Re: [bolger] Re: Fisherman's Skiff or Car Topper
Stan,
its a trade-off.
If the time you spend glassing is a significant portion of the time you
intend sailing the hull,
and the boat will be kept well out of the water, skip it.
IFF your ply is good.
If the hull is an experiment, skip it.
Jeff
its a trade-off.
If the time you spend glassing is a significant portion of the time you
intend sailing the hull,
and the boat will be kept well out of the water, skip it.
IFF your ply is good.
If the hull is an experiment, skip it.
Jeff
On Fri, 22 Dec 2000 22:59:53 -0600, you wrote:
> > Does anyone think skipping the fiberglass to save time and money is
> > foolish?
>
> If ply is good, and taping is better, than covering the whole hull is
> the best. If you can afford it. That is the big IF. A lot of us build
> not just because we like to build, but in order to save money. The
> liking it comes later. I used the epoxy and cloth on the hull, and saved
> money by using polyester with cloth on the pilot house roof etc.
> Stan, Snow Goose
--
John <jkohnen@...>
http://www.boat-links.com/
Nobody ought to wear a Greek fisherman's hat unless they meet two
conditions:
1. He is a Greek
2. He is a Fisherman <Roy Blount Jr.>
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
You don't have to use 6 oz glass. I used 6 oz on both Diablo
and the bottom of Micro and they are both relatively bullet proof. I
am planning on using 6oz cloth on Micro's sides to get that same
effect in the case of a nasty dock piling or other boat. The deck and
interior bulkheads will use 3 oz just to hold the epoxy in place and
prevent delamination.
On the other hand, my pointy skiff has no glass on it whatsoever and
it is now 12 years old and does not leak a drop! The only wear has
been on the rails where it has rubbed against the roof rack going on
and off the car(s). The sides are also the area where I used Luan
ply instead of fir. Luan does not hold up as well, and has
delaminated a little bit here and there. In another year or two, it
may be time to rebuild as it would be cheaper than the epoxy and glass
patches Ihave been adding. Pointy Skiff's bottom is 1/2" marine ply
which is protected by a couple of skids. I have dragged this boat
over almost every boat ramp in Massachusetts and it is still going
strong. I am almost tempted to rip her up and save the bottom to use
again!
Happy Holiday!
David Jost "Boston"
and the bottom of Micro and they are both relatively bullet proof. I
am planning on using 6oz cloth on Micro's sides to get that same
effect in the case of a nasty dock piling or other boat. The deck and
interior bulkheads will use 3 oz just to hold the epoxy in place and
prevent delamination.
On the other hand, my pointy skiff has no glass on it whatsoever and
it is now 12 years old and does not leak a drop! The only wear has
been on the rails where it has rubbed against the roof rack going on
and off the car(s). The sides are also the area where I used Luan
ply instead of fir. Luan does not hold up as well, and has
delaminated a little bit here and there. In another year or two, it
may be time to rebuild as it would be cheaper than the epoxy and glass
patches Ihave been adding. Pointy Skiff's bottom is 1/2" marine ply
which is protected by a couple of skids. I have dragged this boat
over almost every boat ramp in Massachusetts and it is still going
strong. I am almost tempted to rip her up and save the bottom to use
again!
Happy Holiday!
David Jost "Boston"
John,
Talk about tunnel vision, I look at car topper, and can't see
anything except a Micro. ;-) You 100% correct, weight would be a big
problem for full coverage on the hull. But then, I'm the guy that
thought he could put a 4 foot paddlewheel of the back of his micro, so
nobody should listen to me anyway. ;-)
Happy Holidays, Stan S.G.
Talk about tunnel vision, I look at car topper, and can't see
anything except a Micro. ;-) You 100% correct, weight would be a big
problem for full coverage on the hull. But then, I'm the guy that
thought he could put a 4 foot paddlewheel of the back of his micro, so
nobody should listen to me anyway. ;-)
Happy Holidays, Stan S.G.
> Stan-
>
> It's not quite as cut and dried as that, sometimes sheathing a hull
> completely with FG isn't the best thing to do. That FG and resin weighs
> something, and that should be taken into account when building a boat for
> cartopping. A friend of mine built a Nymph and sheathed it with something
> like 6 oz. glass, it's Hell for stout but he doesn't use it much because
> it's so heavy to manhandle onto the car top! Of course you're never going
> to get your (much) modified Micro onto a cartop anyway. ;O)
My Cartoppers, stripped (and glassed only on chines and bottom), came
out to 78lbs on my bathroom scale. Payson's prototype came out to
92. Bolger estimated they would weigh 75. If you eliminate the
sailing function (c/b trunk etc)that will make a weight difference.
The trouble with them, from a cartopping perspective, is that (like
most boats!) they're awkward to handle solo for getting on a car.
Eventually I came up with a transom mounted wheel assembly that let
me get the boat on the top of my car singlehanded, but until I did
that it was a two person affair.
