Re: [bolger] Re: AF4 Sea trials
|
| Hey, John B.! Are you "3-D", yet?
Not yet. It will probably the weekend after next. I still have to cut out
and butt the sides, rip and scarf chine logs, gunwales, and the like. It's
going to be soon. I've also found an old '57 or '58 18hp Evinrude I'm going
to check out in a couple of weeks.
| What did you decide to do for butt-straps?
I've got lots of extra 1/2" plywood that will be ripped into 4-5" strips
with 45 degree bevels on the edges. They will be fastened with ring nails
and epoxy. The outside seams will be puttied with thickened epoxy and
covered with fiberglass cloth. FYI I did make a test butt with 5200 that I
tested to destruction. The plywood failed, not the 5200, so it did appear to
work in that application.
| I think the AF4 would meet a lot of people's
| needs, if they could see beyond the metalflake
| and V-8's in the dealers' showrooms. With a
| 4-cycle 15hp outboard with battery charging
| capability, this boat could be a long-distance
| cruiser.
Agreed, but I do think the cuddy is a little small for a couple. That's why
I think the 22'er is such a good idea.
This I spent the past weekend at a friend's house on a large reservior. We
rode around a lot in his pontoon boat (which I like very much by the way)
and visited one of his buddies who had a new Mariah runabout. This boat was
about 19-20' long and sported a modified Chevy 350 that made around 300hp.
It *was* an impressive performer. With 7 people aboard we saw 68 mph on the
speedo! And to top it all off, it handled like a jet fighter and rode like a
Cadillac. Thing was, I did not see how I could have any more fun on the
water with that boat which cost over $20 grand than I'll be able to in my
sub-$1000 AF4. I don't think many people have any idea of what they really
want or need when they buy these boats. They just blithely let the salesman
convince them this is what they need and buy as much monthly payment as they
can swing. What I see most people doing on the lake with these metalflake
rockets though is sit in a cove somewhere with the boat at anchor or just
drifting, swimming, eating, socializing, fishing, and drinking. The exact
same uses I want my boat for! I just don't need to go 70 mph or spend 20 g's
to get there. When I meet them on the lake, we'll probably both feel
superior. But I can be smug with the knowledge that will he have paid a lot
more than I did for that feeling!
| Back in Dec., when it was too cold to glue or
| paint, I amused myself by thinking about an enlarged
| AF4. That expensive okume (?) stuff can be had
| in 5 ft by 10 ft panels, which are 25% bigger than
| a 4 by 8 panel. Just up all the dimensions by 25%
| and you have your 22 1/2 by 6 1/2 boat. Of course,
| some scantlings and dimensions would need some
| "tweaking" but I don't think there would be
| a problem doing this. Powered by a pair of
| long-shaft, 15 hp 4-cycle engines, this thing
| would have some real potential for cruising.
|
Your idea would probably work pretty well. I'd take the bottom up to a full
1" thick and maybe put on a Bolger Clam Skiff-style shoe. It may need some
floor timbers which would make it easy to install some floorboards to keep
your feet out of the wet and muck that always seems to collect in the bottom
of the boat. Put two transom berths in the cuddy and some benches in the
cockpit and you've got a pretty nice little cruiser. To save money, I'd go
with a single 25-35hp 4stroke vs. the two motor approach you suggest. It
would be great little boat for a couple to cruise up and down the ICW down
here in Georgia. What we're describing is a lot like Kilburn Adams'
SkiffAmerica, just a little less fussy.
Movin' on,
JB in Georgia where we now have 1/2" of pollen on the ground. Really.
| Hey, John B.! Are you "3-D", yet?
Not yet. It will probably the weekend after next. I still have to cut out
and butt the sides, rip and scarf chine logs, gunwales, and the like. It's
going to be soon. I've also found an old '57 or '58 18hp Evinrude I'm going
to check out in a couple of weeks.
| What did you decide to do for butt-straps?
I've got lots of extra 1/2" plywood that will be ripped into 4-5" strips
with 45 degree bevels on the edges. They will be fastened with ring nails
and epoxy. The outside seams will be puttied with thickened epoxy and
covered with fiberglass cloth. FYI I did make a test butt with 5200 that I
tested to destruction. The plywood failed, not the 5200, so it did appear to
work in that application.
| I think the AF4 would meet a lot of people's
| needs, if they could see beyond the metalflake
| and V-8's in the dealers' showrooms. With a
| 4-cycle 15hp outboard with battery charging
| capability, this boat could be a long-distance
| cruiser.
Agreed, but I do think the cuddy is a little small for a couple. That's why
I think the 22'er is such a good idea.
This I spent the past weekend at a friend's house on a large reservior. We
rode around a lot in his pontoon boat (which I like very much by the way)
and visited one of his buddies who had a new Mariah runabout. This boat was
about 19-20' long and sported a modified Chevy 350 that made around 300hp.
