Rebuilding my 50' schooner in Nicaragua

[Capt Zatarra]

I don't know what the proper decorum is for making reference to another forum on this forum, but this is a completely new idea to me and I would like to know if any one here has heard of this. Over on the boat design.net forum, a builder talked about installing the ceiling first, before the planks and the deck beams. At this link you can read about it on post #10, and see his pictures

http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/woo...ing-39184.html

So what do you think? Capt. Z.

[JoshuaIII]

Hey Capt. Z
Well... I do not see issue with it...
But I personally find it easier to fit planks when you can look by inside to improve the fit. With the ceiling in place first, I can imagine the cursing with the flashlight in hand trying to see into the gap of the planks...

But that's me... Maybe you are the lucky one where all planks fit right away

[Capt Zatarra]

Good point!! Capt. Z.

[JoshuaIII]

I've started to do something on my build that I think you may like it too (If it's not done yet)...

A log book!
Exemple:
Floor #4 have blind bolt, to access it remove the 4 plank from the bottom port side.

G1131 adhesive was use for this part of the boat.

Hided screws on the heel of the frames between station 6 to 8....

I am digging since a week all the pictures I can to track down a few details that I've already forgot... Just as drift bolt where they are and which one are...

I never had a book detailing detail how to repair the boat before... And I think this can be handy.. Example, changing a floor in 5 years, do I will really remember under which plank that bolt is hiding?

Just a thought

[Capt Zatarra]

That sounds like a great idea. The challenge for me will be remembering to keep the log up to date. I can see how this could be very helpful in the future when you want to change or modify something. Thanks for the idea. Capt. Z.

[Capt Zatarra]

While waiting for my latest wood order to arrive I had to build a new shelf to match one I had built about a year ago. I thought you guy might like to see it.

Here is the one it matches.

Both have a middle "floating shelf" that is suspended from natural branches.

Soooo...what does this have to do with boat building? My plan is to build all the hinges and and latches needed in the cabinetry, in the schooner, out of wood. So I thought I would try a new design I have been thinking about, on this new cabinet. Here is the door closed. It has wooden hinges and a wooden latch.

The entire cabinet is built without metal. It is mortise and tenon with square to round wood pegs in each tenon. The latch handle is a root.

[Capt Zatarra]

Here is the latch, on the inside of the door, in the open position. The root on the front attaches to the gear.

Twist it to advance or retract the slide lock.

So can you see my mistake?
I cut too many teeth on the gear and the slide bar. It still works fine but it should stop before exiting the first bracket. I'll not make that mistake in the future. Capt. Z.
And here is the hinge.

[George Ray]

Nice!

[sailboy3]

Anything doin round here? How bout an update, Cap Z.

[Capt Zatarra]

Well, not much really, I got all the deck beams cut and the shelf clamp cut and routed, only the hull planks have been delayed so I cannot install the clamps and beams till I have some hull planks to bolt through. Then I had an old back injury from my last ever parachute jump, flair up and one of the disc in my back blow out and I could not get out of bed or a chair with out my wife or daughter pulling me up. So not much happened for a while except me learning how to get up on my own again. I'm moving under my own steam now. Well I got a phone call from my wood supplier today assuring me that my wood will be here tomorrow. So keep your fingers crossed. I'll post pics when we unload and get to work, I'm pretty stoked to get moving again. Capt. Z.

[JoshuaIII]

Really nice to ear from you Capt, sorry for your back it is something I am familiar with.

What do you expect, jumping from a running airplane that have nothing wrong with it!

Take care.

[George Ray]

Best wishes/hopes/dreams for you and your back.

[J.Madison]

Good to hear from you Captn, we look forward to any updates.

[Capt Zatarra]

O MY GOSH!!!O MY LORD!!!O MY MY!!! I finally found out why my wood has not arrived. 4000+ board feet of Santa Maria and 1600 board feet of brizialian cherry. The driver of the truck that was contracted to deliver the wood from the east coast of Nicaragua, where it grows, to the west coast where I am building, WAS ARRESTED and thrown in jail and his truck IMPOUNDED, WITH MY WOOD ON IT!!! They tell me that the wood is not impounded only it is on the impounded truck in the impound yard!! So now there is a lawyer working to process the wood out of the impound lot, and how long this will take I have no idea! Capt. Z.

[Larks]

Bloody hell Z!!! That sounds like one heck of a problem.......how far away from you was the truck impounded? Is it a case of hiring another truck, paying a bit of baksheesh and picking it up yourself?

[Capt Zatarra]

Bloody hell Z!!! That sounds like one heck of a problem.......how far away from you was the truck impounded? Is it a case of hiring another truck, paying a bit of baksheesh and picking it up yourself?