If you're always going to have two people handling it the extra
weight of a glassed hull won't make that huge a difference. If
you're going to do it solo, it will definately make a difference,
especially at the end of a long boating day!
John
out to 78lbs on my bathroom scale. Payson's prototype came out to
92. Bolger estimated they would weigh 75. If you eliminate the
sailing function (c/b trunk etc)that will make a weight difference.
The trouble with them, from a cartopping perspective, is that (like
most boats!) they're awkward to handle solo for getting on a car.
Eventually I came up with a transom mounted wheel assembly that let
me get the boat on the top of my car singlehanded, but until I did
that it was a two person affair.
If you're always going to have two people handling it the extra
weight of a glassed hull won't make that huge a difference. If
you're going to do it solo, it will definately make a difference,
especially at the end of a long boating day!
John
--- Inbolger@egroups.com, "Peter Vanderwaart" <pvanderw@o...> wrote:
> > If ply is good, and taping is better, than covering the whole
hull
> is
> > the best.
>
> It does add significant weight which might be a factor in a
cartopper
> like Cartopper.
>
> Peter
Stan-
It's not quite as cut and dried as that, sometimes sheathing a hull
completely with FG isn't the best thing to do. That FG and resin weighs
something, and that should be taken into account when building a boat for
cartopping. A friend of mine built a Nymph and sheathed it with something
like 6 oz. glass, it's Hell for stout but he doesn't use it much because
it's so heavy to manhandle onto the car top! Of course you're never going
to get your (much) modified Micro onto a cartop anyway. ;O)
It's not quite as cut and dried as that, sometimes sheathing a hull
completely with FG isn't the best thing to do. That FG and resin weighs
something, and that should be taken into account when building a boat for
cartopping. A friend of mine built a Nymph and sheathed it with something
like 6 oz. glass, it's Hell for stout but he doesn't use it much because
it's so heavy to manhandle onto the car top! Of course you're never going
to get your (much) modified Micro onto a cartop anyway. ;O)
On Fri, 22 Dec 2000 22:59:53 -0600, you wrote:
> > Does anyone think skipping the fiberglass to save time and money is
> > foolish?
>
> If ply is good, and taping is better, than covering the whole hull is
> the best. If you can afford it. That is the big IF. A lot of us build
> not just because we like to build, but in order to save money. The
> liking it comes later. I used the epoxy and cloth on the hull, and saved
> money by using polyester with cloth on the pilot house roof etc.
> Stan, Snow Goose
--
John <jkohnen@...>
http://www.boat-links.com/
Nobody ought to wear a Greek fisherman's hat unless they meet two conditions:
1. He is a Greek
2. He is a Fisherman <Roy Blount Jr.>
> If ply is good, and taping is better, than covering the whole hullis
> the best.It does add significant weight which might be a factor in a cartopper
like Cartopper.
Peter
> Does anyone think skipping the fiberglass to save time and money isIf ply is good, and taping is better, than covering the whole hull is
> foolish?
the best. If you can afford it. That is the big IF. A lot of us build
not just because we like to build, but in order to save money. The
liking it comes later. I used the epoxy and cloth on the hull, and saved
money by using polyester with cloth on the pilot house roof etc.
Stan, Snow Goose
Don't look to me for a reasonable cost estimate!
I built two of them at once, and ended up spending way more money
than I should have, springing for things like teak midships
platforms, and solid Luaun false stems and knees, and bronze
fittings. When I divided the cost of things like the $80 sheet of
1/4" teak, by two (and I used nearly every square inch of that teak),
for two boats, it didn't seem like that huge an individual expense,
but it added up, for sure.
I didn't cover the hull with glass, just the bottom. It woulnd't be
overkill to do the sides, but I don't know that it's necessary
either, depending what it's used for I guess. But I do think it would
be foolish to skip the bottom--especially if you are actually
cartopping it! The bottom of a cartopped boat will take a *lot* of
wear at the ramp, beach, whatever. A boat kept on a trailer not so
much, because it's generally either in deep water or on the trailer,
and the bottom is spared.
I like working with wood, and enjoy testing my skills with it. But
next time I will not finish my boat bright (this is my solemn vow!).
I will paint it. I will not skimp on quality of construction, but
neither will I sacrafice my pocketbook and sanity to the gods of high
finish!
John
PS Isn't it fun making all these pre-project decisions!
I built two of them at once, and ended up spending way more money
than I should have, springing for things like teak midships
platforms, and solid Luaun false stems and knees, and bronze
fittings. When I divided the cost of things like the $80 sheet of
1/4" teak, by two (and I used nearly every square inch of that teak),
for two boats, it didn't seem like that huge an individual expense,
but it added up, for sure.
