I begin another basement boat

    25 July 03: Spent about eight hours today on a new project -- the Flats Rat, a kayak-like 8-foot double-paddle pram that I'm building for the Reverend as a surprise.

    I laid out the sides and the forms -- bow, stern, and two bulkheads -- and cut and nailed on the backing strips for these four forms.

    Since the plans for this boat are free, and available only by download, they also are abbreviated. I opted for external chines, and the backing strips for nailing into. The prototype is nail and glue but the builder didn't mention whether he used backing strips. I also will use another of Jim Michalak's tricks -- combing strips and hatch covers made of plywood and held down with shock cords, just like in the Piccup Squared that I'm finishing up.

    I made one glaring mistake when I cut out the sides. I cut one side with the A face out and the other side with the A face in. I hope the Reverend wants to paint it in and out; otherwise it will look funny.

    I should point out that free does not mean easy; this little boat has some gotchas if you are new to building boats. My log with highlight them, though.

    Next I'm going to join the four forms to the sides, then bend on the chines, then put on the bottom. I'm trying to go fast so I can spring the surprise before I burst.

    Cost so far: Two sheets of 1/4-inch lauan plywood at $21 and $4 worth of pine that I had on hand, for a total of $25.

    Time spent so far: Eight hours.