Another Coquina

[Reynard38]

Sole beams going in.

[Rob Hazard]

Lookin' good as usual! Keep it up!

I had Slipper out on the Merrimack River off Newburyport this weekend, under mizzen and reefed main. It was a gusty day and I got OP'd several times, but she's a fast boat and lots of fun to sail. Get used to attracting attention!

[Reynard38]

All the ribs, floors and sole beams are cut and fitted.



So now I'm having one of these...

[Sailor]

Well deserved. Now get back to work so we can see the final result of the project!

[Reynard38]

With the floors and sole beams done it's time for the floorboards.

[Sailor]

I so want one of those boats. So badly that I got my dad a set of plans. Then I spent the rest of my christmas holidays looking at them. Maybe one day I'll get to her. In the mean time, I hope dad gets to work on his.......

[davebrown]

what's the flooring? i have some tight knot larch laying around i've been saving...it's old enough that it has a lovely red patina to it, almost looks antique right out of the gate. i think i will use that for mine. i am struggling with my centerboard box, and tonight i think i finally got it properly fitted enough to call it ready to glue. my father came out over the fourth to help me install the centerboard, but instead we got sidetracked on starting two bryan fiddleheads. i didn't get anything done on the coquina, but i am officially started on my 9th and 10th boats. No. 10 will be my father's build officially.

[Reynard38]

It's some juniper that I got from a local sawmill. There is an area of southern GA along the Flint river where it grows.
Same sawyer had the black locust and sassafras.
The juniper finishes nicely and from what I read is very rot resistant. I plan on oiling the floorboards.

[Reynard38]

Halfway there. 6 boards in. No the centerboard cap is not screwed on yet!

[Sailor]

I hate to nitpick but the edges of the floorboards forward seem kind of straight whereas the shape of the hull is curved....... Damn I hate to do that but I struck me so strongly when I saw it I just had to mention it.

[jlaprad]

Am I missing something here? How do you remove those floorboards, it looks like they are screwed down to the floor "timbers"? Just wondering...

[Reynard38]

I hate to nitpick but the edges of the floorboards forward seem kind of straight whereas the shape of the hull is curved....... Damn I hate to do that but I struck me so strongly when I saw it I just had to mention it.

Doug's plans show both options. I had originally planned on the curved floor boards, but I could not obtain juniper (AWC) wide enough to cut these from. The widest boards I could get out of the stock were 4". Dougs plans call for 3.5" boards for the straight floorboards. Of course I could have used a lesser wood and then painted the boards, but I really wanted oiled floorboards, so a compromise was in order.

[Reynard38]

Am I missing something here? How do you remove those floorboards, it looks like they are screwed down to the floor "timbers"? Just wondering...

You aren't missing anything. I am going to mark the hatches once I get all the boards in and decide the best locations for them. The boards will need to come out again for sanding, routing and finishing anyway. Then plans don't indicate specific locations, so I'm going to have to decide where I need/want access.
Obviously near the bilge pump, the centerboard pin and for the ballast bags.

[hokiefan]

Doug's plans show both options. I had originally planned on the curved floor boards, but I could not obtain juniper (AWC) wide enough to cut these from. The widest boards I could get out of the stock were 4". Dougs plans call for 3.5" boards for the straight floorboards. Of course I could have used a lesser wood and then painted the boards, but I really wanted oiled floorboards, so a compromise was in order.

I could be wrong but I think he's talking about the angled cut at the end of the floorboards. To my eye they should have a sweeping curve.

That said, please don't take that as a criticism. Your build is striking and I'm most impressed. Carry on with your good work.

Cheers,

Bobby

[davebrown]

"Halfway there". The plans call for at least a pair of additional boards that angle along the upsweep of the sideplanks. I think it would make sense for that to protect from a misplaced foot if the boat is heeled. I thought I would carry mine all the way up to the sixth plank from the gar, for that reason. I don't think the shapes as they are will stand out, when the additional planks are laid. The plans allow for lots of interpretation on the floors. My larch pieces are 1x3s...

[Sailor]

Doug's plans show both options. I had originally planned on the curved floor boards, but I could not obtain juniper (AWC) wide enough to cut these from. The widest boards I could get out of the stock were 4". Dougs plans call for 3.5" boards for the straight floorboards. Of course I could have used a lesser wood and then painted the boards, but I really wanted oiled floorboards, so a compromise was in order.

