LM 18 Build in Austin

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lapesca67
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Re: LM 18 Build in Austin

Post by lapesca67 »

Then I primed with ezPrime and used Kiwi Grip on the deck. Next step will be to lay down kiwi grip on the cockpit floor and I will paint the sides and rod holders with a matching topside paint. Should have that done by the end of the week. Also, picking up my grab bar (had it powder coated black) along with a black poling platform on Friday. Should have them installed and the engine mounted on Saturday...then, the first water test on Sunday!
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Jeff
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Re: LM 18 Build in Austin

Post by Jeff »

Nice progress!!! Jeff

lapesca67
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Re: LM 18 Build in Austin

Post by lapesca67 »

Well.....she's finished (for the most part). I am going to fish it a bit, but the platform probably needs to come down by around 4". I am really happy with how it has turned out. Next thing is the water test to see how she runs. I got lucky and found a lightly used 50/35 Tohatsu TLDI and I am really excited to see how it performs.
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Jeff
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Re: LM 18 Build in Austin

Post by Jeff »

Nice work, she looks great!!! Congrats!!! Jeff

Fuzz
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Re: LM 18 Build in Austin

Post by Fuzz »

I am very interested in how she does with that power set up! Boat does look good.

mhd
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Re: LM 18 Build in Austin

Post by mhd »

Congratulations - that is one mean-looking boat!!! Looking forward to some photos of her in the water!!
FB11 (Designer Evan Gatehouse)
VG23 (Designer Jacques Mertens)

A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, con a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects. Robert A. Heinlein.

lapesca67
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Re: LM 18 Build in Austin

Post by lapesca67 »

Thanks for the comments gang. I splashed her on Saturday morning and have to admit with a tinge of worry about performance, draft at rest, attitude on the water, etc. Basically worried about anything and everything. Turns out I was spinning my gears over nothing. My expectations were exceeded across the board. Here are some observations/metrics on the day:

- I measured the draft at rest with a full 12 gallon bow mounted tank at 3 1/2 inches
- With the 50/35 TLDI jet, it ran 32 wide open....way more than I expected. However, I have to add two parallel chines to the hull because it gets a little janky at high speed and slides more than I would like in turns.
- It ran comfortably across miles of back lakes with some stretches being in the 4" inch depth range (some may have been shallower...or, at least looked like it).
- It ran well crossing Aransas bay with a decent chop. I was surprised at how dry it was, which may have been a result of the spray rails I added to channel any spray that can come up vertically on the sides.
- The jet can get up in 5-6 inches with a sandy bottom.
- I ran 30 miles and burned 4 gallons of fuel.
- You can push it across muddy flats with at least 1" of water on them by yourself when you have to....:)
- It poles very well, turns quickly and does a decent job of maintaining a line in a 10-15 mph cross wind

I have some odds and ends to finish, but could not be more pleased with this platform....Huge kudos to Jaques on this design!
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Jeff
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Re: LM 18 Build in Austin

Post by Jeff »

Great news!! Congrats!! Jeff

pee wee
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Re: LM 18 Build in Austin

Post by pee wee »

Beautiful!

Looks like you've got the right boat for the purpose, she looks at home there. 8)
Hank

TomW1
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Re: LM 18 Build in Austin

Post by TomW1 »

You did an outstanding job. You mentioned a jet that should keep you really shalllow. Enjoy. Tom
Restored Mirror Dinghy, Bought OD18 built by CL, Westlawn School of Yacht Design courses. LT US Navy 1970-1978

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