I didn't cover the hull with glass, just the bottom. It woulnd't be
overkill to do the sides, but I don't know that it's necessary
either, depending what it's used for I guess. But I do think it would
be foolish to skip the bottom--especially if you are actually
cartopping it! The bottom of a cartopped boat will take a *lot* of
wear at the ramp, beach, whatever. A boat kept on a trailer not so
much, because it's generally either in deep water or on the trailer,
and the bottom is spared.
I like working with wood, and enjoy testing my skills with it. But
next time I will not finish my boat bright (this is my solemn vow!).
I will paint it. I will not skimp on quality of construction, but
neither will I sacrafice my pocketbook and sanity to the gods of high
finish!
John
PS Isn't it fun making all these pre-project decisions!
--- Inbolger@egroups.com, "Daniel Jacavanco" <djacavan@g...> wrote:
> Thanks for the feedback. Could you estimate what the total cost to
build
> cartopper is? Did you feel the need to cover the hull in
fiberglass? Did
> you consider three coats of epoxy or just paint instead?
>
> Does anyone think skipping the fiberglass to save time and money is
foolish?
>
>foolish?
> Does anyone think skipping the fiberglass to save time and money is
>I built Bolger's Tennessee with absolutely no glass. I did use epoxy for
glue, and a year later I taped the outsides of the butt joints. The only
thing I would do differently is tape the joints right off.
Chuck
| Hey, if you don't like the seats, build `em how you like
| `em. The seating arrangement in the Cartopper is a bit
| unconventional, although like most of Mr. Bolger's odd ideas, it
| probably works fine. It would be quite easy to do something more
| ordinary - perhaps a thwart behind the aft frame, another just
| behind the centerboard, and leave out the platform? Or wait until
| the hull is all together and improvise. If it doesn't work like
| you expected, tear `em out and put in something else. That's
| one advantage of building your own boat.
Rowing Seats:
I built a simple plywood box about 14"wide x 12"deep x 6" tall for use in my
Windsprint and Sportdory. To assemble it, I temporarily stuck it together
with a hot glue gun, then filleted and glassed the seams with epoxy and FG
tape. The outside was sanded and varnished. The whole thing took about an
hour and a half to build and cost practically nothing. It is sturdy,
portable, and comfortable.
John Bell
Kennesaw, GA
http://jmbell.home.mindspring.com
mailto:jmbell@...
(770) 514-6016 - office
(800) 492-5089 - pager
| `em. The seating arrangement in the Cartopper is a bit
| unconventional, although like most of Mr. Bolger's odd ideas, it
| probably works fine. It would be quite easy to do something more
| ordinary - perhaps a thwart behind the aft frame, another just
| behind the centerboard, and leave out the platform? Or wait until
| the hull is all together and improvise. If it doesn't work like
| you expected, tear `em out and put in something else. That's
| one advantage of building your own boat.
Rowing Seats:
I built a simple plywood box about 14"wide x 12"deep x 6" tall for use in my
Windsprint and Sportdory. To assemble it, I temporarily stuck it together
with a hot glue gun, then filleted and glassed the seams with epoxy and FG
tape. The outside was sanded and varnished. The whole thing took about an
hour and a half to build and cost practically nothing. It is sturdy,
portable, and comfortable.
John Bell
Kennesaw, GA
http://jmbell.home.mindspring.com
mailto:jmbell@...
(770) 514-6016 - office
(800) 492-5089 - pager
Hey, if you don't like the seats, build `em how you like
`em. The seating arrangement in the Cartopper is a bit
unconventional, although like most of Mr. Bolger's odd ideas, it
probably works fine. It would be quite easy to do something more
ordinary - perhaps a thwart behind the aft frame, another just
behind the centerboard, and leave out the platform? Or wait until
the hull is all together and improvise. If it doesn't work like
you expected, tear `em out and put in something else. That's
one advantage of building your own boat.
As far as covering it with fiberglass, I think that depends on the
type of plywood you'll be using. Douglas Fir, whether ACX or
marine, will check pretty badly unless it's covered with a layer
of cloth and resin. The cloth allows a thicker resin layer without
cracking, since the resin is a lot stiffer than the plywood. It
also gives some additional tensile strength and abrasion
resistance. Dynel is better than fiberglass for abrasion
resistance, though. If you use any of the various
"mahogany" marine plywoods (Okoume, Sapele, Meranti, Khaya,
etc.), they won't check. I don't think that a layer of
standard epoxy without cloth has much advantage over paint alone;
you'll have to paint or varnish it anyway to protect it from UV,
and the epoxy doesn't add much. OTOH, I've had very very good
results with CPES (Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer) from Smith & Co.
under paint or varnish. Everyone who uses this stuff seems to love
it, although it smells awful.
I'm in the middle of building a highly modified Cartopper (so
highly modified, in fact, that it's probably a completely
different boat) out of 6mm Meranti, which will be sheathed on the
bottom only. I built a Gypsy 12 years ago out of ACX Fir, which I
sheathed with 4 oz fiberglass cloth outside, and it's still going
strong.