It is three hours away, and I hope that it is as simple as that, I am waiting to hear what is the procedure. I have never heard of this happening before and No one I've talked to has either. I should hear something any day. Touch wood, scratch a stay, turn three times, May the lords and saints preserve us. Capt. Z.

[Larks]

Touch wood indeed Z, may it be your own in very quick time!!

[George Ray]

Hoping for a good outcome, fingers crossed , best wishes, positive energy, etc...

[wizbang 13]

holy geeze, gd third world bs. sounds all too familiar.
here is hoping for the best.
naughty wood, crissake

[ILikeRust]

I swear, there is never a dull moment around this place. It's like the old-fashioned radio cliff-hangers. You never know what's going to happen next.

[headonz]

bastards !! what next !!?? .... try to think of it as yet another thread to the rich tapestry that is your life Capt Z.Good luck.

[Phil Y]

A little time for your back to come good, another happy lawyer, the wood gets delivered and its all good. Just another day in paradise.

[Capt Zatarra]

Thanks guys, ya'll make me laugh. I'll keep ya posted. Wallowing in paradise with nothing to do! Capt. Z.

[Phil Y]

You could always read the Schooners R Us thread

[Capt Zatarra]

I have peak in there from time to time to see if any thing is actually started and it is mind boggling! I saw that he wanted an engine and offered him mine but he did not answer me. I am not sure what that means! Mean while back at the ranch no word from the lawyer yet! I got a new carving tool pocket knife, so for now I think I will see if I can get a piece of wood and start carving the Name board while I wait. Capt. Z.

[SchoonersRUS]

I have peak in there from time to time to see if any thing is actually started and it is mind boggling! I saw that he wanted an engine and offered him mine but he did not answer me. I am not sure what that means! Mean while back at the ranch no word from the lawyer yet! I got a new carving tool pocket knife, so for now I think I will see if I can get a piece of wood and start carving the Name board while I wait. Capt. Z.

It means this forum has technical glitches. Actually, I did reply to your message. It even shows that I replied in my inbox. You didn't get it for some strange reason. I asked you about shipping cost, and some other details about the engine. We can try again ... see if PM works.

[Capt Zatarra]

A quick update. It appears that the truck driver had a little side line job smuggling drugs! The good news is the wood will be out soon. Now if someone down here actually knew when 'soon' was! Waiting and wondering....Capt. Z.

[JoshuaIII]

Good for you! Good for me also... Give me more time to finish the planking before you catch up with me

[Capt Zatarra]

Hallelujah My Wood Has Arrived Hymn (feel free to sing along with me)

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
For the Police saw fit to release my wood
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Santa Maria is the name of the wood
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

The wood is really pretty
Is become the wood for my hull
And of my deck, and of my deck;
And it shall float for ever and ever,
For ever and ever, forever and ever,

Wood of woods, and Plank of planks,
Wood of woods, and Plank of planks
And Nails and screws,
And Then it is caulked,
And It shall float forever and ever,
Planks on frames, forever and ever,
And Wood of woods
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

And Santa Maria shall reign forever and ever,
Plank on frames! and Chaulked joints!
And It shall float, forever and ever,
Plank on frames! and Chaulked seams!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Amen. Brother Zatarra

[Sailor]

YAY

[George Ray]

: )

[Larks]

Amen indeed Bro' Z!! Great news!!

[JoshuaIII]

That song deserve a dancer!

[Capt Zatarra]

Now I am off getting a planer, as all the planks are 2" thick, and I need them to be 1 3/4" thick. Capt. Z.

P.s. Stephene, great dance, so many parts going in different directions!

[Capt Zatarra]

So I finally got about twenty planks planed down and got the first plank hung. It feels like this is a major mile stone that was never going to be reached. Yee haa bending a 1 3/4 inch plank takes some force to get in place! The shear clamp is a one by six and the curve of deck needed it to bend two inches along the six inch axes. So I clamped it down at one end screwed it to the first couple of ribs then put a big honkin clamp on the other end and started bending it into place, and as the curved board reached the mark on the rib it was screwed on. Worked out pretty well. The shear strake on the other hand will have the curve cut in to it. Where as the shear shelf will get bent into place. I took some pictures and will try to get them down loaded tomorrow. Capt. Z.

[Larks]

Great to hear Z, looking forward to some pic's!!!

[JoshuaIII]

Good to hear progress capt!
Looking forward for the pictures!

[George Ray]

Congrats!!

[Capt Zatarra]

So here are pictures!

This is the shear clamps going up. I took the deck beam and put them in the hull as a temporary platform to stand on while working

So here is the bow just before the shear strake goes up

Drum roll please......Ladies and Gentlemen may I present our very first plank!

