Thursday, March 21, 2013
Friday, March 1, 2013
One Month Later...
March 1st
It has been over a month since I blogged. We have been steady at work, getting Valdyr ready to hit the waves. So much to do still but the end is in sight!
It has been over a month since I blogged. We have been steady at work, getting Valdyr ready to hit the waves. So much to do still but the end is in sight!
the Boatyard :)
Putting on the Skin
This thing is going to be such a pain to haul around until we get a trailer. lol
When we had no lights, we worked from the lights of the candles. OLD SCHOOL
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Day 9-11: Hulling
January 25th-27th
Here's the progress we've made thus far :)
Drake and I got the bottom and one side done on Sunday :)
Here's the progress we've made thus far :)
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Day 8: The Joy and Pain of Nails
January 25th, 2013
Well, I'm pretty whupped but long story short, I got the centerboard and box mounted to the spine, in addition to nailing and stitching about half of the bottom pieces of 5 mm. plywood. It looks pretty sick.
Me and Brandon at Work:
Well, I'm pretty whupped but long story short, I got the centerboard and box mounted to the spine, in addition to nailing and stitching about half of the bottom pieces of 5 mm. plywood. It looks pretty sick.
Me and Brandon at Work:
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Day 7: "The Road Goes Ever On and On....."
January 24th, 2013
Well today, I get to go play racquetball with my boss/good friend, John Shirley. Because of this, Brandon and I are going to hit the wood really hard this afternoon, (metaphorically of course), by attempting to get the skeleton completely set. So far, we only have the back two pieces.
So we will have to mark out and cut the middle rib, #3 from the back, and then the foremost rib. I really need to get the hull finished by this weekend, because if not the keel may warp horrifically. The 5 mm. plywood stitched and nailed to the ribs are what is going to give it the most stability, along with the deck and the seat in the center.
A few people on the forum said that because I have no experience and no idea about the science behind the boat mechanics of buoyancy and yadayadayada that I am an idiot and going to fail. Yet, the first people to cross the Atlantic to settle a new world were Vikings who did not have plans for boats; the hulls were literally made by flying by the seat of their pants, then passing down pointers through the generations. So we'll see. If she floats like the model I made, she'll be fine and I'll be able to show those who doubt both my building AND sailing abilities will be like, " Huh....guess he isn't a moron".
Well today, I get to go play racquetball with my boss/good friend, John Shirley. Because of this, Brandon and I are going to hit the wood really hard this afternoon, (metaphorically of course), by attempting to get the skeleton completely set. So far, we only have the back two pieces.
So we will have to mark out and cut the middle rib, #3 from the back, and then the foremost rib. I really need to get the hull finished by this weekend, because if not the keel may warp horrifically. The 5 mm. plywood stitched and nailed to the ribs are what is going to give it the most stability, along with the deck and the seat in the center.
A few people on the forum said that because I have no experience and no idea about the science behind the boat mechanics of buoyancy and yadayadayada that I am an idiot and going to fail. Yet, the first people to cross the Atlantic to settle a new world were Vikings who did not have plans for boats; the hulls were literally made by flying by the seat of their pants, then passing down pointers through the generations. So we'll see. If she floats like the model I made, she'll be fine and I'll be able to show those who doubt both my building AND sailing abilities will be like, " Huh....guess he isn't a moron".
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Day 6: I'm Feeling You Noah
January 23, 2013
Mr. Noah, it has been 6 days building, and I already feel your pain. In addition to having to defend your odd little boat to nearly every critic on the planet it seems, it is taking FOREVER to get it done it seems! I just wish I had God telling me what to do rather than sitting and staring at it blankly for an hour, waiting for a solution to come forward. The skeleton is about half up, I was up till 2:30 A.M working on it. It is so weak I have a hard time imagining it working on the sea, but I'm not afraid. Firstly adding the shell will give it SO much more stability, and the internal arrangement will help hold it together.
So today, I started off messing around a little bit with the design. I think that I have decided to first stitch the hull, then carefully stitch a few key spots to the spine, then let tacks do the rest. My initial worry is that the nails or screws will cause the layers of the plywood to separate. But I think if I get it stitched, glued, and tacked, then slathered in resin before any moister begins to make the layers separate, I should be alright. Resin is expensive, (about $20 a gallon) but I'm hoping that once it is all ready to coat, I will be able to do the whole ship in 2 gallons, maybe 3.
