/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=6&t=001615&p=)

MELINDA's first "guest.... (http://media5.hypernet.com/cgi-bin/UBB/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=6&t=001719&p=)

[Stephen Hutchins]

I'd start with a smaller boat first, with a how-to book, Like our hosts "How to build a Catspaw Dingy". That's not to say you "can't" build the Dark Harbor as your first boat, it's just that mistaks on a build like that are costly in both time and money and maybee even in one's desire to finish a project of that size. That said, once you KNOW you can build it to your sastisfaction, then start building. A good book to begin your path to the KNOWING stage is "How to build a Wooden Boat" by Bud McIntosh. I also like Howard Chapell's "Boatbuilding" There are many more, but these two relate best to the Dark Harbor, in my opinion.

[Wild Dingo]

Originally posted by Moose:
today, my dark harbor plans arrived. I'm hoping that everyone will throw out some sage advice, because even with the book that I got with my plans it became immediately apparent that I have NO idea what I'm doing. Where should I start?

Thanks
AdamClarify for us which book Adam? When I got my Dark Harbor plans {may they rest in peace) from Woodenboat... I recieved the plans and not a book in sight... mind here I did buy (and manage to rescue) Buds boatbuilding book that Thad and Steven point you to... brilliant read the man could sure write a good text instruction manual! :D

And which Dark Harbor? there are several... its just we really need you to start right at the begining to get things real clear so we dont stuff up or get it wrong... not that Im personally gonna be much help to you but the blokes that can need to have a real good picture of what your doing and what probs your having... if its clear quite often the work around to resolve it is an easy fix if its not then your gonna have probs making them understand what your on about... oh and pics of course that always helps!! :cool: (notice that fellas got the plug in right at the start of his journey!!)

I agree... look to something simpler to get a feel for it first that Dark Harbor has some strange things going on that your goin to have trouble gettin yer mind around... like the scale! man that bothered me! Not Art he worked it :cool: out but me I struggled with it :rolleyes:

If your sure you can and will do her GO FOR IT! its a drop dead beautiful design :cool:

[emichaels]

I too am starting a Dark Harbor 12-1/2. This is my first build except for a cedar strip canoe. All I can say as to were to start is loft the boat first, full size. Take Greg Rossel's lofting class at Woodenboat School if needed. I can tell you from taking his class, that your confidence will increase many times over. He teaches you how to not only loft the boat but also to loft jigs and all sorts of shipping things that will help in the build process. If you can draw it, you can build it. Definitely don't go for the minimum lofting job. One great reason is this: the more time you spend lofting the better you will be at it...so.. when you get in a spot where you can't figure something out just go back to the loft table and draw it out. It is a great way to problem solve that only costs you an eraser. After that make some sawdust. You are hopefully not taking this on as a first woodworking project also. Take your time and ask lots of questions.
Also the I have read the already mentioned books, they are good, but .. one more won't hurt. Once again Greg Rossel's book 'Building Small Boats' is excellent. The only thing it won't cover for you is the lead keel.

[emichaels]

PS: I did not get any book with my plans either.

[Dave Gray]

I read the initial post to mean that he bought a book at the same time as buying the plans rather than buying plans that included a book. But it is open to interpretation...

Another web site:
Dark Harbor, etc. (http://www.imagestation.com/member/?name=aeriii)

You might ask Art if he still has the molds laying around.

[ 10-18-2005, 06:23 PM: Message edited by: Dave Gray ]

[Tom Montgomery]

I've read that first building a model of your boat is very helpful. Work out problems on the model before tackling the big enchilada. Makes sense to me. It is something I intend to do before building my dream (a Navigator) full size.

[Hughman]

Use your plans to make a small model out of cardboard. This will allow you to acquire the "vocabulary" while you read all that other stuff.

[Moose]

Hi again everybody, and thanks for all of the kind words and advice. To clarify, it's a Dark Harbor 12 1/2, and the book that I got with it was Bud's boatbuilding book. And yes, I know I should probably start with somethinng smaller, but it's just such a gorgeous boat...

Adam

[gert]

Good luck; at least you have Art's boat as a goal. That particular beauty pretty much set a new gold standard in quality.

[Stephen Hutchins]

Hey Moose, you could also start by building a model from your plans. I did this and for me, it was a most educational and fun experience. The perspective used in model building definatly leads to new methods/techniques in full scale boatbuilding.