zumwaltd

Rolando, I think my doubler came out close to what the designer had in mind. Not perfect but close. See pics.

I am really pleased I posted my questions. Thank you for your responses. They were just what I needed to help me understand how to approach this task. Dave .

I am looking for advice on when I should cut the centerboard slot on my Belhaven: Is it easiest to cut out the slot before turning the boat over or after turning the boat over? Before fiberglassing the bottom or after fiberglassing the bottom? I am having trouble figuring out the building sequence that would best help me make an accurate cut. It seems to me I could make a more accurate cut prior to rolling the boat over but that may make fiberglassing the hull more problematic. From the build pictures I have seen I am not sure which way I should proceed. Thanks in advance for your suggestions. Dave

I just stopped by my local yard again and they have nice looking 2x8 yellow pine in 20ft. lengths. I think I will use that. Thanks everyone for your assistance. Dave Z

Howard, thanks for sharing this info. I just checked the Lowe's web site in Ponca City, OK and they claim to have douglas fir in numerous lengths. I will drive their and check tonight or tomorrow. My intention is to build this boat well so it can be passed on to one of my grand kids when my time on this earth is over. . Regards, Dave Z

Thanks for the replies. The lumber I brought home is stamped "hem fir". I will visit my local lumberyard and check their supply of structural grade framing. Regards, Dave Z

What type of wood do y'all recommend for inwales on my Belhaven. The plans call for "fir", but my local lumberyard has only Hemlock fir in 20ft lengths which are straight with a few very small knots. I have read hemlock is too soft. It also has pine, which is not straight and very knotty. One option would be to drive 40 miles to local Lowes and check their wood supply. I guess my question is; should I make the inwales from the Hemlock? Thanks for any insights. Dave Z

Rolando, Howard and Dave: Thanks for your input on my situation. Symmetry seems ok but I will check closely. Dave

As I was wiring the panels together on the sides of the hull of my Belhaven the fiberglass tore on the seam where the 1/4 ply butt joins to form the bow. See pics. Do I need to unwire the sides and release the stress on the panels and re-fiberglass or is there an easier way to make it right? Thanks for advice. Dave Z

thanks, this helps a lot Dave Z

Rolando, do you have a picture or two of your cradle you could post? Thanks, Dave Z

Rolando, thank you very much for your input. It helps me visualize what is going to happen when I begin joining the bottom panels. Dave

I have a question regarding the bevelling of the bottom of my Belhaven I am constructing. I know I need to bevel the inside edge of the 3/8th inch plywood where the two bottom pieces join but where the bottom transitions into 1/4 inch at the bow do I bevel that as well? Thanks for the help. Dave Z.