Crabbing Skiff -Transom

[JimRockfish]

Here are some pics of the transom and motorbox construction, since you can't see that very well in the recent pics. The motorbox is cut to 20 5/8" wide for a larger motor. The original plans called for 17". I transferred all the lines off of the plans and it's important for mounting the strakes. One more board gets added to the front of the motor-box for the motor mount (makes it 1 1/2" thick) and it is in my garage, just a little bigger than I needed. Everything was cut from one sheet of 18mm (3/4") Okume marine plywood. You may not see the bevels on the side of the transom but they were cut (easily) on a table saw, one at a time. The degrees are on the plans as well. Jim

[scotty80]

Nice work! Looks like your using epoxy to wet everything? If you don't mind me asking, how much for 3/4" marine plywood these days? I think I paid $200 or so for 1" many years ago and I'm sure it hasn't gone down in price.
You will certainly be proud of the boat when done!

[JimRockfish]

Scotty - Thanks. Yes it's 2-part West Systems epoxy on all joints and silicon bronze screws for everything below the water line. Some people like other brands of epoxy but this is what I learned to use, so I stuck with it. They have a good Website if you Google West Systems Epoxy. The 18mm Okoume was $170 thru Exotic Hardwoods off of Whitehall Rd., exit 31 from Rt. 50, near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. I love that place - they have any wood needed for boat-builders. For people that want to do this, the epoxy is simple but critical. One of the worst mistakes people make is to add a little extra hardener but that actually weakens it. Best to pump one squirt from one can and then one from the other so you don't lose count. Jim

[scotty80]

Jim, you are going first class. I helped restore two turn of the century sailboats, stripping fiberglass matt, and steaming new ribs. Hard but rewarding work. We used the West epoxy system then and I still love it.
West has two booklets that explain almost everything you need to know about boat fab.

[JimRockfish]

Scotty - Now that's doing something. I've started studying plans for my next project, a 32 ft. Sharpie Ketch, called a Mystic Sharpie 32. This summer I was ASA certified for crusing class sailboats through the Annapolis Sailing School. Wasn't sure if I would like sailing but after living aboard a 36 Hunter and sailing it for a week with just one other guy... I really did. I want it all and I can have it... if I can build it. My friend is building a Simmons 22 ft. fishing boat - that is great offshore... for about 3k. Jim

[done workin]

Jim

Any reason you chose the Okoume instead of the Meranti wood? I looked at Exotic Lumber's website and I didn't see the Meranti listed as an option. I do know the Okoume, while being lighter, is also more expensive, both being very good lumbers.

Just curious,

Chris

[JimRockfish]

Chris - You're right that the Okoume is more expensive and Meranti would work fine. A pro-builder I know in Massachusets uses Meranti to save money. That said, the chances of having checking 25-30 years from now with Okoume is supposedly nill. From my POV, even the very best wood is quite cheap compared to one's time and labor, so I wanted the best. I could build the boat for $1200 using Meranti vs. $1500 , sure. Good question though and Exotic Lumber will order the Meranti if you want to use it. Jim

[JimRockfish]

Reds - Good to know. Thanks for the lead. Jim