GV15 Birch Bay Washington

[klap]

My dad always said that a boat was a hole in the water that you continually throw money into. Now, don’t get me wrong, my dad and I have had many water holes and have thrown a lot of money in them together. Ultimately every hole had value and every dollar had a return. It’s all a matter of perspective.

The last boat we built together was a 42’ fiberglass shrimp boat powered by (2) 50 hp Hercules counter rotating diesel engines. It took a little over two years and many beers. It was a super fun and educational build. Dad designed it and we built it.

My dad passed in 2017 and now I’m making a new water hole on my own. It’s honestly a bit concerning that I won’t have access to his advice and opinions anymore. I find that the older I get, the smarter my dad gets. My beautiful wife has generously offered to be my voice of reason and wants to help as she can. (I hope she understands that means debating over a point or two during this build) LOL.

With all of that aside, we are starting our GV 15 build together.

I’ve had my plans since 2007 and now it’s time to stop putting pen to paper and to begin making it a reality.

I’ve dedicated my space, built my jig and will next begin my frames.

I dint buy all my materials upfront as my supplier is just right down the road. But, I will begin with frame 1 and then the transom. That should set my points to place the other frames and then the stringers.

Any advice is welcome and I will try to be diligent in writing updates. It is our hope to start our build now and try to be ready for wetting by next summer. (Schedule will be flexible though as always)

[forgeandfruition]

I'm excited to see it come together!

[Fuzz]

You may no longer have your dad to guide your build but having a wife willing to help is no small thing.
You will have lots of people following the build and with lots of pictures they will be able to help when/if needed.

[TomW1]

A wife is a wonderful thing and to have her help you is great. Enjoy your build and please ask questions as you go along. There was a GV15 built a few years ago that you might be interested in looking up. As Will did a really good job.

Tom

[klap]

Thank you. She really is my better half.

Well, drew first blood today with a little pull saw cutting notches in Frame #1. Laid out Motorwell bhd. & Frame #1, 2 & 3 today. It’s not a boat if you haven’t put some blood into it.

First question. On the frame plans there are ovals cut into a few frames. Are these strictly for weight reduction or will they serve as an access later.

[OlivierP]

I don't see what you could access through them below the sole, so I guess they're for weight savings, but so marginal that I wouldn't bother... You may need holes for chase tubes later anyway.

Great project !

[pee wee]

Those holes are shown above the sole, but they're just a suggestion. Looking at the gallery, I didn't see any examples where builders had made those holes as shown. There's a lot of variety shown there- a lot of "to builder's preference". You want to keep a minimum of 3 inches of frame border for strength if you do open up those frames.

Here's just one of many that don't show that opening.

[klap]

Thank you for the information. I think I’ll leave them without the holes for now just for simplicity. Maybe something to regret later but live and learn. Todays progress, I stopped by and got more ply and had enough time to cut the transom. Yes, I know it’s labeled Hansom Transom. (My wife insisted and it was just easier).

[TomW1]

Looks like you're moving right along, keep posting pictures as we like to see how a boat comes together. Tom

[klap]

Made a little progress yesterday. Difficult task to align these properly alone. My help was busy with her own work. But today is her birthday so I will be spending my day with her. More progress tomorrow.