Boat Builder Central - Builder Forums

I have the hydrotech, plans and kit...........now if i can find the skills.

I already have an 18 horse 'rude to push it.

Locally I have found 25/32 Honduras mahogany; will this work on the transom or is it too thin?

Is there a preferred wood for the splash rails?

How much Quick fair will I need to do all the fairing?

I'm getting rather stoked.

I do not know anything about building that boat but I can tell you not to worry about the skills part. If you want to build it and stick with it then you will build it. I am pretty sure my woodworking skills are at the bottom of the list but this method is forgiving enough it did not matter.
Fuzz

I can't answer about the plywood, I must look at the plans. What do the plans say?
Watch out for the weight of the engine, that puts stress on a transom while on the trailer.

"Outboard clamp: hard wood (mahogany) 10" x 1", one 5' piece.
Locally I have found 25/32 Honduras mahogany; will this work or is it too thin?

Thank you

'll look at the plans tomorrow.
When I designed that boat, mahogany was reasonable priced. Not anymore. You can use plywood but thicker.
Tomorrow

If my outboard is shorter than the 20" as in 15", should I lower the clamping board, or leave it flush with the sheer and cut it down?

Please read this:
http://www.bateau2.com/howto/shaftlength.php
That is how an outboard should be installed.
Almost all engines are either 15 or 20" but some are in between and you have to adjust the transom height.

thank you for putting me right!!
i measure 18"shaft length on my motor.
time for more measuring and cutting.

frames are together need to get pictures....

Ok, it is flipped and I'm almost ready to glass the bottom..... anyone have any advice on a trailer?

OK, the bottom is as good as i'm going to make it. I have one question that i cant seem to find the answer to: the hole for the drain plug, what size hole-saw do i use? is it necessary to use the brass sleeve?

Any size to fit the plug. I don't use a brass in a small boat, juts a hole.
Get the plug first then drill to the diameter of the plug, a little oversized, coat the hole with epoxy and that's all.

When putting in a 1" drain tube I use a 1" hole saw. It will be a little small, but a 1 1/8 is too large, so I use a Dremel tool to slightly enlarge the 1" hole for a snug fit.

thank you for the information and motivation!!

still work to be done, but i have a 6 week military school until just before thanksgiving.
my thanksgiving will consist of rebuilding the carb on the old 'Rude 18 fastwin.