I"m not sure we're talking the same thing here. What I mean is at the bow where the hull narrows, it narrows in a sweet curve but the planks you're using for the floorboards are cut straight. My brain had anticipated seeing the outer edge following the curve of the hull as you cut them to fit. If I could photoshop stuff I'd put in nice arrows and lines to show what I mean but I'll have to rely on my words here since my Photoshopiness is about nil.

[Gerarddm]

...and, FWIW, I might have nibbed the sharp wedge ends of the ouside floorboards too.

But don't get me wrong, it's a fine looking version of a classic design.

[Reynard38]

I do plan on cutting that curved edge. I first wanted to attach the planks to be sure of the fit, and to make certain that the outer edges would be symmetrical.
And yes there is a curved margin board that runs along the outer edge of the floorboards and is angled up along the inside of the boat. That will have a curved edge.

[Reynard38]

That outer' curved edge will get marked in the boat, a batten sprung and the curve drawn in. I'll then remove the boards and cut the curve, rout and sand the planks before oiling and final instalation.
I figured this would be a more precise method of getting the curve right and making certain the margin board fits properly against the curve.
Please keep the ideas coming, I appreciate the comments. I am new at all of this!

[Sailor]

Sorry, didn't know your plan. Sound's like it should work out perfectly then. I'm so jealous of anyone with that boat........

[Reynard38]

Sprung the battens on one side of the floorboards. Theres that curve y'all were talking about.

[Reynard38]

Got a opportunity for a motivational sail in a friendship sloop. Many thanks FSS172. That is one beautiful boat you built

[Reynard38]

Making progress. I cut the fair curve on the port side of the floorboards. Also cut the holes for the aux and mizzen mast steps, pump handle and the hatches.
Rounding the edges with a 1/8 RO bit makes quite a difference.
Didn't have time for pics before I had to head for the airport.

[davebrown]

Looking forward to pics.

[Rob Hazard]

I visited the Herreshoff Museum this past weekend. They have a Coquina "replica" there, but, sad to say, it isn't up to the standards on view here. However, tucked away under a couple larger boats is another Herreshoff cat-ketch of similar size and layout, named Cygnet. It was built for a friend of Capt. Nat's, a Dr. Hammond. Same idea, 2 masts, 4 mast-steps, rope steering, 2 rowing stations if I remember right. It was hard to move around it due to the other boats that loomed overhead, but I want to go back and check it out again. It's full of the lovely little details that make Herreshoff boats so intriguing. And all original, unrestored. Worth investigating if you ever get there!

No fair going sailing, Reynard, get back to work!

[Skegemog]

I would love to figure out how to incorporate two rowing stations in my Coquina.

[Reynard38]

I visited the Herreshoff Museum this past weekend. They have a Coquina "replica" there, but, sad to say, it isn't up to the standards on view here. However, tucked away under a couple larger boats is another Herreshoff cat-ketch of similar size and layout, named Cygnet. It was built for a friend of Capt. Nat's, a Dr. Hammond. Same idea, 2 masts, 4 mast-steps, rope steering, 2 rowing stations if I remember right. It was hard to move around it due to the other boats that loomed overhead, but I want to go back and check it out again. It's full of the lovely little details that make Herreshoff boats so intriguing. And all original, unrestored. Worth investigating if you ever get there!

No fair going sailing, Reynard, get back to work!

I did see the Coquina at the Museum. It was finished in a "low maintenance" fashion. Having read that Captain Nat had intended the boat as a daysailer that would be very quick to rig for a spur of the moment sail I wasnt surprised to see the replica finished this way.
I can only hope that he'd be pleased on seeing his design finished to a more ornate standard.

[davebrown]

How is it finished in low maintenance? Do you mean slap on paint with a broom? Sounds like my boats.

[Reynard38]

How is it finished in low maintenance? Do you mean slap on paint with a broom? Sounds like my boats.

Other than the shearstrake and transom almost no brightwork. Wasn't a workboat finish, just "low maintenance".

[Rob Hazard]

My issue isn't with the paint scheme, it's with the woodworking. In a building full of original, mostly unrestored Herreshoff yachts and dinghies, a uniformly high level of engineering and craftsmanship is evident everywhere. Detail after detail shows careful attention to strength, light weight, efficiency of manufacture, and ingenious design. I was bowled over by it all.

