Building a Bolger Crab Skiff (aka instant boat "Surf")

[Gopez]

My first post in the "Build/Repair" section (yippee!!).

Does this mean I have made the transition from "boat plans junkie" to "boatbuilder"?

Perhaps, but I thought I would post this link to my Bolger/Payson "Surf" build in the hopes that someone out there will enjoy it. I am still not finished. The spars and the kick-up rudder have yet to be completed. Summer is in full swing now and I have put the finishing touches on hold.

http://www.flickr.com//photos/431614...12913222/show/

[johnno]

That is fantastic, looking forward to following this. Thanks for posting!

[James McMullen]

Good for you! I built a Surf myself, way back when, and promptly gave it to my poor brother who was bereft of sailboats at the time.

[PaulT]

How Cool is that?!?!? Looks very nice. Can't wait to see it in the water.

[Outlaw]

I am not into sailing but I got to say, that is a nice boat, well done.

Outlaw

[Breakaway]

WTG!

Kevin

[jim_cricket]

First class job! Nice color scheme.

[Geoff C]

With a boat such as that, it's the little details that make all the difference, and I am impressed by the attention to detail that you gave it.

[Gopez]

Thanks for looking at my build pics and the kind words. I think this is a great choice for someone’s first build. For a first timer, you will get: an introduction to reading and following a set of plans, working with plywood epoxy and fiberglass, a relatively easy build project that shows results quickly and keeps you motivated and not overwhelmed or feeling bogged down, an end product that has a wee bit of a connection to something historic, and a safe boat with lots of built in floatation. Dynamite Payson’s personal “favorite” from the instant boat fleet. Respectable performance under oars or sail for a flat bottom light weather beach toy. Note: I have yet to launch and will follow up on this performance stuff later when I have my own experiences with using my “Surf”.


Two lessons learned:

1. The Hydrotek 6mm Keuring marine ply was easy to cut/mill/carve/trim. It’s a really nice product to work with. However, it is very dense and very heavy. I should have spent a little bit more $$$ for the lighter Okume (penny wise, pound foolish as they say). The price difference is really not that great when you consider the whole picture (your time, the amount spent on epoxy, paint, hardware, sail, etc. etc.).
2. I spent too much time with the finishing (Interlux Epoxy Prime Kote, followed by Petite Easypoxy). Turned out nice, but perhaps overkill for this project. The two part Prime Kote was pretty nasty and toxic stuff (use a really, really good respirator and ventilate like crazy).

A really fun project that I would recommend. I hope the build pictures tell the story about how quickly and easily she goes together. I think she looks good too. Thanks!

http://www.flickr.com//photos/431614...12913222/show/

[Gerarddm]

Nice job on her.

There is something jaunty about her lines, I'd love to develop a soft bilged version with a centerboard.