Classic Runabout - Home build UK

**BodgerGraham** · 18th July 2022, 03:54 PM

Sketched out on a couple of A4 pages - Here is my lockdown project and I am quite proud to show it off to all of you (down under.)
.
Started in January 2019 and completed in August after about 850 hours. The first task was to carve out a softwood half model to 1/8th scale.
From that modest start and not quite sure what would result, I had to fabricate a mobile jig so that I could work on alternate sides within the limited space of my garage.

No sooner than work was completed I felt I would like to build another, but funds don't allow this retired septogenerian. So the next best thing is to at least put my ideas down on paper by means of a proper scaled CAD design. Much midnight oil was burnt getting my head around the programme. Fusion360 is the one I went for - as a student one-off user, it's available free to download and there are several You-Tube posts from teachers willing to help the novice like me.

The images above are of the prototype already completed. The CAD design sketched alongside are of the successor but unlikely to see the light of day (due to lack of funds and time).

woody runabout series - Google Photos

**Optimark** · 18th July 2022, 05:57 PM

Looks very nice, really like the tennis racquet seats.

Welcome to the forum.

Mick.

**labr@** · 20th July 2022, 11:44 PM

Nice job Graham, something to be proud of. Sounds like you are a quick builder. 850 hours may seem like a lot at first but I spent 300 on my first strip built kayak so you really did quite well.

We'd be interested in seeing your other woodwork projects too. I presume you have made other things with wood because this boat is just too good for a first go.

**BodgerGraham** · 21st July 2022, 06:21 AM

Hi BobTheLabrat,
Its true there have been loads of wood projects built along the way. As well as boats; such as wood carvings and the odd few furniture jobs over the years. I was fortunate at one stage to acquire a quantity of Teak boards from Exeter university Chemi-Lab (re-fit) which prompted a few of them.
Previous boat projects include a skin-on-frame Kayak and a small racing dinghy (the Solo). A good deal of research was carried out for the Kayak and the job turned out just perfect - built to fit me like a glove in the way the inuit do it. The Solo was a challange because of all the dimensions required to make it qualify and be accepted in the class.
Too many images to post here in total but links to Google albums are here (see below)
SkinOnFrameKayak - Google Photos

TapDancerSoloNewBuild - Google Photos

Best Regards,
Graham

**labr@** · 22nd July 2022, 08:50 PM

They are both impressive projects Graham. I really like the lashed frame for the SOF. I made one SOF with the "fuselage frame" type of design so it was somewhat simpler than yours but the frame was all lashed. I enjoyed the lashing process, it was quiet, therapeutic and mess free.

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