As expensive as this is, I'm glad I have Ryan as a partner. Our deal with the guys is we will buy and build the boat stuff if they pay for the gas to get us to the coast. Today I have to drive past Home Depot on my way home from the office today where I have my internship, So I think I'll go and buy some more zip ties, maybe the first of many cans of bond-o, and a box of small, long nails. As soon as I can, I'll have a couple pictures up, till then, toodles!
Mr. Noah, it has been 6 days building, and I already feel your pain. In addition to having to defend your odd little boat to nearly every critic on the planet it seems, it is taking FOREVER to get it done it seems! I just wish I had God telling me what to do rather than sitting and staring at it blankly for an hour, waiting for a solution to come forward. The skeleton is about half up, I was up till 2:30 A.M working on it. It is so weak I have a hard time imagining it working on the sea, but I'm not afraid. Firstly adding the shell will give it SO much more stability, and the internal arrangement will help hold it together.
So today, I started off messing around a little bit with the design. I think that I have decided to first stitch the hull, then carefully stitch a few key spots to the spine, then let tacks do the rest. My initial worry is that the nails or screws will cause the layers of the plywood to separate. But I think if I get it stitched, glued, and tacked, then slathered in resin before any moister begins to make the layers separate, I should be alright. Resin is expensive, (about $20 a gallon) but I'm hoping that once it is all ready to coat, I will be able to do the whole ship in 2 gallons, maybe 3.
As expensive as this is, I'm glad I have Ryan as a partner. Our deal with the guys is we will buy and build the boat stuff if they pay for the gas to get us to the coast. Today I have to drive past Home Depot on my way home from the office today where I have my internship, So I think I'll go and buy some more zip ties, maybe the first of many cans of bond-o, and a box of small, long nails. As soon as I can, I'll have a couple pictures up, till then, toodles!
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Day 5: Puzzles
January 22nd, 2013
Well, today we began assembling the skeleton. I'd hoped to have this done by now but we had to spend the day Sunday helping a brother in the Church. So today I began assembling what we have on the back porch, and I tell ya, it is in a funky position and takes up the whole area!
We've taken the concept of stitch and glue for its simplicity. In a nutshell, "stitch and glue" is a simple boat building method which uses plywood panels stitched together, usually with copper wire, and glued together with epoxy. This type of construction eliminates the need for frames or ribs.Plywood panels are cut to shape and stitched together to form an accurate hull shape without the need for forms or special tools. This technique is also called "tack and tape", or "stitch and tape". Seams are reinforced with fiberglass tape and thickened epoxy.
We are taking this process, (which we used in the Katelyn *silent moment of respect*), and using a frame to strengthen it and make it more sea worthy. Basically were going to be stitching the seams together and then nailing the sides to the ribs to make a more stable vessel. We'll probably NOT put fiberglass over it out of principal, but if we decide to later, we can. We will be poly coating everything with clear gloss and resin to keep the natural look of the wood.
Well, today we began assembling the skeleton. I'd hoped to have this done by now but we had to spend the day Sunday helping a brother in the Church. So today I began assembling what we have on the back porch, and I tell ya, it is in a funky position and takes up the whole area!
We've taken the concept of stitch and glue for its simplicity. In a nutshell, "stitch and glue" is a simple boat building method which uses plywood panels stitched together, usually with copper wire, and glued together with epoxy. This type of construction eliminates the need for frames or ribs.Plywood panels are cut to shape and stitched together to form an accurate hull shape without the need for forms or special tools. This technique is also called "tack and tape", or "stitch and tape". Seams are reinforced with fiberglass tape and thickened epoxy.
We are taking this process, (which we used in the Katelyn *silent moment of respect*), and using a frame to strengthen it and make it more sea worthy. Basically were going to be stitching the seams together and then nailing the sides to the ribs to make a more stable vessel. We'll probably NOT put fiberglass over it out of principal, but if we decide to later, we can. We will be poly coating everything with clear gloss and resin to keep the natural look of the wood.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Day 4: A Skeleton that WON'T Fit in My Closet!
