Setting the Keel

Monday we focused on installing the keel and leveling the frames in preparation for receiving the bottom. The keel needed more sanding and beveling to fit frames 1, 2, 3. The transom was fitted with the keel, and excess keel was marked and cut flush to the transom. We set the keel in place one last time prior to applying epoxy adhesive and attaching the keel. Then the process of leveling the boat began, port to starboard and fore to aft. The forward part of the stem was then marked for cutting.

While that was in process, the CNC router was cutting the garboard and chines that would be scarfed. After scarfing, these pieces will be attached to the bottom of the frames and bulkheads.
So the boat continues to take shape, and we are making progress and learning new skills that are required for building a boat of any size.

On your left are photos of today’s activities.

We had a visit from Croatian High school, instructor Bobby Staab and two contruction classes to see some of the opportunities at Carteret Community College. Possibly some of those students will find the program interesting and want to enroll next year.

By the end of the day the following was accomplished: the keel was attached; a part of the deck frame was laminated; several parts were scarfed; filleting was completed on the stringers; and we made dust for future glueing use.

Starting to Attach Parts

Starting to Attach Parts


Monday was a good day. We were able to get the stringers connected to two frames and a bulkhead. Marissa is beginning to look like a boat. The stringers, frames and bulkhead were glued together using epoxy. We assembled the parts a number of times to be ensure everything was aligned properly before epoxy application.

The slideshow highlights how all that was accomplished.

Another highlight of the day was shaping the keel by saw, plane and sander.

Assembling Parts

Joe Clay reviews the work of Chris and Ed while Foundation Board Chairman Glen Macfadden observes the work in progress. We worked on assembling some of the parts that were cut out on the CNC. The frames and bulkheads needed the addition of doublers to add strength to the sides. Also the stringers that were scarfed needed to be glued at the scarf joints. The adhesive of choice was epoxy, a thermoset adhesive which is resistant to water and not affected by heat. Epoxy is a mixture of hardener and resin. It must be thoroughly mixed, and since it cures rapidly it must be applied quickly. Watch the slide show below for the action.

We started work on the keel and planks for the sides of the boat. Also we began to work on two other boats that need deck or hull repair.

Growing intrest in Marine CNC

There is an increase in the use of CNC equipment to obtain precision cutting of wood for boat building. Two recent magazine articles one in Wooden Boat and the other in Proboat   (page 24-25) have highlighted the work done by large CNC equipment to build interiors and station molds for boat builders. The idea of contracting for the use of a CNC machine is more attractive than purchasing the equipment. Designers and others find the idea of contracting attractive to produce full size kits for the amateur boat builders and model kits for hobbyist

Lofting

Several students who are building Marissa are also taking Marine Blueprints and Lofting taught by Loren Hale. Today that class was introduced to lofting using a plywood board, pencil, eraser, metal measuring tape, trammels, straightedge, and small finishing nails. There is a video below without audio and a slideshow on the left..

Today we were able to develop a profile view, the stem shape, and transom location on a profile view.

Week Two

We had a good day on Monday learning how the CNC (computer numerical control)  reads instructions and drives the machine tool.  Ours is a router using ShopBot control software  to cutout the various pieces for the Marissa. We also began the process of building the boat.

In addition, we made battens for use in ensuring that the boat will go together fair.

See slideshow at left.