It *was* an impressive performer. With 7 people aboard we saw 68 mph on the
speedo! And to top it all off, it handled like a jet fighter and rode like a
Cadillac. Thing was, I did not see how I could have any more fun on the
water with that boat which cost over $20 grand than I'll be able to in my
sub-$1000 AF4. I don't think many people have any idea of what they really
want or need when they buy these boats. They just blithely let the salesman
convince them this is what they need and buy as much monthly payment as they
can swing. What I see most people doing on the lake with these metalflake
rockets though is sit in a cove somewhere with the boat at anchor or just
drifting, swimming, eating, socializing, fishing, and drinking. The exact
same uses I want my boat for! I just don't need to go 70 mph or spend 20 g's
to get there. When I meet them on the lake, we'll probably both feel
superior. But I can be smug with the knowledge that will he have paid a lot
more than I did for that feeling!
| Back in Dec., when it was too cold to glue or
| paint, I amused myself by thinking about an enlarged
| AF4. That expensive okume (?) stuff can be had
| in 5 ft by 10 ft panels, which are 25% bigger than
| a 4 by 8 panel. Just up all the dimensions by 25%
| and you have your 22 1/2 by 6 1/2 boat. Of course,
| some scantlings and dimensions would need some
| "tweaking" but I don't think there would be
| a problem doing this. Powered by a pair of
| long-shaft, 15 hp 4-cycle engines, this thing
| would have some real potential for cruising.
|
Your idea would probably work pretty well. I'd take the bottom up to a full
1" thick and maybe put on a Bolger Clam Skiff-style shoe. It may need some
floor timbers which would make it easy to install some floorboards to keep
your feet out of the wet and muck that always seems to collect in the bottom
of the boat. Put two transom berths in the cuddy and some benches in the
cockpit and you've got a pretty nice little cruiser. To save money, I'd go
with a single 25-35hp 4stroke vs. the two motor approach you suggest. It
would be great little boat for a couple to cruise up and down the ICW down
here in Georgia. What we're describing is a lot like Kilburn Adams'
SkiffAmerica, just a little less fussy.
Movin' on,
JB in Georgia where we now have 1/2" of pollen on the ground. Really.
>Hey, John B.! Are you "3-D", yet?
> __________________________________________________
>
What did you decide to do for butt-straps?
I think the AF4 would meet a lot of people's
needs, if they could see beyond the metalflake
and V-8's in the dealers' showrooms. With a
4-cycle 15hp outboard with battery charging
capability, this boat could be a long-distance
cruiser.
Back in Dec., when it was too cold to glue or
paint, I amused myself by thinking about an enlarged
AF4. That expensive okume (?) stuff can be had
in 5 ft by 10 ft panels, which are 25% bigger than
a 4 by 8 panel. Just up all the dimensions by 25%
and you have your 22 1/2 by 6 1/2 boat. Of course,
some scantlings and dimensions would need some
"tweaking" but I don't think there would be
a problem doing this. Powered by a pair of
long-shaft, 15 hp 4-cycle engines, this thing
would have some real potential for cruising.
Anyway, I am looking forward to some luxury
travel this summer. I have a bimini top for
the cockpit (an old frame given to me that I
modified to fit, and bought a new factory-made
$46.00 cover for); I have a folding stainless-
steel swim ladder mounted to the transom that
extends two steps into the water (off a burned
boat); a small auxiliary engine mounted on
a lifting bracket (flea market find), and
a very old folding wooden deck chair that is
missing it's foot rest, but was free, that
should fit nicely in the cockpit.
It's a cry'n shame that not everyone can
live like this.
Max
--- "Brad B." <bradboerger@...> wrote:
easy build. It would be a good (if somewhat large)
project for a first timer. One reason for this is that
in addition to the standard building key, Jim adds his
notes and tips from building the prototype.
Also, having been in the prototype, I can say that it
as good a concept in reality as it appears on paper.
The only thing I disagree with Jim about with this
design is the addition of built in seating. I'm
putting benches down both sides of the cockpit,
whereas Jim makes do with an old folding metal chair.
The 18x5 size is convenient and light. But the cuddy
is a little cramped for two to overnight. A little
larger cockpit would be nice too. I'd like to see Jim
draw a 22x6.5 version for cruising with a couple. It'd
sell like hotcakes, I'll bet.
JB
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> Sounds great. I was looking at AF4 a while ago,I'm building one myself. I can concur that it is an
> wanted to build
> one. My wife convinced me to buy a Thompson
> runabout that needed
> some restoration instead. BIG mistake. Needs
> sevral new frames, and
> complete epoxy encap. on the bottom, in my opinion.
> It'll never see
> the water on my watch. I'm more of a build 'em than
> fix 'em kinda
> guy, it turns out. AF4 looks like a very practical
> build. Hull
> speed on maybe 2 hp, sleeping space, cheap
> materials. Post us an
> update on yours.
