Dorf's Wooden Drift Boat

I just found this Forum the past week and was pleased to see all the interesting discussions. I have previously (2006) built and launched a 16 ft. Peterborough Stripper from Tom Moore's original Canoecraft. The Bear Mountain Boats Forum was a wealth of information, as I had not built anything from wood that was expected to float, in water. The stripper was a lot of fun to build.

About a year later I discovered/purchased Roger Fletcher's book and decided to make a go of it and build a drift boat. Last April I laid out all the framing on poster board full scale. I am a retired Mfg. Engineer with 41 yrs in the Machine tool and Automotive Industry with lots of hrs. Hanging over a drafting table. After making the decision to build I spent many hours deciding materials, features etc.

I have 210 BF of White Ash from a couple of trees infected with the Emerald Ash Bore (big issue in Mid-Mich). So the framing is Ash (3/4" x 3.00"). I finished the last one in December. I just need to coat them with epoxy (been waiting for 60 degree temps). The frames are constructed using Half-lap joints. I discussed this in 2011 with Jim Watson of Gougeon Brothers and he offered their services in testing the joint strength (they have a MTS Tensile Test Machine w/ 100K Load Cell). I just received the results and test pieces a couple of weeks ago and will post them soon in this discussion. (I need to figure out how to post pictures here.)

The Stem blank is solid Ash. I just finished the transom a couple of weeks ago. It was made from African mahogany. The sides are going to be 1/4 x 7/8" WRC w/bead & cove. I have a couple of planks left over from the canoe. The sides will be encapsulated in 6 oz. glass and West System 105-207 Epoxy prior to being fastened to the frame. The bottom of the boat will be "cold molded" ash at 1/4 x 2 1/4" in two layers one oriented Fore Aft and the other 90 degrees to the first. Planning to add graphite to epoxy on the bottom.

Next work is to build a strong back and begin assembling the framing. Am looking foreword to your comments and assistance.

Thanks for being here.

phil w. (Dorf)

 

 

Views: 36185

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by craig curtis on May 12, 2020 at 3:34pm
Sure can, it's a plate that is sits behind my anchor bracket and goes out to the corner of the transom. Then I put wood on it to make easier to clamp the motor.
I started with a 30ft lb motor with an extended mast.
Picture coming tomorrow.
Permalink Reply by Phillip Westendorf on May 13, 2020 at 9:32am

Thanks Craig

Permalink Reply by craig curtis on May 13, 2020 at 7:31pm
I'll have to add them as picture in my album.
Permalink Reply by Phillip Westendorf on July 7, 2020 at 1:34pm

Finally found a 4 HP, 4 Stroke Long Shaft Outboard for the drift boat.  I just finished today varnishing the final pieces that are used to mount it to the transom.  I added 5/16-18 Brass Treaded Inserts to the transom so I can remove it if I want to.  I also added a set of 5 holes to the motor mtg. bracket so as to adjust the height of the motor to "Tune" it for best performance.   I used White Oak and Black Walnut for the bracket pieces.

Here's a couple of pictures of the motor as I first mounted it,  The pieces are not yet epoxied and varnished at the time I took the pictures.  It looks like I might have to raise the bracket to the top set of holes.  The position shown looks to me to be too low.

I met a guy a few weeks ago with the same motor on his boat and kinda used what I saw as a height to start with. 

Still going to need a tiller extension to reach the tiller standing in the back of the boat.

I am still in the process of modifying the anchor pully bracket to mount it to the Starboard Rear Corner of the transom. 

The problem I am facing now is the boat needs to be registered with the Secretary of State's Office and get a Registration Number to use it with a motor.  I made an appointment a month ago for the end of July as they are closed except with an appointment.  

Take care and be safe!

Dorf

Permalink Reply by David Witton on July 9, 2020 at 9:20am

Dorf

Looking good! I agree, looks like it could mount a bit higher. That would help out with the tiller angle, too. 

Permalink Reply by Bennett Yarbrough on July 9, 2020 at 1:13pm
Nice Dorf! I agree it looks like the motor needs to be higher. My cav plate is about even with the bottom when the boat is on the trailer. The 4hp is the perfect motor!
Permalink Reply by Phillip Westendorf on July 9, 2020 at 3:27pm
Bennett, Your right looks like I might have to rework things to get cav plate up a bit. Might not have enuf adjustment with the five bolt holes in verticals. Good news, I have lots of time and wood on my hands.
Thanks for your input.
Take care and be safe.
pw
Permalink Reply by Bennett Yarbrough on July 9, 2020 at 1:18pm

Here’s how my 4.5 looks

RSS

© 2024   Created by Randy Dersham.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service