`em. The seating arrangement in the Cartopper is a bit
unconventional, although like most of Mr. Bolger's odd ideas, it
probably works fine. It would be quite easy to do something more
ordinary - perhaps a thwart behind the aft frame, another just
behind the centerboard, and leave out the platform? Or wait until
the hull is all together and improvise. If it doesn't work like
you expected, tear `em out and put in something else. That's
one advantage of building your own boat.
As far as covering it with fiberglass, I think that depends on the
type of plywood you'll be using. Douglas Fir, whether ACX or
marine, will check pretty badly unless it's covered with a layer
of cloth and resin. The cloth allows a thicker resin layer without
cracking, since the resin is a lot stiffer than the plywood. It
also gives some additional tensile strength and abrasion
resistance. Dynel is better than fiberglass for abrasion
resistance, though. If you use any of the various
"mahogany" marine plywoods (Okoume, Sapele, Meranti, Khaya,
etc.), they won't check. I don't think that a layer of
standard epoxy without cloth has much advantage over paint alone;
you'll have to paint or varnish it anyway to protect it from UV,
and the epoxy doesn't add much. OTOH, I've had very very good
results with CPES (Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer) from Smith & Co.
under paint or varnish. Everyone who uses this stuff seems to love
it, although it smells awful.
I'm in the middle of building a highly modified Cartopper (so
highly modified, in fact, that it's probably a completely
different boat) out of 6mm Meranti, which will be sheathed on the
bottom only. I built a Gypsy 12 years ago out of ACX Fir, which I
sheathed with 4 oz fiberglass cloth outside, and it's still going
strong.
--- Inbolger@egroups.com, djacavan@g... wrote:
> Has anyone tried to choose between these two? I want to do some
> fishing and rowing with two small children in protected waters. I
> think the Topper is far saltier but I can't get past the lack of
> seats. Won't my kids be sitting in water?
>
> Any help/thoughts/comments appreciated.
>
> -DJ
DJ,
I am currently building a Cartopper using AC ply, Bondo and Poly
Resin. Cheap but durable. I recently took a ride in John's boat (one
of two Cartoppers he built, a real belt-and-suspenders guy!) I did
some rowing with the two of us and it was great. Very easy to row.
The boat is not that hard to build, but more work than you need for
just a rowboat.
When my teens were much smaller I had a Teal. For rowing it was
tops, either with one adult passenger or the two girls. Its so easy
to build...the sides are just straight cuts of ply. As for wet
butts...I got some flotations cushions from K-mart that were comfy and
kept us dry. Two of them made a great rowing seat. I used the square
cut firm foam ones. The Teal is light, easy to build, cheap, rows
straight and looks pretty good.
Bink.
I am currently building a Cartopper using AC ply, Bondo and Poly
Resin. Cheap but durable. I recently took a ride in John's boat (one
of two Cartoppers he built, a real belt-and-suspenders guy!) I did
some rowing with the two of us and it was great. Very easy to row.
The boat is not that hard to build, but more work than you need for
just a rowboat.
When my teens were much smaller I had a Teal. For rowing it was
tops, either with one adult passenger or the two girls. Its so easy
to build...the sides are just straight cuts of ply. As for wet
butts...I got some flotations cushions from K-mart that were comfy and
kept us dry. Two of them made a great rowing seat. I used the square
cut firm foam ones. The Teal is light, easy to build, cheap, rows
straight and looks pretty good.
Bink.
--- Inbolger@egroups.com, djacavan@g... wrote:
> Has anyone tried to choose between these two? I want to do some
> fishing and rowing with two small children in protected waters. I
> think the Topper is far saltier but I can't get past the lack of
> seats. Won't my kids be sitting in water?
>
> Any help/thoughts/comments appreciated.
>
> -DJ
Go for it. I built an elegant punt with no resin or glass at all, using
cheap plywood. Painted with cheap industrial/marine enamel, stored outside
with no cover but in a shady area, it is standing up very well. Only
repainted once after 3 1/2 years for appearance sake.
Jamie Orr
-----Original Message-----
From: Daniel Jacavanco [mailto:djacavan@...]
Sent: Friday, December 22, 2000 7:04 AM
To:bolger@egroups.com
Subject: RE: [bolger] Re: Fisherman's Skiff or Car Topper
Does anyone think skipping the fiberglass to save time and money is foolish?
cheap plywood. Painted with cheap industrial/marine enamel, stored outside
with no cover but in a shady area, it is standing up very well. Only
repainted once after 3 1/2 years for appearance sake.
Jamie Orr
-----Original Message-----
From: Daniel Jacavanco [mailto:djacavan@...]
