Just starting out.

Good Morning!

 

Two days ago I decided to build my own drift boat after reading an article in Outdoor Life magazine. I ordered plans from Butler Projects for their Rock Creek Driftboat. Here is the link:

http://www.butlerprojects.com/boats/rockcreek/index.htm

 

I have choosen not to do the optional "removable bow", but I am concerned about one thing: plywood length.  I have read several articles on here (and other places) about scarfing and I have to tell you that I think that it may be beyond both my available space and my limited skill.  I feel confident that I could laminate 5mm sheets together to make 16ft lenghts, but then I would have ply that is over 1/2 inch thick (.59" to be exact)...from everything that I've read on here, that is too thick for the sides.

 

I live in Grand Rapids, MI and I was wondering if anyone had any ideas where I could get 14ft plywood or any other solutions?

 

Like I said, this is my first boat-building project, so be gentle!

 

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Permalink Reply by Stephen Markley on August 18, 2011 at 8:49am

Umm, if I am understanding the problem... I think if you scarf two 5mm 4X8plywood then flip one over, and glue it, then you will end up with one 15ft 9in piece that is 5mm thick if you use a 12:1 scarf.

 

That should be plenty thick for the sides, because I know Butler has you fiberglassing both sides anyway. I just did this with quarter inch ply using a plane and a belt sander. Not too hard. Just gotta clamp in down REAL good and line everything up.

 

Also, doesn't Butler recommend a Butt Joint instead of Scarf? I saw some of his plans once that did that.

 

There is a good video on you tube by Jordan Boats on scarfing... I dont have the link right now, or I would paste it here. I can add it later if you need.

Permalink Reply by Dave Z on August 18, 2011 at 10:02am

Try it on experimental scrap first before you sell yourself short.  you'll be suprised how simple it is, and build some confidence up.  Take two pieces of scrap plywood, say 6" by 18" and scarf the 6" ends.  flip them, glue them and marvel at your work.

 

then proceed to 4'x8' pieces. 

Permalink Reply by James S. on August 18, 2011 at 4:04pm

Is it a big issue to fiberglass the sides? Like I said before, I am totally new to this whole thing.  I haven't received the plans yet, so maybe I am getting ahead of myself by asking questions that may be answered in the plans.  I just have so many questions that I don't even know where to start...

Permalink Reply by eric stevens on August 22, 2011 at 7:18pm
i would deffinitly scarf them, you can buy a tool called a scarfer for $80 from west marine that will save you a lot of time and make a beautiful scarf. you just bolt it to your skill saw and run your saw through the end of both sheets.  I did a butt joint on my first boat i ever built and it ended up with a crease in it that looked horrible. you deffinitly want to fiberglass everything if you want it to be low mantinence. If you just prime and paint wood the water will get in every time you scratch the paint up. It is well worth the money to build it right the first time.
Permalink Reply by Frank R on August 22, 2011 at 10:09am

Here is a simple way to join two pieces of plywood without the scarf and without the additional piece of wood involved in a butt joint: http://www.instantboats.com/gbj/index.html

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