Decked Mckenzie Build

I'm new to the group and I'm going to apologize for not having a wooden boat.  I'm starting with a vintage Eastside fiberglass 15' drifter that I plan to deck and outfit for whitewater trips.  The goal is to hold my self and my wife pretty much self supported for 3-5 days on class 3-4.  Will also make a great boat for taking the future kids on floats.  I'm running the Gates of Lodore the second week of August and will mess around with balance in loading and get a feel for where I want to be before the decking project begins.

 

The pictures here are from the classified add.  I'll make sure to update you all as soon as I return from Utah.  I will be reusing as much of the wood from the inside of the boat as possible in the details of the decked version.  The plan is a layout similar to the Boulder Boat Works DC10 except square hatches. By the way, all the seating will be up for sale once the decks are complete along with the anchor system.

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Comment by Jeremy Christensen on September 20, 2011 at 7:17am

I was just talking about for your boat, not a system for other boats... You could add false ribs, with a slot running the length that would accept a plywood (or whatever material) bulkhead, that could slide in and out, almost like a headgate or something. These could be secured with a couple fasteners. The tops of the bulkheads could have some framing built to them, which would accept and secure the decking pieces. Either way, there will be the hours of thinking/drinking/staring that come with one-off designs. 

 

But don't listen to me, I just want to see someone else try it first, before I come along and steal all your hard work and innovation for my next boat :-)

Comment by Paul Wackowski on August 25, 2011 at 9:58am

Jeremy,  the biggest problem I can see with making removable bulkheads and decks is the need to custom make them for each boat.  there just isn't enough standardization out there.  It would be cool to be able to lighten up and make a day trip boat into a class III dory but the custom fitting work would probably end up being just as much work as decking.

 

I'm going to add bulkheads to my boat.  not sure if I'm going to connect them solidly to the floor or utilize some closed cell foam to seal them but still allow the floor to flex.  I have it in the garage now and will be spending some time this winter working on the decks.

Comment by Ron Bakken on August 12, 2011 at 6:51pm

 

Nice boat!  I'm building my first.  I'm interested in your anchor system.  Please email me at ron@ronbakken.com to discuss further.

Comment by Jeremy Christensen on August 7, 2011 at 1:04pm

How are you planning to attach the decks? Are you going to add thwarts/bulkheads?

 

Would be the perfect opportunity to design some sort of bolt on removable decking system. Sandy at montana-riverboats.com has been talking up the idea for a while of designing a removable decking system to go from whitewater boat to fishing boat. 

 

You could install slide-in bulkheads to create sealed cargo bays, and bolt on decks that attached to sides of the boat.  The decks would of course pop off at camp and become a kickass set of tables or something. Snap it back together the next day and poof! submarine mode.

 

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