The "I have no idea what I am doing" GIS build thread - Sydney, Aus

[scooterpontus]

If you have a pre-drilled screw at chine and sheer where each bulkhead or frame is, and put those in as you wrap the panels around, it should be pretty easy to make things behave. Without those things would be slipping all over the place, but just a couple of screws as you work the panels into shape makes a big difference.

I did my old rowboat this way and it worked a treat. Just put the midships frame in to start with, then pull the ends until the next frames are sitting about right. Rinse and repeat. If you do it that way, it's only the last bit to the stem that'll take any real effort.

Pre drilled holes is probably a good idea. I think I will go with a full dry assembly when that time comes. Starting from the middle is something I haven't heard of before, everyone seems to follow the plans and start at the stem. I imagine that must be easier since there is quite a bit of curves in the very front of the boat. I'm very much looking forward to gluing the boat together, but I try to hold off until all the small parts are done. (I have done a partial dry fitting to admire my work, who hasn't?). I just don't have the space available to e.g. rip longer boards for mast and spars while having a fully assembled boat in the garage.

Back to Josh and his build.

Pontus

[Northstar]

I had every thing predrilled and a good dry fit. I started at the stem as the plan suggests and that might have been the problem. It did work out well in the end.

[Sumbloak]

Hmm. Dunno why the Goat plans suggest starting at the stem. Traditional way to build sharpies and skiffs was to start in the middle, so that's what I did with my boat. Makes sense to me, since it means you can get most bits into place before doing the most stressful bit.

[Sumbloak]

Might pay to ask Mik if he's ever tried doing it middle first, or if anyone else ever has. Not that I've ever built a Goat as such, but it's just another three panel boat. I suppose what is needed is an adventurous soul who has built one stem first and is willing to try the alternative.

[Beaton1]

It's a bit of a blur since the assembly, but I think I fastened the middle first, then the bow and stern. Had predrilled everything. Fastened bulkheads and stem to one side and then attached other side. Didn't have room to fasten at stem first and have the panels flying about. Tried a rope or strap but ended up hand holding while my son put the screws in.

How's the tool search going Josh? I've had mixed luck on eBay. Overpayed for decent tools and paid decent money for stuff that I was disappointed with. I was really proud of a Polaroid film holder I bought a few years ago for a dollar. Told my wife about my score, "that's great except I just heard on the radio that they stopped making the film!" I've had good luck at local tool auctions for hand tools though.

[Northstar]

MIK was suppose to be in the Philippines. Has any one heard from him since the typhoon? Got to keep our mentor safe.

[scooterpontus]

He's doing alright. The storm passed south of where he lives.

Pontus

[Sumbloak]

Good to hear. It made a hell of a mess.