Diablo model with interior customization

[Prescot]

I'm assuming this is the right place for this. This is my first model boat (or any boat) to build. Painting was quite difficult with my shakey hands.

I've been trying to decide what to build. I want to eventually build several boat types, but figured I would start with something I could fish and carry a few people around with. Bolger's Diablo seems like a good candidate.

I added two extra frames and some panels in order to box in some storage compartments and flotation chambers.

Also there is a casting deck with extra storage underneath. I'm unsure of the stability of this modification in anything but calm water. It may end up being an unintentional "diving platform".

Covered bow with open anchor locker. Anchor to be stored on brackets mounted to the underside of the top panel, with rope coiled underneath. I've seen this on another Diablo and it looked pretty useful.

I'm not sure what would happen if it swamped. The flotation is mounted pretty low, but at least it would float.

[Hwyl]

It looks good. Did you calculate approx how much weight you added, I understand the Diablo need to be light and stiff. You've done wonders for the stiffness

[David G]

Lovely job. And the paint job is quite fetching, too.

I'm not sure I love the rear thwart/compartment configuration. How about what Mark Bowdidge did with the Sandy Strait 14:



This gives you a thwart placed nicely for handling the outboard tiller, as well as a splash well and tank storage forward of the transom.

Just a thought.

The Diablo, BTW, is a very fine boat. A buddy just retired his after many years of very happy use.

[mcdenny]

My son-in-law and I built a Diablo a few years ago with a layout very much like yours. He documented the whole process on a website http://www.dropsheet.com/diablo/html/index.php

It includes some video footage of the boat at speed. He used a Merc 25hp 2 stroke.

[Robert Meyer]

Nice work on your model. I'd lower the casting platform some for more stability even though it would make it smaller. Keep us posted on the full size build.

[Dave Wright]

You've done a great job on that model Mr. Prescott; looks very nice. The model could be a platform for trying all sorts of arrangements - you should experiment as much as you want and enjoy it.

25 years ago the Diablo by Mr. Bolger's neat little boat was pedalled by Cap'n Jim Orrell (a "pirate" they say) of Texas Dory Boat Plans. Orrell always had lots of Diablo pictures in his advertisement sheets. He often callled the boat the "Sampan Express 15." Here's a sample of one with a lightweight cuddy, so there've been lots of variations. This one was used in some open water passages too. Something like that would be nice around here to keep rain and spray off lunch and gear. Please post pix when you finish the final build.

[Bruce Taylor]

I think these adaptations will work well. The added weight in the bow will do no harm, and will probably reduce porpoising.

Your model doesn't have a transom knee, but I assume you'll include one on the actual boat. As drawn by Bolger, Diablo's transom flexes quite a bit and needs that knee (although, if you were to add a slop well, as David G. suggests, that could bolster the motor mount).

It's a very agile, responsive design. The flotation you've added will make it feel a little safer.

[Prescot]

Thanks for the comments.

I agree that the casting deck needs to be lower. Perhaps I could sub-floor the entire front just high enough to cover the aft end of the stem that protrudes through the first frame. I'll just have to worry about funky leg positions while seated.

The additional wood indeed made a huge difference on stiffness in the model. I'm guessing I could do all that with an extra sheet of 1/2" plywood if I were efficient with the layout.

Aesthetically the seating still looks a little clunky and block-like. All of the right angles throw off the swooping lines of the hull. The Sandy Strait 14 is definitely inspiring and functional.

[zapblam]

I am so tempted to invest in a diablo plan myself. The more samples and video I see, the more I like. The utility boat I am wishing for. Good stuff.

[ShagRock]

Super nice job on the model! To see what your aft room setup might look like with a splash well, check the link below.

http://www.nexusmarine.com/san_juan_dory.html

[Paul Pless]

Super nice job on the model!

What he said.

I'd lower the casting platform some for more stability even though it would make it smaller.

It depends on the type of fishing he's doing and the type of water he's fishing. I've owned several fishing boats with casting decks and my personal favorite had the deck flush with the gunwales with a 1 inch lip to keep stuff from falling overboard.

[Robert Meyer]

What he said.It depends on the type of fishing he's doing and the type of water he's fishing. I've owned several fishing boats with casting decks and my personal favorite had the deck flush with the gunwales with a 1 inch lip to keep stuff from falling overboard.

Are you sure you want to cast from the gunwales on the Diablo?

[Paul Pless]

Are you sure you want to cast from the gunwales on the Diablo?

Good point... probably not, but I'd not fear raising the deck above the the height of the seat that's shown in the plans.