> Brad
easy build. It would be a good (if somewhat large)
project for a first timer. One reason for this is that
in addition to the standard building key, Jim adds his
notes and tips from building the prototype.
Also, having been in the prototype, I can say that it
as good a concept in reality as it appears on paper.
The only thing I disagree with Jim about with this
design is the addition of built in seating. I'm
putting benches down both sides of the cockpit,
whereas Jim makes do with an old folding metal chair.
The 18x5 size is convenient and light. But the cuddy
is a little cramped for two to overnight. A little
larger cockpit would be nice too. I'd like to see Jim
draw a 22x6.5 version for cruising with a couple. It'd
sell like hotcakes, I'll bet.
JB
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Get email at your own domain with Yahoo! Mail.
http://personal.mail.yahoo.com/
Sounds great. I was looking at AF4 a while ago, wanted to build
one. My wife convinced me to buy a Thompson runabout that needed
some restoration instead. BIG mistake. Needs sevral new frames, and
complete epoxy encap. on the bottom, in my opinion. It'll never see
the water on my watch. I'm more of a build 'em than fix 'em kinda
guy, it turns out. AF4 looks like a very practical build. Hull
speed on maybe 2 hp, sleeping space, cheap materials. Post us an
update on yours.
Brad
one. My wife convinced me to buy a Thompson runabout that needed
some restoration instead. BIG mistake. Needs sevral new frames, and
complete epoxy encap. on the bottom, in my opinion. It'll never see
the water on my watch. I'm more of a build 'em than fix 'em kinda
guy, it turns out. AF4 looks like a very practical build. Hull
speed on maybe 2 hp, sleeping space, cheap materials. Post us an
update on yours.
Brad
congratulations max!!... I am looking forward to seeing it at the rend lake
messabout
Chris Flynn
Flynn's Folly
_/)
~~~~~~~~~`
messabout
Chris Flynn
Flynn's Folly
_/)
~~~~~~~~~`
----- Original Message -----
From: <cadbury@...>
To: <bolger@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Sunday, April 08, 2001 12:56 PM
Subject: [bolger] AF4 Sea trials
> Dumped the AF4 into the river this morning. No leaks other
> than seaping garboard drains (I bought REAL garboard drains)
> with defective threads. That's what I get for buying
> MARINE items instead of hardware store items.
>
> Blows around a bit in the wind (real breezy here this morning)
> but that is expected of a relativley light, flat-bottom
> boat.
>
> Did not measure speed but plenty fast with the old
> 18 hp.
>
> Had no trouble launching and reloading by myself.
>
> Supposed to meet-up with Jim Michalak next weekend
> at Carlyle Lake and compare AF4's; hope to get
> some photos then.
>
> Am VERY happy with the design of this boat; VERY
> easy to build, VERY quick to build, and (if you
> don't screw-up 2 perfectly good sheets of plywood
> like I did) relatively cheap to build. And doesn't
> need a very big engine, either.
>
>
>
>
>
> Bolger rules!!!
> - no cursing, flaming, trolling, or spamming
> - no flogging dead horses
> - add something: take "thanks!" and "ditto!" posts off-list.
> - stay on topic and punctuate
> - add your comments at the TOP and SIGN your posts
> - To order plans: Mr. Philip C. Bolger, P.O. Box 1209, Gloucester, MA,
01930, Fax: (978) 282-1349
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject tohttp://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
Dumped the AF4 into the river this morning. No leaks other
than seaping garboard drains (I bought REAL garboard drains)
with defective threads. That's what I get for buying
MARINE items instead of hardware store items.
Blows around a bit in the wind (real breezy here this morning)
but that is expected of a relativley light, flat-bottom
boat.
Did not measure speed but plenty fast with the old
18 hp.
Had no trouble launching and reloading by myself.
Supposed to meet-up with Jim Michalak next weekend
at Carlyle Lake and compare AF4's; hope to get
some photos then.
Am VERY happy with the design of this boat; VERY
easy to build, VERY quick to build, and (if you
don't screw-up 2 perfectly good sheets of plywood
like I did) relatively cheap to build. And doesn't
need a very big engine, either.
than seaping garboard drains (I bought REAL garboard drains)
with defective threads. That's what I get for buying
MARINE items instead of hardware store items.
Blows around a bit in the wind (real breezy here this morning)
but that is expected of a relativley light, flat-bottom
boat.
Did not measure speed but plenty fast with the old
18 hp.
Had no trouble launching and reloading by myself.
Supposed to meet-up with Jim Michalak next weekend
at Carlyle Lake and compare AF4's; hope to get
some photos then.
Am VERY happy with the design of this boat; VERY
easy to build, VERY quick to build, and (if you
don't screw-up 2 perfectly good sheets of plywood
like I did) relatively cheap to build. And doesn't
need a very big engine, either.