Sent: Friday, December 22, 2000 7:04 AM
To:bolger@egroups.com
Subject: RE: [bolger] Re: Fisherman's Skiff or Car Topper
Does anyone think skipping the fiberglass to save time and money is foolish?
Thanks for the feedback. Could you estimate what the total cost to build
cartopper is? Did you feel the need to cover the hull in fiberglass? Did
you consider three coats of epoxy or just paint instead?
Does anyone think skipping the fiberglass to save time and money is foolish?
cartopper is? Did you feel the need to cover the hull in fiberglass? Did
you consider three coats of epoxy or just paint instead?
Does anyone think skipping the fiberglass to save time and money is foolish?
> -----Original Message-----
> From:jboatguy@...[mailto:jboatguy@...]
> Sent: Thursday, December 21, 2000 9:26 PM
> To:bolger@egroups.com
> Subject: [bolger] Re: Fisherman's Skiff or Car Topper
>
>
> I don't know the Fisherman Skiff, but I know Cartopper. No one sits
> in the water, or even close.
>
> There is a 'midships' platform raised above the bilge, and
> a 'foresheets' area in the bow. I have found my boat to be extremely
> comfortable, considering it's size. I've been in her 10 hours at a
> time on numerous occasions, without undue discomfort, and I'm well
> into my 40's. The lack of thwarts is an asset. The platform
> arrangement allows you to sprawl. i've had three adults and a kid,
> sailing. Two adults on the platform, the skipper aft at the tiller,
> the kid forward. Alternatively, for fishing, one kid forward, one
> aft, the adult on the platform.
>
> Cartopper is a very dry boat to boot. Little spray comes aboard,
> though I've never had a motor on her. I don't row her often either,
> and I'm no oarsman one way or the other, but my limited experience is
> that if you want a rowboat, look elsewhere. Cartopper is an extremely
> versatile craft, built to do a variety of things reasonably well.
> She rows, tows, sails, motors, and easily fits atop a car. She will
> give you pleasure doing each of them, but will do none of them,
> (except fit atop a car!), better than a craft built to specialize in
> any one of those tasks.
>
> I use Cartopper for comfortable, dry, dinghy cruising. I have my
> cooler with food and beer, plenty of water, anchor, oars, bucket and
> sponge, sunblock, tools, cell phone, (to warn the wife when I'm gonna
> be late, which is pretty much every time!) and often a 35mm camera,
> which has never gotten wet (knock on wood), and usually a chart too,
> just to make sure I don't get lost in the sloughs hereabouts.
>
> I have two of them. There's a photo of one of them in the files,
> taken from the other one.
>
> One warning, Cartopper has a narrow bottom, which makes her tiddly as
> far as initial stability. Keep that in mind. And with two chines
> she may be more difficult to build than a craft with only one.
>
> Good luck! Good building! John
>
>
> --- Inbolger@egroups.com, djacavan@g... wrote:
> > Has anyone tried to choose between these two? I want to do some
> > fishing and rowing with two small children in protected waters. I
> > think the Topper is far saltier but I can't get past the lack of
> > seats. Won't my kids be sitting in water?
> >
> > Any help/thoughts/comments appreciated.
> >
> > -DJ
>
>
>
> 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
>
What about the "pointy skiff" in Payson's "New Instant Boats" book. It's
easier to build than either. I used it for a couple of years in protected
waters and had a great time with my kids. It might be small for your
purposes, though. I even had a 5 hp motor on it for awhile and it was
great. LOOKED great, too. Lot's of questions and comments.
Edgar Williams
easier to build than either. I used it for a couple of years in protected
waters and had a great time with my kids. It might be small for your
purposes, though. I even had a 5 hp motor on it for awhile and it was
great. LOOKED great, too. Lot's of questions and comments.
Edgar Williams
----- Original Message -----
From: <djacavan@...>
To: <bolger@egroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, December 21, 2000 4:49 PM
Subject: [bolger] Fisherman's Skiff or Car Topper
> Has anyone tried to choose between these two? I want to do some
> fishing and rowing with two small children in protected waters. I
> think the Topper is far saltier but I can't get past the lack of
> seats. Won't my kids be sitting in water?
>
> Any help/thoughts/comments appreciated.
>
> -DJ
>
>
>
> 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
>
>
>
Woops!!
I sent the wrong URL. Try this one:
http://home.att.net/~DaveCarnell/
James
I sent the wrong URL. Try this one:
http://home.att.net/~DaveCarnell/
James
----- Original Message -----
From: "James Fuller" <jamar@...>
To: <bolger@egroups.com>
Sent: Friday, December 22, 2000 7:21 AM
Subject: Re: [bolger] Re: Fisherman's Skiff or Car Topper
> Hi,
>
> I am back with my usual reccomendation for Dave Carnell's $200.00 boat,
> which is adapted from Bolger's Featherwind. It is a sailboat, but as a
> small boat could be used as a rowboat as well. It would be a simple matter
> to put seats in if you want them. Dave does not suggest that you use
> fiberglass covering, or epoxy, only latex housepaint. It is built of four
> sheets of 1/4" plywood and some 3/4" pine. All of the materiels to build
> the boat as a rowboat should cost under $150.00.