The Coquina replica, by contrast, was obviously NOT the product of the workmen who had produced all the other boats present, but by an amateur who was in a hurry. It was crudely assembled, with little attention to elegance of structure. I found the difference jarring.

They do have several Columbia model dinghies and the aptly named "Gem", a delicate little rowing boat built for J B Herreshoff's daughter. These little boats are as finely built as Rushton canoes, yet they've lasted a century without restoration.
Since the original Coquina was built for Capt. Nat's personal use, I'd be surprised if any detail of her fabric was less than exquisite.

[Reynard38]

It did stand out, and not in a good way. The Clara, on the other hand (coquina's big sister), was magnificent!

[Reynard38]

[Reynard38]

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w...8/ead75c68.jpg

[Sailor]

Now we're talkin'!

[Reynard38]

Hatches cut. Edges trimmed.

[Rob Hazard]

It's a little hard to tell from the photo; do your hatches give access to the centerboard pin?

[Reynard38]

Hatches cut. Edges trimmed.

Yes they do. Access to pump, intake and centerboard pin.

[Reynard38]

Got the pump installed. I used copper pipe for the visible portions. After seeing the use of copper plumbing at the Herreshoff museum I thought I'd go this route. I did take the modern step of clear powder coating the tubing after assembly and polishing.

[Reynard38]

About 1/2 way through screwing the floorboards in and installing the bungs. Waiting on some bronze latches for the hatches (thanks EBay!).Once the floorboards are done I'm going to spend some time finishing the spars before I take on the seats. Planning on replicating the curved rear seat, possibly with some sassafras I bought from CAG lumber in Cornelia,GA.Ordered the sails from Dabbler. Going with a cream color that replicates Egyptian cotton.

[davebrown]

Thanks for the most recent posts. I have been watching with great interest how your understanding of the plans turns itself into a great boat. Tomorrow I either install my centerboard case or take double paddle canoes around Alcatraz. Not sure which I will do yet.

[Reynard38]

I know which I would choose! It's in the mid90's again here today (will be until late September most likely). A chance to get outside and not sweat out would not be missed.We work on the boats in the summer here and use them the other 3 seasons.

[Gerarddm]

What we wouldn't give for some sunny 90 degree days in the Puget Sound area this year.

Summer- bah.

[Rob Hazard]

Yesterday we hauled Slipper up to Casco Bay to escape the heat. We launched from Portland's Eastern Prom, a most scenic launch ramp. Little relief on the water. The wind was light and variable and the only way to cool off was to splash seawater on your head. We sailed by a Buzzards Bay 15 who called out "Is that a Coquina?" as we oozed past him. We sailed out to Great Diamond Island, where the wind quit altogether and I got the oars out for a bit. Finally, about 3 PM the sea breeze began to fill in, but by then SWMBO was ready to head home. We had a lovely reach back past Fort Gorges to the launch.

On the drive home the car's thermometer hit 103f.

[davebrown]

We couldn't get the little one up and over to his grandparents early enough to hit the winds right, so we took bicycles, instead of canoes, to Sausalito. It was a chilly 61 ish. It is shocking to drive over the Carquinez and go from 98 to 60 in 20 miles. Really delightful!. But then today I am back in the heat and it is formidable to go out in the garage where it is 100 plus. Rob, I met a builder yesterday in Sausalito who was working on a Joel White Shellback, but when I told him I was working on a Herreshoff Coquina he seemed to not know about it, converse to your experience. Perhaps the boats will, as the Greeks would say, gain more fame as time goes on. There are not many google images for Coquinas yet.

[Reynard38]

Worked on the floorboards some, but needed a break. Fortunately Mick Herron came by wanting to crank out some boom and gaff jaws.Patterns first

[Reynard38]

Made the profile cut

[Reynard38]

Then the plan view

[Reynard38]

Rough cut, ready for sanding.

[Reynard38]

Floorboards in! 206 bungs installed....Waiting for the bronze latches for the floor hatches.Now off to sand the floors and then oil.

[Rob Hazard]

Two hundred and six bungs! I elected to leave my screw heads exposed. I thought I was being compulsive just lining the slots up! I figure I'll want to get under there some day...