Phoenix at the bottom of the garden

[colinpr]

My Phoenix parts have finally made it out of the shed onto the strongback and had the keelson dry-fitted. (The extra bracing on B1 is to correct a twist until a couple of planks are on.) Everything dropped into place first time, thanks in no small part to the excellent way Ross has chosen to present his plans.

With the single garage reserved for scarfing and cutting planks, there was no option but to use the great outdoors for building. What can possibly go wrong? A bonus is the motivation to make substantial progress before the next storm season arrives. Though I’ll have to come up with something better when painting time arrives.

The award for the Most Valuable Player of the round will be shared by:
a) The stick-nail-pencil compass. It never took a backward step when tackling the big guys. (You want a perpendicular? I’ll give you a perpendicular!)
b) The old ‘Douglas’ protractor. For its mastery of the finer points of the game.

For now, I’ve reached another milestone in my ignorance. So I’ll hit the books to get things fresh in my head before the shaping and planking begin. Some photos are attached.

Colin

[RossL]

Colin,

Thanks for posting the pictures, and thanks also for the kind words about the plans.

It looks as though you are doing a first-class job, and thoroughly endorse your comments about the stick-nail-pencil compass and the Douglas Protractor - I use exactly that combination on my own work. Do not ever trust that the end cuts on plywood sheets are at ninety degrees to the long edges.

I really hope that the project goes well for you. There are quite a number of Phoenix III's in the water now, and I'm happy to say that the people who have reported back are happy with their boats. I've just been up to the Bribie Island Classic Boat Regatta, and I had the pleasure of seeing both a Phoenix III and a Periwinkle performing as well or better than the best of them. I sailed in both boats and it was very gratifying.

Thanks again for the note,

Ross Lillistone

[rob540]

Thank goodness for tarps. And thank you for sharing the start of your build. This will be a lovely boat, I'm sure. Look forward to seeing her develop.
Rob

[wavedancer]

Hi Colin, so thats where those bits you were showing me go. Mate its getting a bit nippy up here on the mountain. Give me a call if you need a hand with those big planks.
Ian L.

[colinpr]

Meanwhile, some time later . . .

Here are the results of my learning experiences on the Phoenix so far.
Sorry about the gunwales Ross. My gear and I aren't up to what you had in mind.
That's just the start really. If I'm asked about the design, instead of the long list of disclaimers I'd have to give out on your behalf, I have simply printed cards with the URL where they can see photos of a proper one.

Yes, water has got under the tarp a couple of times. Must do something about that before I turn it over. Don't want it to start life as a bird bath.

[Seafarer]

Good job. Your planking looks neat.

Cheers, Cameron.

[wavedancer]

Hi Colin, looks like you have a boat. When is the turn over? Call me if you need a hand.
Ian L

[RossL]

Colin,

She looks very neat and clean to my eyes, especially as you are working under such difficult conditions.

As for the gunwales, what you have done will be fine - both structurally and aesthetically. I'm interested to know whether you have had any significant problems with the plans as presented, or whether you are just being modest about your efforts? Any feed-back that may help others would be gratefully received.

Please feel free to email or 'phone if you need any assistance.

Cheers,

Ross Lillistone

[colinpr]

Thanks for the offer Ian, but I was home one day last week when I reached my procrastination threshold.
I lined up saw horses and camping matresses, left the main mold in and rolled it over. Then just a matter of working it sideways onto cradles on the strongback.
Despite serious misgivings, it turned out to be surprisingly light and easily manageable for one person (thanks Ross).
Worked out well. Am now off to buy shares in a company that makes sandpaper.

[RossL]

Colin,

Sanding epoxy is not much fun, but you can get rid of the majority of the lumps, bumps and dribbles by using a sharp scraper (I favour the triangular ones you can get from paint shops known as "Hook" scrapers) and a heatgun or hair dryer.

The heatgun should be set on a fairly low temperature, which is about the equivalent to the high setting on a good hair dryer. Keep the gun moving over the area you are working so that you don't scorch the timber, and, more importantly, so that you don't get too much penetration of heat into the timber where it may damage the actual glue line.

You will quite quickly get the hang of the process, and with a sharp scraper and just enough heat, you can very easily remove excess epoxy with just thumb and finger pressure on the scraper. I sharpen regularly using a 12" mill file.

I'm pretty sure there is a reference to the use of heatguns in the WEST System book, "The Gougeon rothers on Boat Construction", but I can't find it right at the moment.

With the bulk of the cured epoxy removed this way, you will find that the sanding is relatively easy. The idea I have is that sanding is not a material-removal process, but more a final fairing.

Ross Lillistone www.baysidewoodenboats.com.au (http://www.baysidewoodenboats.com.au)

[colinpr]

Feels like I've reached a sort of milestone, but still a way to go yet.

I claim a small victory in finding the sheers being level along the whole length.
Only I will know about all the mishaps that have been hidden or worked around.

Now appreciate how much stuff gets blown into the garage via the roof and settles on the hull. Next job will be to build that indoor tent before any painting starts.

Colin

[wavedancer]

Looking good Colin. so where is the car parked or shouldn't I ask. Plan to launch the Auk "Ripples" 1600hrs 5/11/11 at Newport, every one's welcome, there should be enough Boags for all.
Ian L

[Seafarer]

Only I will know about all the mishaps that have been hidden or worked around.


And after a while even you won't know where these are either. :U

When I built Miss Mouse there were three notable mistakes. I can only see one of these now. Can't even remember what the others were.