> Plans are only $20.00 and include a wealth of information about boat
> building in general.
> His url is:
>http://members.tripod.com/simplicityboats/featherwind.html
>
> You might look at it.
>
> James Fuller
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Daniel Jacavanco" <djacavan@...>
> To: <bolger@egroups.com>
> Sent: Friday, December 22, 2000 8:03 AM
> Subject: RE: [bolger] Re: Fisherman's Skiff or Car Topper
>
>
> > Thanks for the feedback. Could you estimate what the total cost to
build
> > cartopper is? Did you feel the need to cover the hull in fiberglass?
Did
> > you consider three coats of epoxy or just paint instead?
> >
> > Does anyone think skipping the fiberglass to save time and money is
> foolish?
> >
> > > -----Original Message-----
> > > From:jboatguy@...[mailto:jboatguy@...]
> > > Sent: Thursday, December 21, 2000 9:26 PM
> > > To:bolger@egroups.com
> > > Subject: [bolger] Re: Fisherman's Skiff or Car Topper
> > >
> > >
> > > I don't know the Fisherman Skiff, but I know Cartopper. No one sits
> > > in the water, or even close.
> > >
> > > There is a 'midships' platform raised above the bilge, and
> > > a 'foresheets' area in the bow. I have found my boat to be extremely
> > > comfortable, considering it's size. I've been in her 10 hours at a
> > > time on numerous occasions, without undue discomfort, and I'm well
> > > into my 40's. The lack of thwarts is an asset. The platform
> > > arrangement allows you to sprawl. i've had three adults and a kid,
> > > sailing. Two adults on the platform, the skipper aft at the tiller,
> > > the kid forward. Alternatively, for fishing, one kid forward, one
> > > aft, the adult on the platform.
> > >
> > > Cartopper is a very dry boat to boot. Little spray comes aboard,
> > > though I've never had a motor on her. I don't row her often either,
> > > and I'm no oarsman one way or the other, but my limited experience is
> > > that if you want a rowboat, look elsewhere. Cartopper is an extremely
> > > versatile craft, built to do a variety of things reasonably well.
> > > She rows, tows, sails, motors, and easily fits atop a car. She will
> > > give you pleasure doing each of them, but will do none of them,
> > > (except fit atop a car!), better than a craft built to specialize in
> > > any one of those tasks.
> > >
> > > I use Cartopper for comfortable, dry, dinghy cruising. I have my
> > > cooler with food and beer, plenty of water, anchor, oars, bucket and
> > > sponge, sunblock, tools, cell phone, (to warn the wife when I'm gonna
> > > be late, which is pretty much every time!) and often a 35mm camera,
> > > which has never gotten wet (knock on wood), and usually a chart too,
> > > just to make sure I don't get lost in the sloughs hereabouts.
> > >
> > > I have two of them. There's a photo of one of them in the files,
> > > taken from the other one.
> > >
> > > One warning, Cartopper has a narrow bottom, which makes her tiddly as
> > > far as initial stability. Keep that in mind. And with two chines
> > > she may be more difficult to build than a craft with only one.
> > >
> > > Good luck! Good building! John
> > >
> > >
> > > --- Inbolger@egroups.com, djacavan@g... wrote:
> > > > Has anyone tried to choose between these two? I want to do some
> > > > fishing and rowing with two small children in protected waters. I
> > > > think the Topper is far saltier but I can't get past the lack of
> > > > seats. Won't my kids be sitting in water?
> > > >
> > > > Any help/thoughts/comments appreciated.
> > > >
> > > > -DJ
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > 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
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> > 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
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
> 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
>
>
>
Hi,
I am back with my usual reccomendation for Dave Carnell's $200.00 boat,
which is adapted from Bolger's Featherwind. It is a sailboat, but as a
small boat could be used as a rowboat as well. It would be a simple matter
to put seats in if you want them. Dave does not suggest that you use
fiberglass covering, or epoxy, only latex housepaint. It is built of four
sheets of 1/4" plywood and some 3/4" pine. All of the materiels to build
the boat as a rowboat should cost under $150.00.
Plans are only $20.00 and include a wealth of information about boat
building in general.
His url is:
http://members.tripod.com/simplicityboats/featherwind.html
You might look at it.
James Fuller
I am back with my usual reccomendation for Dave Carnell's $200.00 boat,
which is adapted from Bolger's Featherwind. It is a sailboat, but as a
small boat could be used as a rowboat as well. It would be a simple matter
to put seats in if you want them. Dave does not suggest that you use
fiberglass covering, or epoxy, only latex housepaint. It is built of four
sheets of 1/4" plywood and some 3/4" pine. All of the materiels to build
the boat as a rowboat should cost under $150.00.
