Boat Builder Central

Thank you TOM and Jaysen,

I ended up on doing the kerfs half way (4.5mm) 3mm wide.

Tried my best to make a kerf pattern as close as possible to the 3D image provided by the designer.

In a few days I will see if it worth it.

Trying to decide on the kerf depth. I’m using 9mm plywood. PapaDave gave the half way trough reference. Made some tests, and going half way trough (4.5mm) is quit different than 5mm. The 5mm will cut one of the plywood layers completely and the plywood becomes much more flexible (see photo). Found a...

Looking good Pedro! What kind of wood are you using? Meranti? I wonder if Okume would bend easier. I’ve been told that it does and am thinking for the rounded stern of the MM21 I’ll use okume there and Meranti everywhere else. Keep up the good work! Looking forward to seeing more progress Well the ...

PapaDave wrote: ↑Thu Sep 14, 2023 12:48 pm I went almost halfway through the 3/8 plywood for kerf cuts. Use a 1/8th inch thick blade and not a thin blade for the cuts.

Thank you PapaDave. I go ahead and cut the kerfs. It’s the only solution. The boat is under straps for 10 days now, and I don’t see significant evolution.

PapaDave wrote: ↑Thu Aug 31, 2023 2:34 pm That looks good so far. I had to cut kerfs in my panels to get them to bend over the molds. Be patient at this stage and get it as fair as possible.

How deep did you make the kerfs?

That last pic does look close and I'd surely keep trying. That last part at the bow might be tough and I wouldn't want to push to the point of hearing a crack! Still, I'd try a bit more, then, no problem, kerfing is easy and would make it behave very well. Dougster The last picture looks close enou...

That looks good so far. I had to cut kerfs in my panels to get them to bend over the molds. Be patient at this stage and get it as fair as possible. Thank you for that photo! I will keep pressing the wood for some time and see how it goes. Has a last resort I will have to do the same.. I also find ...

Preliminary fitting, just to have an ideia.

Every builder of the PG20 struggled with the front panels. One builder cut the front panel into 3 slits lengthwise for about 1m of the bow. It worked well apparently and the designer approved. It does not weaken the boat, as you will have heavy glass over it on both sides. I would prefer not to do ...

This is the hardest part. If you have the time, give it time... and tighten the panels a little every day for a week or so, until they agree to bend. What plywood are you using ? It looks thick from the distance but it could be the picture. I have time, and I will do as you suggested. The plywood i...