January 21st, 2013
What a morning. And by morning, I mean when I woke up at 1:30 which made it a little hard to get going. But at last I got out there and one broken saw blade later, I started the last couple cuts for the skeleton and hopefully, can put them together really soon! I just need to get a drill.
Also, I am looking into what it would cost to get a title and or registration, just to be safe. I'd rather be safe than sorry, and Ryan agrees.
Here is what it is looking like right now sort of held up. :D
What a morning. And by morning, I mean when I woke up at 1:30 which made it a little hard to get going. But at last I got out there and one broken saw blade later, I started the last couple cuts for the skeleton and hopefully, can put them together really soon! I just need to get a drill.
Also, I am looking into what it would cost to get a title and or registration, just to be safe. I'd rather be safe than sorry, and Ryan agrees.
Here is what it is looking like right now sort of held up. :D
Day 3: Rough Winds
January 20th, 2012
Well it's funny the things you hear when you ask a question on several boating forums. I had several boat-builders tell me my design was awful, yet had several others encouraging me that (with a few tips) if has the potential to be a really cool boat. Being a hopelessly reckless optimist along with the agreement of my fellow adventurers, we went to Home Depot after church to get more materials and continue our hair-brained experiment.
We got another sheet of plywood 3/4 in. thick and a couple (4) 5mm sheets, then headed out to the house. But then we heard the sliding sound of plywood moving atop the van and we quickly slowed down! Then a mighty CRUNCH was heard, and two of the 5 mm. lifted up and, because of the tie down, folded in half. After a little bit of terse words to the poor pine boards, we threw the 5 mm. in the trunk and tied down the thick piece on top.
Needless to say it was indeed a bit frustrating but the beauty of stitch and glue is that we can sew it back up and depending on where the seam is, it could make a stronger joint in the end :)
Well it's funny the things you hear when you ask a question on several boating forums. I had several boat-builders tell me my design was awful, yet had several others encouraging me that (with a few tips) if has the potential to be a really cool boat. Being a hopelessly reckless optimist along with the agreement of my fellow adventurers, we went to Home Depot after church to get more materials and continue our hair-brained experiment.
We got another sheet of plywood 3/4 in. thick and a couple (4) 5mm sheets, then headed out to the house. But then we heard the sliding sound of plywood moving atop the van and we quickly slowed down! Then a mighty CRUNCH was heard, and two of the 5 mm. lifted up and, because of the tie down, folded in half. After a little bit of terse words to the poor pine boards, we threw the 5 mm. in the trunk and tied down the thick piece on top.
Needless to say it was indeed a bit frustrating but the beauty of stitch and glue is that we can sew it back up and depending on where the seam is, it could make a stronger joint in the end :)
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Day 2: the Master of the Sea
January 19th, 2013
Today we are beginning construction officially!I had to roll out of bed and clear a space on the apartment floor to lay out the boards, and since Ryan has work and the others have Saturday plans, I am left here to clean and mark up the wood alone. And in this time, I have had a few moments to collect my thoughts and I thought I'd share a few of them with you before I go back to cutting the frame.
Last year, when I was feeling helpless and alone washed out to sea with my little dinghy, a thought occurred to me. I had rushed into something I thought would be an adventure, but did not take the time to prepare the way I should have. I did not count the cost of the expedition. I had no idea what the weather was looking like, what kind of winds we'd have. Why, we were so eager to get out there we didn't even get a proper rudder, and no oars were with us. And because of all this, when things went south, we were left stranded, scared and alone.
Often times, when in life we are so pumped up to answer the call of Christ, we don't take counting the cost into effect. We get so caught up in emotions, we fail to recognize those areas in which we are failing continually. We rush out to do what we FEEL is a good idea, but when we are not prepared to the storms life throws at us, we can get spiritually shipwrecked. I have had this happen to me many times since that night, so I obviously have not learned my lesson. This boat, and this blog, It has helped me to remember who controls the winds and the waves not only on the sea, but in my life as well
Let the hands that craft this ship never forget who gave them the skill, the drive, and the blessings to use them. Let them be a sacrificial offering to my Lord, that they always face upwards in peace, servant hood and praise, rather than clenched in anger and selfishness.
