Got the new boat, lots of questions!

Well, I picked up the new to me boat a week early. I have lots of questions but will hit the ones related to my initial project first. The previous owner was a guide and as such needed to add a back seat to the boat. As you can see from the photos, it was necessary to move the other seats forward to accommodate this. In doing so, the seat frames became too short to be attached as they had been via a small wooden support under the frame. Instead, the previous owner took pieces of 2x4 spray painted faux stone finish and attached them via L brackets to the boat ribs. The 2x4 dimension made up for the lack of frame length. He also added another block between the gunnel rails to allow the oar locks to be moved forward. So, I want to bring this boat back to it's original configuration with no rear seat. I also want to upgrade the seats by adding a tackle tray and drink holder on the open spaces at each end of the seat frame. I hit the box stores and wood selection is limited to douglas fir, maple, red oak, and of course pine. My questions are:

  • What type of wood should I use for the support I attach to the ribs to hold the seat?
  • What type of wood should I use for the tackle tray and drink holder bottoms?
  • Is there a standard for the distance from the rower's seat to the oar locks?
  • Is there a standard for the distance from the seat to the boat's deck?

I have lusted over this boat since my buddy got it and am happy she is now mine to care for. I am hoping to make several improvement modifications, but want to correct the seats which really bother me. Any help or suggestions beyond what I've asked would be greatly appreciated.

-Dave

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Permalink Reply by Lawrence E. Long on January 18, 2012 at 7:07am

Dave:  You have a Tracy Obrien LS16D Whitewater.  It looks exactly like my build.  I still have the plans, instructions here although the boat is in Lyle WA.  Starting from the bow you should have 9 "short " ribs.  Plans show the front seat  cleats attached to ribs 1,2 and 3  rowers cleats are attached to ribs 7,8 and 9  These "cleats" he calls seat risers are made from 1 1/4 wide by 1/12 high ash,oak, mahogany or walnut.   Given your limited choice of woods I would go with the DF,  Red oak is OK  if its well painted - but looking at you pics the ribs look like RO  as the varnish is showing signs of breakdown resulting in black streaks from the tannic acid in the RO.  You might find a cabinet shop and pick up a little White Oak- better choice.  These ribs are 8" apart acording to this plan.  It also shows a rear seat (he calls it a deck) of 3/8PW

 

The seats are nmade of 1 1/2 x2 1/4  mahogany ,oak  etc and 4mm mahogany PW.  The seat height/placement  sometimes used is 12" from the front of the3 seat to the oarlock and 9" above the floor- but the best way is to get in it with the oars and see how it fits.  A guy that is 5' and 250lbs  will not work well with a boat set up for a 6'6" 250lbs.  The length of you oars also comes into play.

 

Good luck with the project- and a little lust is good for you- especially at my age.

 

PS dont use any maple on a boat- rots like crazy

Permalink Reply by Dave Caravella on January 18, 2012 at 5:19pm

Thanks Lawrence, don't suppose I could pay you to copy and mail the info you have to me. I know the boat was built in Alaska and used there before it came to Arkansas and now Missouri. Agreed a little lust in life is good!

Permalink Reply by Lawrence E. Long on January 18, 2012 at 7:13pm

Dave:  Just to confirm its a LS16D  measure the true centerline length from transom to stem.  Should be around 16 ft 6 in.  I will see if I can get some info lined up for you.

Permalink Reply by Dave Caravella on January 18, 2012 at 7:33pm

Lawrence, the boat measures 170 1/2" from stem to stern. Guess she's another design.

Permalink Reply by Lawrence E. Long on January 19, 2012 at 5:14am

Dave:  If  my memory is correct O'Brien also made a 14 ft.  I suggest you give him a call  or write him with your problem.

 

Tracy O"Brien Marine Design

156 Bunker Creek Road

Chehalis, WA 98532

(360) 748-4089    fax (360) 740-0504

He was always helpful when I called him while  building the boat .

Good luck

Permalink Reply by Dave Caravella on January 19, 2012 at 6:34pm

Thanks Lawrence, I'll give Tracy a call. I checked his web site and he does have a 14 footer that looks very close.

Best Regards

Permalink Reply by Dave Caravella on January 20, 2012 at 6:11pm

Spoke to Tracy this evening, very nice guy. He will review this post and send me the information I'm looking for. Gee, there are still great American entrepreneurs who care about their customers even those who are twice removed from the original purchase. My faith is again restored!

Thanks again for the lead Lawrence.

Permalink Reply by Dave Z on January 18, 2012 at 10:48am

Dave,

 

I'll offer..."what I'd do.."

 

I'd make a side pocket/seat rail system like I did in my recent skiff builds.  It worked out extremely well, and your half frames will set you up nicely for it.  Will allow for weight adjustment/reach flexibility, extra storage, etc...Take a look at the pictures here for ideas.

http://www.thtchronicles.blogspot.com/2011_05_01_archive.html

Good luck!

Dave Z

Permalink Reply by Dave Caravella on January 18, 2012 at 5:32pm

Dave, Thanks so much for the advice. If I were as talented as you I'd build a side pocket system, but unfortunately, I'm not that good. I'll be doing good to replace the original cleats. I just know that for me, the 2 x 4 spray painted cleats aren't making it. Wooden drift boats are works of art and I don't want to get too aggressive in my mods. I'd just like to bring her back to her original glory. If you're interested, I'd put you up here at the lake if you'd like to come for a "working vacation" ; )

Permalink Reply by Dave Z on January 18, 2012 at 8:16pm

Dave C,

That sounds like a nice offer.  work on boats on the lake?  heck yeah!

The side pockets aren't that hard to make-  use lots of cardboard.  I mock up alot of stuff with cardboard and duct tape before making it in wood. 

I agree though... the poop brown 2x4s aren't doing anything for looks.

It is an interesting design, and I like those false frames.  Lots of options there.  Can you post a picture of the whole boat?

Dave Z

Permalink Reply by Dave Caravella on January 19, 2012 at 3:29am

Yep, I understand why he did it, for him, it was a tool that did a job. He didn't have access to any wood working tools and he admitted he didn't have skills in the area. I am better setup in both of those areas, but like I said, I don't want to adversely effect her integrity, function, or beauty. I look at the stuff you and other folks here do and am in awe of the talent.

She's tucked in the garage so I can't get a good full frame shot, but here are some my buddy took when he got her (pre rear seat).

Permalink Reply by Dave Z on January 19, 2012 at 3:34pm

Good looking boat Dave.  I recall seeing this on another post, possibly yours.  I like the curved stem.

Thanks for your comments, but I'll be honest with ya, my boats are nowhere near perfect.  I learned you can hide alot with a decent finish and mediocre trim work. haha!

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