Plans are only $20.00 and include a wealth of information about boat
building in general.
His url is:
http://members.tripod.com/simplicityboats/featherwind.html
You might look at it.
James Fuller
----- Original Message -----
From: "Daniel Jacavanco" <djacavan@...>
To: <bolger@egroups.com>
Sent: Friday, December 22, 2000 8:03 AM
Subject: RE: [bolger] Re: Fisherman's Skiff or Car Topper
> Thanks for the feedback. Could you estimate what the total cost to build
> cartopper is? Did you feel the need to cover the hull in fiberglass? Did
> you consider three coats of epoxy or just paint instead?
>
> Does anyone think skipping the fiberglass to save time and money is
foolish?
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From:jboatguy@...[mailto:jboatguy@...]
> > Sent: Thursday, December 21, 2000 9:26 PM
> > To:bolger@egroups.com
> > Subject: [bolger] Re: Fisherman's Skiff or Car Topper
> >
> >
> > I don't know the Fisherman Skiff, but I know Cartopper. No one sits
> > in the water, or even close.
> >
> > There is a 'midships' platform raised above the bilge, and
> > a 'foresheets' area in the bow. I have found my boat to be extremely
> > comfortable, considering it's size. I've been in her 10 hours at a
> > time on numerous occasions, without undue discomfort, and I'm well
> > into my 40's. The lack of thwarts is an asset. The platform
> > arrangement allows you to sprawl. i've had three adults and a kid,
> > sailing. Two adults on the platform, the skipper aft at the tiller,
> > the kid forward. Alternatively, for fishing, one kid forward, one
> > aft, the adult on the platform.
> >
> > Cartopper is a very dry boat to boot. Little spray comes aboard,
> > though I've never had a motor on her. I don't row her often either,
> > and I'm no oarsman one way or the other, but my limited experience is
> > that if you want a rowboat, look elsewhere. Cartopper is an extremely
> > versatile craft, built to do a variety of things reasonably well.
> > She rows, tows, sails, motors, and easily fits atop a car. She will
> > give you pleasure doing each of them, but will do none of them,
> > (except fit atop a car!), better than a craft built to specialize in
> > any one of those tasks.
> >
> > I use Cartopper for comfortable, dry, dinghy cruising. I have my
> > cooler with food and beer, plenty of water, anchor, oars, bucket and
> > sponge, sunblock, tools, cell phone, (to warn the wife when I'm gonna
> > be late, which is pretty much every time!) and often a 35mm camera,
> > which has never gotten wet (knock on wood), and usually a chart too,
> > just to make sure I don't get lost in the sloughs hereabouts.
> >
> > I have two of them. There's a photo of one of them in the files,
> > taken from the other one.
> >
> > One warning, Cartopper has a narrow bottom, which makes her tiddly as
> > far as initial stability. Keep that in mind. And with two chines
> > she may be more difficult to build than a craft with only one.
> >
> > Good luck! Good building! John
> >
> >
> > --- Inbolger@egroups.com, djacavan@g... wrote:
> > > Has anyone tried to choose between these two? I want to do some
> > > fishing and rowing with two small children in protected waters. I
> > > think the Topper is far saltier but I can't get past the lack of
> > > seats. Won't my kids be sitting in water?
> > >
> > > Any help/thoughts/comments appreciated.
> > >
> > > -DJ
> >
> >
> >
> > 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
> >
>
>
>
> 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
>
>
>
On PS to my comments, the movable seat mentioned in the other post is
nothing but a box that you can sit on to elevate your butt enough to
more effienctly row. I built one, but I never use it. I don't row
enough to justify taking it with me, and you can row without it.
John
nothing but a box that you can sit on to elevate your butt enough to
more effienctly row. I built one, but I never use it. I don't row
enough to justify taking it with me, and you can row without it.
John
--- Inbolger@egroups.com, djacavan@g... wrote:
> Has anyone tried to choose between these two? I want to do some
> fishing and rowing with two small children in protected waters. I
> think the Topper is far saltier but I can't get past the lack of
> seats. Won't my kids be sitting in water?
>
> Any help/thoughts/comments appreciated.
>
> -DJ
I don't know the Fisherman Skiff, but I know Cartopper. No one sits
in the water, or even close.
There is a 'midships' platform raised above the bilge, and
a 'foresheets' area in the bow. I have found my boat to be extremely
comfortable, considering it's size. I've been in her 10 hours at a
time on numerous occasions, without undue discomfort, and I'm well
into my 40's. The lack of thwarts is an asset. The platform
arrangement allows you to sprawl. i've had three adults and a kid,
sailing. Two adults on the platform, the skipper aft at the tiller,
the kid forward. Alternatively, for fishing, one kid forward, one
aft, the adult on the platform.