Cheers, Cameron.

[colinpr]

Decks now under construction. The short side deck panels result from a desperate attempt to avoid buying another whole sheet of ply. It looks like I'll now have a 300mm square piece left over, phew!.

Things I'd do differently: Remember, you can never have too many clamps - think of the number you will need, then triple it so I could bend at twist the gunwales on properly.

The project has entered its third year. Here's my secret for making the fun last longer, or 'boat building at the bottom of the food chain' as it should be called.

Study plans - plan strategy - study how others have done it - devise new strategy - procrastinate - do it - identify stuffups - devise strategy - procrastinate - cover mistakes - ... repeat at all stages of construction.

[wavedancer]

Looking good. with the craking pace you are setting it should be ready for Newport in November:U.
Ian L

[colinpr]

Twin, carbon neutral, auxiliary power drives installed.

[wavedancer]

Does that mean you have the rowlocks fitted ?????:roll:
Took the Auk out for the annual club beach party / dingy races last week end and ripped my rowlock blocks of the side of the boat :C, dodgey glue up. Still managed to win every race against the the little plastic boats. the Auk rows like a dream.
Still on track for Newport in November????
Ian L

[m2c1Iw]

The project has entered its third year. Here's my secret for making the fun last longer, or 'boat building at the bottom of the food chain' as it should be called.

Study plans - plan strategy - study how others have done it - devise new strategy - procrastinate - do it - identify stuffups - devise strategy - procrastinate - cover mistakes - ... repeat at all stages of construction.

Works for me :D

Looking great.

[colinpr]

Still on track for Newport in November????
Ian L

You mean in November 2012? I'd better get a move on.

Sounds like Ripples' auxiliary drives might be overpowered.
Reducing the fuel octane rating my solve the problem. Experiment with different ratios of beer to whiskey.

Colin

[colinpr]

Missile guidance system prepared.

Have since single-handed flipped the hull, using rope slings, to work on the bottom.
I'll just say that there are things I'd do differently next time.
The main one would be to use straps in place of stretchy rope.

[wavedancer]

Looking good Colin, should be ready by November. where did you get the brackets for mounting the guidance system..
Bit of luck I should have a sail for the Auk by Newport boat show would be good to go for a sail "in company".
Ian L

[colinpr]

Ah, a sail. I haven't thought that far ahead.

The rudder fittings are just standard Ronstan items from the Bias catalogue.
Not ideal, but the best I can do. Notice that I had to recess the rudder box to fit them.
The Penrith store doesn't stock them, but I placed an order there for pickup.
If bought online, delivery charges are added.

Colin

[wavedancer]

Thanks Collin, will have a look at Bias.
Ian L

[colinpr]

How do you spoil satisfaction with a hull fairing job?

Add one coat of gloss.

[wavedancer]

Put more scotch in the coke Colin. Most of the bottom of the boat should be in the water or at least pointing down so no one willl notice.
PS got the rudder hinges for the Auk, now all I have to do is make the rudder.
Ian L

[colinpr]

Thanks Ian, you were correct.
Even after 3 more coats of paint, the hull looks so much better with the boat upright again.
Thanks also for the tip about a supplier of brass strip for the bow. Got some and had my first experience of working with bedding compound - interesting.
Never a dull moment roung here.

Colin

[wavedancer]

4 months until November Colin. :U
Have you given any thought to a trailer. I have a spare one here that I got of a bloke who was taking it to the tip. Bit of welding and wiring and it might do for the phoenix.
I got the plans for the pram "Alby" of Ross, should start construction soon.

[colinpr]

Have been thinking about trailers a lot. Latest thought was to find a second-hand light tinnie trailer and have a longer draw bar fitted. Phoenix only weighs approx. 100 kg and have to stay under my car's towing limit of approx. 450 kg.
My welding skills are zero, but would be worth having a look at your rescue trailer.
Good luck with Alby. Is Ripples going to be reserved for tender racing events?

[colinpr]

Despite absenteeism, strikes and a dire shortage of skilled labour in the workforce, some progress has been made. Hull painted and boat turned upright again for work on the deck.

[colinpr]

At last, out of the garage and onto the Bat Trailer.
Proper trailer fitting and support is another job to add to the list. More reading and sorting through options.

[wavedancer]

For someone who said they can't weld you did a pretty good job of the trailer. The boat looks pretty good too.
I have decided to give the Newport boat show a miss this year WD just looks too tired,and we have a good club event on that weekend also.
Ian L

[colinpr]

Thanks Ian, but the trailer is a 12 year old Brooker with the heavy rollers removed.

Hope your worm treatment is going OK. I was going to suggest Fenwicks complete haul out and hard stand service for DIY, but assumed you were already aware of it. The complication, if it's where I think it is, is getting there under that railway bridge.

Cheers,
Colin

[wavedancer]

Years ago when I had tinnies and fiberglass runabouts we threw the rollers on the trailers away and dragged the boat up on teflon strips (real easy to set to right hieght). Not sure if this would be good for wooden boats ( might work if the teflon was wetted before launch and retrevel) maybe some old hands here might have a view on this. Re Fenwicks still need to rob a bank to stay on the hard. Re rail way bridge I can get under at Half tide with 4 inches to spare.
Ian L

[Rickey Herb]

Hope your worm treatment is going OK.

Yes, good luck with the treatment. Worms can be very uncomfortable. Maybe a drench is needed? :U

Rickey