Started the 17' Chinook today! I began with the stem. Plans call out a
2x4 on edge, but I thought it would finish much nicer with a 1x4 on the
back edge facing he rower. Check out the pics and feel free to
comment!
I decided to use clear fir for frames and stem. living in Oregon we have such a blessed surplus of timber and building supplies. Clear fir is not hard to come buy. I used oak plugs (I believe, not designated on the little baggy they came in) set in epoxy. I tell you what, that stem is NOT coming apart any time soon!
That's a pretty decent price @ $1.06 a linear ft. I think I paid $1.48. I am using clear vertical grain though. That may be why it is more expensive. You have a good source though at that price!
Day two! I got the stem mounted to the strong back, leveled, and set. Now it will be on to the transom. Pics to come on that! See the attached pics of you want to see the stem mounted to the strong back.
Day three! Got the transom framed and its sitting in the clamps waiting to set and mounted to ply. While waiting on that I decided to build the first frame. Look at the pics and enjoy!
Day four in the garage! Got the transom built, glued, screwed, and plugged! Soon enough you might be able to tell I'm building a boat in the garage. The anticipation!
I am using both stainless and silicone bronze. It all depends on where I am putting them. The silicone bronze I will use anywhere where submersion will occur, and on all frames. The stainless I am using where screw are completely sealed in Sika and plugged where NO moisture (hopefully) will occur.
I have never heard about stainless being covered causing trouble. I have always counter sunk and covered stainless. I have also had to dig them out on occasion and never seen any problem.
Do you have any idea what happens when they are covered to cause a problem? I would like to understand this problem.