bhanchett

All this response make me realize what a fantastic group ya'all are. I'm really impressed. Gary, I already picked up some wheels at Harbor Freight. They had some smaller diameter, large width wheels, pneumatic with plastic hubs (cheap) that should work well on sand. Your axle assembly and topper lift assy. both are designs I'm looking forward to trying. I've seen quite a few Krogen's and they all look very solid and smooth riding. Many happy miles to you. We had a Nauticat 33 ketch when we were cruising but she is now out in Oregon and we're in Michigan out looking at the ice on Lake Huron today. Poor state of affairs! By the way, the only time we laid her on her side was down by New Bern when we were anchored out and a tornado went through. They do get wind down there. The idea of screwing a block to the initial butterfly joint sound great. That was the only big worry I had come up with so far. One big question for everyone. Since epoxy is used on both inside and outside of the hull, is marine plywood (expensive and far away) required? Thanks, Bill

Thanks Steve. Your photo blog is one of the one's I've marked as a favorite so I can refer to it often. One of my questions: After attaching the sides to the bottom with that first foot of resin at the bow while it's all flat on the table. After cure, when you start to go 3D, doesn't it start to bend at that joint at the bow? It seems like there is a awful lot of stress there. I agree about the forum and members being great resources. I glad I started asking questions before I started my build and got into trouble. Bill

I appreciate all of the input. I saw some boat construction pictures recently where the builder had laid tape down several inches from the joint on both sides so the epoxy slopped over the tape edge could be cleaned up easily. If that was combined with Howard's idea of cutting the tape edge off, clean up of the joint would be very easy. Someone suggested using rebar wire to tie the hulls together. Is there any reason why copper wire is normally suggested?

Thanks for your response. In terms of experience, I've built several small boats under 12' but over 30 years ago. After my second retirement I was a handyman professionally for about 4 years so I have time with wood and lots of tools but wrapping the wood around frames to keep the water out is almost a new experience again. I can't use my framing nailer. I'm glad to see you both recommend using B&B as a source. That will really reduce my ordering time if I don't have to search for the best deal.

I'm going to join almost a thousand others and build a B&B Spindrift 10 dinghy in the next couple of months. I think my plans were #990 or #992. I have looked through the photo-blogs (thank you very much) and the construction looks very straight forward. Is there any thing special I should look out for? Also, I have used West epoxy before but would like to hear any other recommendations anyone has to offer on other epoxys or other Spindrift related ideas. I'm jumping ahead here but am looking for the best source for sails. Does anyone have experience in car topping these dinghys? I am going to be towing an RV so can't use a boat trailer.