Hope these have been some encouraging thoughts for you, and I hope I will be able to use this boat, my stories and experiences, my life as an example to other young men stumbling through life needing Jesus to help them as I have needed his help so desperately these last few months.
Well, it's back to the wood! Hope everyone else has a good day!
Today we are beginning construction officially!I had to roll out of bed and clear a space on the apartment floor to lay out the boards, and since Ryan has work and the others have Saturday plans, I am left here to clean and mark up the wood alone. And in this time, I have had a few moments to collect my thoughts and I thought I'd share a few of them with you before I go back to cutting the frame.
Last year, when I was feeling helpless and alone washed out to sea with my little dinghy, a thought occurred to me. I had rushed into something I thought would be an adventure, but did not take the time to prepare the way I should have. I did not count the cost of the expedition. I had no idea what the weather was looking like, what kind of winds we'd have. Why, we were so eager to get out there we didn't even get a proper rudder, and no oars were with us. And because of all this, when things went south, we were left stranded, scared and alone.
Often times, when in life we are so pumped up to answer the call of Christ, we don't take counting the cost into effect. We get so caught up in emotions, we fail to recognize those areas in which we are failing continually. We rush out to do what we FEEL is a good idea, but when we are not prepared to the storms life throws at us, we can get spiritually shipwrecked. I have had this happen to me many times since that night, so I obviously have not learned my lesson. This boat, and this blog, It has helped me to remember who controls the winds and the waves not only on the sea, but in my life as well
"....These [men] see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep blue ocean. For he commands and raises the mighty, stormy wind, which lifts up the mighty waves. They mount up to the skies, then go down again to the deep sea: [the men's] souls are melted because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits' end. Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he brings them out of their distresses. He causes the storm to calm, so that the waves lie still. They are then glad because the waves be silent; so he brings them unto their desired port. Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!...."
( From Psalms 107:24-32)Let the hands that craft this ship never forget who gave them the skill, the drive, and the blessings to use them. Let them be a sacrificial offering to my Lord, that they always face upwards in peace, servant hood and praise, rather than clenched in anger and selfishness.
Hope these have been some encouraging thoughts for you, and I hope I will be able to use this boat, my stories and experiences, my life as an example to other young men stumbling through life needing Jesus to help them as I have needed his help so desperately these last few months.
Well, it's back to the wood! Hope everyone else has a good day!
Day 1: Setting up the "Shipyard"
January 18th, 2013
Today, we take the first baby steps to adventure! We have the skeleton mapped out on our graph paper and we've cleaned off the back porch to make way for the lumber and setting up the skeleton. Since it will only take up 10', it shouldn't be an issue keeping it in our area. Our Shopping list for the today was:
- 1 tube of construction adhesive
- 2, 4x8 sheets of Cabinet grade 3/4 inch plywood
- a ruler and a Square
- Zipties
We decided at the store to spend the extra cash to go ahead and do the whole spine in the NICE plywood. I was an extra $10 a sheet, but we want this boat to last and LOOK very nice. So we splurged an extra $10 and loaded up. We had a tough time tying it to the car but we got it fixed pretty quick and unloaded at the house. Tomorrow we begin marking and hopefully, cutting the pieces!
Today, we take the first baby steps to adventure! We have the skeleton mapped out on our graph paper and we've cleaned off the back porch to make way for the lumber and setting up the skeleton. Since it will only take up 10', it shouldn't be an issue keeping it in our area. Our Shopping list for the today was:
- 1 tube of construction adhesive
- 2, 4x8 sheets of Cabinet grade 3/4 inch plywood
- a ruler and a Square
- Zipties
We decided at the store to spend the extra cash to go ahead and do the whole spine in the NICE plywood. I was an extra $10 a sheet, but we want this boat to last and LOOK very nice. So we splurged an extra $10 and loaded up. We had a tough time tying it to the car but we got it fixed pretty quick and unloaded at the house. Tomorrow we begin marking and hopefully, cutting the pieces!
