Newcomers first question

I am new to the forum! I picked up my first wood boat about 2 weeks ago. It is a 16' wood & glass Drift Boat. To say it is a project is being kind. But then again, it only cost me $45.

It had been "stored" outside for 2 years, uncovered, face up, in some blackberry bushes. First thing I did(after clearing the brush & critters) was strip out the rot, which ended up being everything but the hull. 

Now I need to turn her over and glass the bottom.

Which brings me to my first question. What kind of stands do you use or recommend. I designed a 2x4 stand on casters that I am about to build. But before I go make my own mistakes, I thought I might try and learn what some other folks have learned before me. Not that this information will keep me from making mistakes, but ya know, maybe not as many!

Thanks!!!!!!!

Chris

Renton, WA

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Permalink Reply by Vance Wonser on June 30, 2012 at 6:20pm

Hey Chris, congrats on your new boat!

I just picked up a 16' Don Hill McKenzie to restore this week.  I'll try & stay about 2 steps behind you so I can learn from your mistakes!  Post lots of pics as you go.  As lots of questions so I don't have to  :-)

Looks to me like you got a lot more than your money's worth!  Heck, the oar locks are worth more than you paid for the boat!

Permalink Reply by Roger Fletcher on June 30, 2012 at 8:57pm

Chris, it appears from your photos that your "drift boat" is actually a Rogue River dory. The magnified flare, side frames that are two piece affairs (the inside as a shim from the sheer to the top of the chine), the hip that runs from the frame to ttransom, a significant flat spot that runs fore to aft amidships, and although I can't see it in the photos, there are probably two 1/2-inch chine logs that run in parallel the length from stem to stern on both sides. This is very traditional Rogue River construction. Restored, this will be a boat with great capacity, will more easily hold in the current, and if you ever hang a motor on it, will perform much better than a McKenzie. Have fun with your project. 

Permalink Reply by Chris Dinsmore on June 30, 2012 at 10:17pm

Wow, Thanks Roger!! The guy I bought acquired it from wasn't to knowledgeable as to what the origins were. 

Now I will have to read up on what exactly a Rogue River Dory is.

Yes it had two chine logs, as you described. I wonder if this is going to change my plans of the restoration. I was planning on glassing the whole thing then covering the bottom and inside with Line-x. I had to rip out all of the ribbing and was hoping not to have to re-install all of it. It does seem like it will accommodate the front & back seating and internal cabinetry I had hoped to install.

Permalink Reply by Rick Newman on July 1, 2012 at 8:58am

Chris, you have made a good find. I am currently in the Spanaway area south of you. I would love to come by and talk boats. I too went through the old boat stage but made a different decision after inspecting it. It had way more problems than what your appears to have. I ran across another Rogue River boat in the Coeur d' Alene area a year ago that a new member had purchased. I haven't heard from him so I don't know what he ever did. Send me a message if you would like to try and get together. I am working over here until Tuesday.

Rick Newman

Permalink Reply by Vance Wonser on July 1, 2012 at 9:29am

Chris, if you don't already have it I would suggest picking up a copy of Roger Fletcher's "Drift Boats & River Dories".  Might help with understanding what you have & give you some (re)construction ideas.  My copy was in the mail when I checked it this morning.  Can't wait to spend some time with it & a pot of coffee while looking out the window at the McKenzie I'll be working on this winter!

Roger, from my quick perusal the book looks great!!!  I didn't want to put it down, but figured I better wait till after "work'  today(I'm a pastor) to really let it grab hold of me!

Permalink Reply by Guy Fredrickson on July 1, 2012 at 10:39am

Chris, I agree with Vance. That is an invaluable book; it's a must have. That is a fine old boat you have, and you can turn it into something worthy of bragging rights on the river. There are plenty of experts on this site that can assist you. I have learned much through the people here, and their advice has made me change course, for the better, several times during my build. Good luck with your project and post your progress! Guy

Permalink Reply by Rick Newman on July 1, 2012 at 11:28am

Vance, I have a boat building question for you. As a pastor when you hit your finger with a hammer what do you say?

Rick Newman

Permalink Reply by Vance Wonser on July 1, 2012 at 11:47am

Depends on the size of the hammer :-)

Sometimes "ouch!"

Sometimes "OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Permalink Reply by Rick Newman on July 1, 2012 at 11:59am

Vance, I once broke one of my little fingers when after six hours of trying to remove an exhaust manifold another bold broke off in the block. The big hammer I was using to take out my frustrations on a wooden spool glanced back and hit my finger. I believe I said much more than "ouch" and then kept working. I had to show the doctor where my finger was broken.

Good luck on your build. Would love to see more pictures.

Rick

Permalink Reply by Chris Dinsmore on July 1, 2012 at 12:25pm

I already have that book being sent to my local library. Should be there in a few days! There were a dozen or so books I was interested in so I wanted to look through all of them before buying any. 

I am probably getting started on this a year too early, but I couldn't pass up on the price. I am starting the Seattle Central Community College Cabinet making & Fine Woodworking program this fall. I am thinking I will also go through the boat building program once I am done with the cabinet making program. 

Permalink Reply by AJ DeRosa on July 1, 2012 at 2:27pm

Chris,

 

You have a very desirable relic in this boat.  Do some research and read Roger's book before you decide to  rip out the frames and cover it in goo.  New frames can be installed to keep it traditional and perhaps increase it's value down the road.  There are far fewer of these Rogue River boats around than the more popular McKenzie style boats. 

 

AJ

Permalink Reply by Chris Dinsmore on July 1, 2012 at 2:44pm

AJ, that is what I am understanding. I am going to be doing plenty of research before I do anything more than re glass the bottom. That is the no brainer, as it is already glassed but has a couple of very deep gouges in it. 

Oh & one thing I need to find out. What is the piece of wood called that connects the sides at the bow?? it is a long thin piece that runs from the bottom and connects the two sides. It is rotten and needs to be replaced but I haven't ripped it out yet, as I couldn't find any information on how to replace that piece.

I really like the idea of building a really large wood deck with plenty of seating and storage. I have enough wood to do anything I might want. I have 300 bf of nice white oak, 100 bf of khaya, 150 bf of Walnut, and between 25-50 bf each of Sapelle, purple heart, hickory, & Cherry. Plus some instrument grade figured maple. Oh and Red Barua at a $1.20 a lf for 1x4. For now my greatest ideas are beyond my skill, but that shouldn't be the case in a year. I may end up glassing up the bottom and doing a minimal restoration of the interior (ribs & benches) so I can do some fall fishing. Then really go to work on her next summer.

I am sure I will change my plan 40-50 times in the next year. That is the great part of doing it myself. I can alter the plan as I go (mess up) & learn (from frustration).

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