Cartopper is a very dry boat to boot. Little spray comes aboard,
though I've never had a motor on her. I don't row her often either,
and I'm no oarsman one way or the other, but my limited experience is
that if you want a rowboat, look elsewhere. Cartopper is an extremely
versatile craft, built to do a variety of things reasonably well.
She rows, tows, sails, motors, and easily fits atop a car. She will
give you pleasure doing each of them, but will do none of them,
(except fit atop a car!), better than a craft built to specialize in
any one of those tasks.
I use Cartopper for comfortable, dry, dinghy cruising. I have my
cooler with food and beer, plenty of water, anchor, oars, bucket and
sponge, sunblock, tools, cell phone, (to warn the wife when I'm gonna
be late, which is pretty much every time!) and often a 35mm camera,
which has never gotten wet (knock on wood), and usually a chart too,
just to make sure I don't get lost in the sloughs hereabouts.
I have two of them. There's a photo of one of them in the files,
taken from the other one.
One warning, Cartopper has a narrow bottom, which makes her tiddly as
far as initial stability. Keep that in mind. And with two chines
she may be more difficult to build than a craft with only one.
Good luck! Good building! John
in the water, or even close.
There is a 'midships' platform raised above the bilge, and
a 'foresheets' area in the bow. I have found my boat to be extremely
comfortable, considering it's size. I've been in her 10 hours at a
time on numerous occasions, without undue discomfort, and I'm well
into my 40's. The lack of thwarts is an asset. The platform
arrangement allows you to sprawl. i've had three adults and a kid,
sailing. Two adults on the platform, the skipper aft at the tiller,
the kid forward. Alternatively, for fishing, one kid forward, one
aft, the adult on the platform.
Cartopper is a very dry boat to boot. Little spray comes aboard,
though I've never had a motor on her. I don't row her often either,
and I'm no oarsman one way or the other, but my limited experience is
that if you want a rowboat, look elsewhere. Cartopper is an extremely
versatile craft, built to do a variety of things reasonably well.
She rows, tows, sails, motors, and easily fits atop a car. She will
give you pleasure doing each of them, but will do none of them,
(except fit atop a car!), better than a craft built to specialize in
any one of those tasks.
I use Cartopper for comfortable, dry, dinghy cruising. I have my
cooler with food and beer, plenty of water, anchor, oars, bucket and
sponge, sunblock, tools, cell phone, (to warn the wife when I'm gonna
be late, which is pretty much every time!) and often a 35mm camera,
which has never gotten wet (knock on wood), and usually a chart too,
just to make sure I don't get lost in the sloughs hereabouts.
I have two of them. There's a photo of one of them in the files,
taken from the other one.
One warning, Cartopper has a narrow bottom, which makes her tiddly as
far as initial stability. Keep that in mind. And with two chines
she may be more difficult to build than a craft with only one.
Good luck! Good building! John
--- Inbolger@egroups.com, djacavan@g... wrote:
> Has anyone tried to choose between these two? I want to do some
> fishing and rowing with two small children in protected waters. I
> think the Topper is far saltier but I can't get past the lack of
> seats. Won't my kids be sitting in water?
>
> Any help/thoughts/comments appreciated.
>
> -DJ
There's a front seat, and a middle platform with a movable seat. Make
a little slanted movable seat to put in the back and you are done. If
you KNOW you are not going to sail it, you could make different
seats and leave off the centerboard. Moveable seats are good because
you don't have to worry if you guessed wrong about where they should
go. I don't keep water in the bottoms of my boats, so even though they
don't have permanent seats my butt stays dry unless it's raining or
really blowing and splashing. For a small amount of dampness, boat
cushions make good seats.
a little slanted movable seat to put in the back and you are done. If
you KNOW you are not going to sail it, you could make different
seats and leave off the centerboard. Moveable seats are good because
you don't have to worry if you guessed wrong about where they should
go. I don't keep water in the bottoms of my boats, so even though they
don't have permanent seats my butt stays dry unless it's raining or
really blowing and splashing. For a small amount of dampness, boat
cushions make good seats.
--- Inbolger@egroups.com, djacavan@g... wrote:
> Has anyone tried to choose between these two? I want to do some
> fishing and rowing with two small children in protected waters. I
> think the Topper is far saltier but I can't get past the lack of
> seats. Won't my kids be sitting in water?
>
> Any help/thoughts/comments appreciated.
>
> -DJ
Has anyone tried to choose between these two? I want to do some
fishing and rowing with two small children in protected waters. I
think the Topper is far saltier but I can't get past the lack of
seats. Won't my kids be sitting in water?
Any help/thoughts/comments appreciated.
-DJ
fishing and rowing with two small children in protected waters. I
think the Topper is far saltier but I can't get past the lack of
seats. Won't my kids be sitting in water?
Any help/thoughts/comments appreciated.
-DJ