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
The Trip to Top All Trips
Ryan and I just found the perfect place to have our adventure. Instead of driving to the mainstream Keys, we found a little town called Flamingo where there is a good campsite and plenty of Islands to explore within a mile of the mainland.
The current Idea is to drive down Sunday on Spring break and get our camp set up, relaxing and enjoying the Everglades Park. The camping area is right next to the beach, as well as a marina, so Monday, we would put the boats in the water and sale to a small island not quite a mile off shore and connect the boats (I feel like I need to put an autobot symbol on the ship somewhere).
The rest of the break would be spent Island Hopping, and our goal is to spend one night sleeping actually ON the boat, anchored off shore of one of the Keys. We may splurge and spend the last day touring the Everglades and then treating ourselves to a massive, greasy, after-trip Burger.
So far, we think we will be able to outfit a crew of 6; Ryan, Drake, Caleb, Robert, Brandon and Myself.
The current Idea is to drive down Sunday on Spring break and get our camp set up, relaxing and enjoying the Everglades Park. The camping area is right next to the beach, as well as a marina, so Monday, we would put the boats in the water and sale to a small island not quite a mile off shore and connect the boats (I feel like I need to put an autobot symbol on the ship somewhere).
The rest of the break would be spent Island Hopping, and our goal is to spend one night sleeping actually ON the boat, anchored off shore of one of the Keys. We may splurge and spend the last day touring the Everglades and then treating ourselves to a massive, greasy, after-trip Burger.
So far, we think we will be able to outfit a crew of 6; Ryan, Drake, Caleb, Robert, Brandon and Myself.
The Pains and Joys of Loopholes
January 16th, 2012
So, I am super stoked, and yet super frustrated at the design I've been working on all day. It actually got to the point I left and did homework I got so sick of working measurements and angles. But after about 2 hours I had the shell done and the I could use the library's books to fins out the best way to design the interior.
The beauty of this ship is it will be two individual boats joined at the middle, and since legally two canoes tied together is not considered one boat as far as my research can tell, we legally wont have to register it. This way in case some cop wants to make a fuss, we have a watertight (heheh) excuse. In a pinch, we can even unbolt the boat and separate as two boats.
My big problem now is the actual bolting of the two halves. I can't drill a hole below the waterline, (derp) so I have to be able to make the boat hold together along the rim of both sterns. To do this, I basicaly have one option;
Build one half and put it in the water.
There really is no other way that I am capable of to determine where the holes can be placed. My fear is that since the middle will be bolted, that makes the middle of the ship the weakest part, and in waves, the stress points would be a problem. I not being an engineer, fear this to be the rivet that sinks my Titanic. So, we'll remain researching that and cross that bridge when we come to it.
Another issue is the complexity of this craft (and all sailboats in general) is rather daunting compared to the Katelyn (Pictured below). I'm having to figure out how to fit a mast and dagger-board in
Another issue is the complexity of this craft (and all sailboats in general) is rather daunting compared to the Katelyn (Pictured below). I'm having to figure out how to fit a mast and dagger-board in
We also finally came up with a name. Once we chose the ship to be like a Norse Knarr, we decided only a Norse name would do for our new adventure craft. So the name was born; our ship will be called Valdyr.
It means Sea Wolf
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
I FIGURED IT OUT!!!!
January 15th, 2013
The plans are in motion, and I'm drawing up the skeleton on Google Sketch-up so I can better get a feel for the guts and shape of the craft, (I've never been good at using it for boats but this time I'm going to combine my hand drawing with my Computer skills). Drake and Ryan are super excited, and Robert seem's indifferent but he'll hum a different tune once it's tangible.
So far, the design is proving not terribly difficult. That may change when I make the model, but hopefully I've done enough drawings over the summer to make this one a piece of cake. Though a flat bottom could be done, if we plan on using it on the Atlantic, it will HAVE to be rounded and have at least a slight keel. So for inspiration, I'm using the cutaway from a Norse Knarr, a small merchant ship. It has a nearly flat bottom allowing for comfort, yet has a keel that can quickly slice through the water.
One of the problems is our transportation system. With not having a trailer, we have to be able to take the boat on the back of a van. So we are having to find a way to get the size we want without making it too complicated to the point it won't float. Drake came up with a wonderful idea to make this bot big and still movable.
