Building frame

[Pudseypaul]

Hello all

A serial procrastinator here who has finally run out of excuses not to build an Oughtred 'Elf' faering.

Looking at the websites and posts of Oughtred boats in build, there seems to be a number of building frame styles, from the 'ladder' frame shown in the drawings, to an actual ladder used as the frame top, to various 'box' type frames.

In the picture of Jeanie II in build, Mr O himself is shown using a box.

Is there any consensus as to which is the best or is there an element of 'horses for courses'?

Paul

[Brent Cummings]

I used a box style building jig out of 2x4's for my acorn dinghy. Not familiar with your boat though.

[Dave Gray]

You can use whichever method you would like. I used the ladderback method. The main issue was finding 2x4s that were long enough and straight enough. The box method, I believe, uses plywood - that is, a kayak construction book I have that discusses a box used only plywood. Assuming the plywood is a good enough grade, you are reasonably certain of obtaining a twist free straight box to build on.

[StevenBauer]

For my son's Elf I used the same base I used two years ago to build my Harry Bryan Thistle. When I originally built it I had some 3/8" plywood rips left over from a job so I glued and screwed them to the top and bottom of the ladder frame. I figured that might stabilize the 2x4 frame and it also gives you someplace to set down tools, plans, etc. It was a little short so I added 3 feet onto one end.

Here are the Elf forms being set up:

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid66/p3246cbd368a29ca0f028731e3be8b1fa/fbdd0032.jpg

Here's the end I added on to:

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid66/p8f2fc44a9d2dbd24760de63a71d88613/fbdcfff2.jpg

I can't believe how young Gavin looks in these pictures! And I'm only now realizing it's been 18 months since we started. :eek: We really haven't done much on the boat recently, but the garage is insulated and drywalled. And that was done with the boat in the way! Good luck and keep us posted.

Steven

[generic]

Last time I spoke to Anton Fitzpatrick, in Devon, about eighteen months ago, too long, he said he had just built an Elf for Dicovery Channel (europe). Maybe that would help in all things Elfish. I too have been sitting on the plans for too long, my wife wants to be a viking.

[Pudseypaul]

Thanks all for your replies, very helpful.

My feeling is that I will be building on a box frame probably to the dimensions shown in the 'Water Craft' article on building an Elf.

Steve, I would love to know what stage you are up to?

Paul