Hello all,
As you will of guessed by the topic name that this is to be my first, proper, scratch built boat.
I first got the idea for this of the web after looking for plans on how to build both a steam boiler and a twin cylinder engine. I got these okay but also on this site were drawings for a couple of steam boats. The one that caught my eye was one of a Pinasse boat. The only info was that it was built in the very early part of the 1900's, was of German design, had a single propeller driven by a steam engine, was of open top construction and had no name. (I thought at first that the name Pinasse was the name of the boat but since learned that this applies to, I think, the style of this vessel. Please correct me if I am wrong).
I photo copied the plan and the end measurements come to 700x175x165dp. These are only approximate measurements as I am not sure whether to keep a square transom or to go for more of a tug type stern. In fact, I am not exactly sure as to what type of superstructure I want to go for. More of this later.
I first used tracing paper for the bulkheads and the keel, spray-glued them to a sheet of 1200x300x4 m/m ply and then cut these out using a scroll saw (new christmas pressie!)
After cutting, I then mounted these on to some MDF, and then noticed that there is quite a pronounced curve for the front part of the deck. Looking at photos on the web, it seems that this is something that most, if not all, Pinasse boats have. I am hoping that I can get away without sloping the sides of the decks, as I can see problems fixing this what with such a high forward curve.
As I said earlier, I am not exactly sure as to what sort of superstructure I want to go for. There was none on the drawing. I am toying with a few ideas as in a turn of the century tug - a trawler - maybe a yacht but the idea that appeals to me most is of a Jules Verne type of boat. If there are any!
During a couple of quiet spells at work, I made a small, single cylinder compound engine (not quite finished yet though) which will run of either low pressure air/steam/geared down electric motor - not sure yet, and at home a type of winch. Again same princible as the compound. I have other, perhaps quirky, thoughts for it but as I said, I have not made my mind up yet. Whether these will be too big to use I do not really know until I cut the deck to size and then make my mind up!
Unfortunately for me, the quiet spells at work are now over for the next few months. Possibly up to the end of the year, so this is going to be a long build. If anyone has any ideas/thoughts for this, please let me know. I will post more when I can.
Ron.
PS. enclosed is a photo of Lewis just after arriving back at the factory. This is not copyright!
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Topic: First Scratch Build (Read 3141 times)