We build two boats.
Now this may sound crazy, but it could work. Like a Norse ship, if we made 2 symmetrical vessels we would be able to put them together and then have one large sailing vessel. Technically the whole thing would be 20' long, if we make both pieces 10' long, but individually neither has to be registered since they will each be their own vessel. In the event someone tries to boat out to us and tell us whats what, we merely pull the pins and float apart. This way we can also take only ONE out on the river should we only want a quick outing.
I'm still working on the drawings and dimensions so I can't post a concept picture, but this way we can also build one end and then be able to replicate it. It will require both Ryan's and my own van to go on big adventures, but i believe this to be a unique and awesome solution.
The plans are in motion, and I'm drawing up the skeleton on Google Sketch-up so I can better get a feel for the guts and shape of the craft, (I've never been good at using it for boats but this time I'm going to combine my hand drawing with my Computer skills). Drake and Ryan are super excited, and Robert seem's indifferent but he'll hum a different tune once it's tangible.
So far, the design is proving not terribly difficult. That may change when I make the model, but hopefully I've done enough drawings over the summer to make this one a piece of cake. Though a flat bottom could be done, if we plan on using it on the Atlantic, it will HAVE to be rounded and have at least a slight keel. So for inspiration, I'm using the cutaway from a Norse Knarr, a small merchant ship. It has a nearly flat bottom allowing for comfort, yet has a keel that can quickly slice through the water.
One of the problems is our transportation system. With not having a trailer, we have to be able to take the boat on the back of a van. So we are having to find a way to get the size we want without making it too complicated to the point it won't float. Drake came up with a wonderful idea to make this bot big and still movable.
We build two boats.
Now this may sound crazy, but it could work. Like a Norse ship, if we made 2 symmetrical vessels we would be able to put them together and then have one large sailing vessel. Technically the whole thing would be 20' long, if we make both pieces 10' long, but individually neither has to be registered since they will each be their own vessel. In the event someone tries to boat out to us and tell us whats what, we merely pull the pins and float apart. This way we can also take only ONE out on the river should we only want a quick outing.
I'm still working on the drawings and dimensions so I can't post a concept picture, but this way we can also build one end and then be able to replicate it. It will require both Ryan's and my own van to go on big adventures, but i believe this to be a unique and awesome solution.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Inception
January 14th, 2013
It has been over 4 months since my mate Drake and I were literally living the movie Castaway for 12 hours on Seashell Island in the Gulf of Mexico. Now our fingers and spirits ache to once again be battling the sea. We have decided to put ourselves to work building a new ship, one meant to battle the ocean so we can prove to all those who now consider us fools and awful sailors, that we can be on the sea and not face misfortunes. With the help of our friends, Ryan and Robert, we hope in 3 months to have an ocean going vessel worthy of an adventure, possibly even to the Keys and the Everglades.
Now it was obvious the last design was great for the bayous of the Hillsborough river, but not for the open sea. So we have to come up with a new concept that will be easy to build and big enough for 4 people comfortably.
So for lack of a tailor, we need a boat that can fit atop a van. This led us to the concept below, of the 3 part rowboat from the 50's.
It has been over 4 months since my mate Drake and I were literally living the movie Castaway for 12 hours on Seashell Island in the Gulf of Mexico. Now our fingers and spirits ache to once again be battling the sea. We have decided to put ourselves to work building a new ship, one meant to battle the ocean so we can prove to all those who now consider us fools and awful sailors, that we can be on the sea and not face misfortunes. With the help of our friends, Ryan and Robert, we hope in 3 months to have an ocean going vessel worthy of an adventure, possibly even to the Keys and the Everglades.
Now it was obvious the last design was great for the bayous of the Hillsborough river, but not for the open sea. So we have to come up with a new concept that will be easy to build and big enough for 4 people comfortably.
So for lack of a tailor, we need a boat that can fit atop a van. This led us to the concept below, of the 3 part rowboat from the 50's.
So our next step is to take this idea and convert this boat design to work like this rowboat:
http://dinghy.pl/42m_skiff.htm
Within luck, we should start building Friday.
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