Clamping and screwing and nailing, one end first and then bending a piece of a tree that has been straight for the last 150 years. It just requires a lot of umph.
Of course this requires some one to stand and hold up the other end until we can bend it in to shape.

And here it is just waiting around for nails

So that's it for now, more pictures soon. Capt. Z.

[Capt Zatarra]

Here is one more picture as a bonus, since I hear that everyone wants more pictures.

Capt. Z.

[Larks]

Wonderful to see some action 'Z. Are the plank edges at all shaped for seams/caulking? I take it from the pic's that you will be butt joining the ends rather than scarphing them, but do they get shaped for caulking? It's difficult to tell from the photos.

[Capt Zatarra]

They will all be butt blocked and shaped for caulking. Butt blocking is what I know, so it is what will happen here. Scarfing (as I understand it) would require the entire length to be scarfed up before putting it up in place and a single plank over fifty feet long would not be something I would want to try to get into position. I like that I am doing this build the way it was done in the 1790's when this design was popular. Granted we are using power tools but the construction technic is true to form. I like to think that a shipbuilder from then would look at this build and recognize it for what it is. And approve of what we are doing here. Capt. Z.

[JoshuaIII]

Hey Capt, nice to see you going forward!

Come on you guys can put a bit of chance on your side, steam the plank!
they are more cooperative when you give them some drinks first

[Larks]

They will all be butt blocked and shaped for caulking. Butt blocking is what I know, so it is what will happen here. Scarfing (as I understand it) would require the entire length to be scarfed up before putting it up in place and a single plank over fifty feet long would not be something I would want to try to get into position. I like that I am doing this build the way it was done in the 1790's when this design was popular. Granted we are using power tools but the construction technic is true to form. I like to think that a shipbuilder from then would look at this build and recognize it for what it is. And approve of what we are doing here. Capt. Z.

Sounds good to me Z, seeing planking on a vessel of this size is new to me, bigger than the usual planking job you see here but smaller than a ship, so I'd been wondering how it was all going to go together. Keep the pictures coming please!!!

[Capt Zatarra]

I forgot to add that before we started planking I put a string line down the keel to see if it was still where it was suppose to be. To my eye it felt like the keel was hogging. The ground that the boat sits on seems as hard as a cast iron pan, but it is still dirt. The string line told the story. She had hogged a little over a half inch in the middle! I put a 20 ton jack under the bow and lifted it two inches before the keel was straight again. Then we reblocked her and started planking. Capt. Z.

[headonz]

Thats impressive dimensions Capt Z ! Are these planks through bolted to the deck clamp,surely not just nailed !Huge project,you are obviously a man not easily put off by the prospect of a little hard work.

Why does this project not get a sticky ??

[Capt Zatarra]

Thanks for the kind words, Headonz. The planks are indeed bolted through the ribs, the shear clamps, and the shear shelf. I'll take a picture and post it. I got a new camera so I I'm pretty stocked to take pictures. Capt. Z.

[P.L.Lenihan]

And many followers of this most impressive thread must all be breathing a happy sigh of relief and clapping at the good news of a new camera,thus more pictures!

The blue sky background in your latest pictures appear to have post card charm them. Very nice!



I too have wondered why this thread has no "sticky" too!

Cheers!


Peter

[Capt Zatarra]

Another day, another plank. Here is an interesting thought, down here people are very resistant to change. As a result many building/construction techniques go unchanged for centuries. The expression "it was good enough for my father's father" comes to mind. So before I started this project I visited a few ship yards to see how boat building was done here. I got the impression that I was seeing how boats were built two or three hundred years ago. One thing that stands out to me in perticular was how the caulking was done. Here they do not but a bevel on the plank, they fit it light tight back to front and then use a special caulking iron to force open a space in the front of the seam just deep enought to start the cotton or oakum. Usually one person will start with the parting iron and get a three or four foot lead on the seam and then the second (more experienced) guy will start on the opened seam and caulke in the cotton, all the while criticizing the lead man on his tool marks. The first iron or parting tool must make a constant width and depth that is smooth and continues. If the iron is at a slight angle it will leave a tiny notch or groove. Which is considered sloppy. If it is a small job, one guy will do both jobs, parting for four feet, then caulking the gap, then parting again.

When I told the caulker that I wanted a bevel cut in the planks like we do in north America, he said He COULD do that! All the while looking at me like I was determined to do something completely worthless. Anyway I may just do it their way this time. I am running out of time to waffle about on this decision. More later. Captain Zatarra.

[JoshuaIII]

That's interesting capt.

But specially in the turn of the bilge, you can't have the plank all tight on the lower edge without shaping it as the outside of it wil be touching a lot before the inside does, removing a bit more for the caulking bevel don't even take more time...

Except if they build mostly round bottom boat, which can explain a bit...