| 504 | Building the Simmons Sea Skiff. As planking progresses we discuss painting the inside of the fiberglass hull. New long-chain polymer paints makes for a tough surface but following the safety precautions necessary in this kind of work is essential! We put 3 planks on each side of the project and show you how to cut the gains. Part 4 of 13.
Also: We discuss what it takes to convert a simple rowing craft to sail. Then we take the dinghy "Nymph", from the 400 series of The Boat Shop, and convert her to sail. Part 1 of 5.
Also: Spring brings out the fanatic in all of us.....but people who row are a special case. We talk with Randy Karfonta and he shows us the ins and outs of the Alden Ocean Shell and how it's done! |
| 505 | Building the Simmons Sea Skiff. The correct method of cutting a gain in the planks is shown. As the planking finishes we look at the framing in relation to the bottom and sides.Part 5 of 13.
Also: Converting the dinghy "Nymph" to sail. The centerboard and rudder. Part 2 of 5.
Also: We go for a spring shakedown sail on the schooner "Inland Seas". Built as an educational tool for the Inland Seas Educational Association, this steel beauty is a treat for the eyes as she sails down the bay. |
| 506 | Building the Simmons Sea Skiff. The gunwales and the inwales are fitted into the hull and the ribs. Things to watch as we get ready to deck. Part 6 of 13.
Also: We finish the sail conversion of the dinghy "Nymph" by preparing a mast partner and making a mast, a boom, and cutting a sail out of Tyvek housewrap. Part 3 of 5. |
| 507 | Building the "Simmons Sea Skiff". The deck beams, kingplank and doubler are fitted to the deckbeam and stem in preparation to putting on the decks. Things to watch before we close her up! Part 7 of 13.
Also: Rigging the dinghy "Nymph for sail. We also put on some final finishes for the hull before she goes in and try out the rig on dry land. Part 4 of 5. |
| 508 | Building the "Simmons Sea Skiff". With all of the planking framing and deck beams in it's time to put on the decks. It seems awfuly simple but there is a lot to consider at this point in the building process. Part 8 of 13.
Also: Sailing the dinghy "Nymph". Yep, that's right we find out if Captain Dave can actually sail. The last pieces are fitted and we take "Nymph" for a sail! Part 5 of 5.
Also: Shop tips and timesaving shortcuts. |
| 509 | Building the "Simmons Sea Skiff". We are ready to put down the decks but we'll put in the wiring and plumbing before we do. This type of work is best completed while the decks are still off. Part 9 of 13.
Also: Restoration of a classic dory. This Gloucester Gull light dory has been around forever. They are an incredibly seaworthy design. This boat had set around and weathered for a number of years and we'll show how to bring her up to snuff. Part 1 of 3.
Also: The Paceship cruiser "Frostbite". This 35 footer, originally built for the Fisher family of Fisher Body/GM fame, has all weather capability. Captain Kirk Pasche takes us for an unforgetable cruise. |
| 510 | Building the "Simmons Sea Skiff". With the decks down we can concentrate on final fits and finishes. This include some fiberglass and that means special precautions. Protecting your hearing, eyes, skin and lungs is critically important. Some shop tips to keep things safe! Part 10 of 13.
Also: Continued work on the Gloucester Light Dory. Some strategies for easy bottom fiberglassing. We start to see some progress and consider new oarlocks and a possible sail rig.Part 2 of 3.
Also: "Pure Gold" the 40th Anniversary Homecoming Reunion of the original Chris Craft Cobras. These one of a kind hotrods are the rarest Chris Crafts of them all! |
| 511 | Building the "Simmons Sea Skiff". Fitting a stem doubler and the transom cap. We take the individual pieces of our Simmons Sea Skiff apart and prepare to clean up the fits and add a little curve to the transom corners. While she's apart we epoxy all the faying surfaces and do any interior painting. This adds a lot of life to the finished boat. Part 11 of 13.
Also: Finishing up the fiberglass on the Dory project . Washing off the "blush" before painting.
Also: A motor cruise on the Manitou Passage. Nimble Boats of Clearwater, Florida builds the cutest line of all weather cruisers around. They are exceptionally seaworthy and very easily driven. Greg Brockdorf shows us around and talks about fuel efficiency! |
| 512 | Building the "Simmons Sea Skiff". Putting in the steering console and seat. Measuring carefully here is important because of the weight considerations. Last bits of hardware are fitted and we begin to think about going in the water! Part 12 of 13.
Also: "Birdwatcher", an unusual home-built sailing vessel from the pen of Phil Bolger. Occasionally a design comes down the pike that is controversial but really works. Come aboard as we try this blend of new and old ideas with builder Dick Flowers. |
| 513 | Building the "Simmons Sea Skiff". At last, the skiff is ready for the water. We show all he final decisions and how we reached them. Any boat is a compromise and this is very important to understand as we finish our project boat, the Simmons Sea Skiff. She finally gets wet and we're quite pleased with her performance. Part 13 of 13.
Also: The Gloucester Gull gets some paint. As often happens in a boatshop we find additional work that we want to do to the light dory. Along the way we get some tips on correct paint rolling and keeping those scrapers sharp. Sound like fun? You Betcha! |
Building the Simmons Sea Skiff. (We begin what will become a routine segment on all of the 500 series of programs. Due to the nature of this larger project we will visit it on a weekly basis, from laying the keel to launch. This long term project will be built in addition to our smaller boatbuilding and shop projects.) The Simmons Sea Skiff is a classic design born on the Carolina coasts. Originally built as a simple fishing skiff, it has come to represent a pure expression of seagoing praticality. They are commonly used for everything from fishing to waterborne search and rescue. Part 1 of 13