Pickman

Anyone have any experience with the HawkEye D11S Micro-Display Digital Depth Sounder? I like the size of the display but, I have never heard of the brand and wonder if it is worth $50 eBay dollars. http://www.ebay.com/itm/HawkEye-D11S-Micro-Display-Digital-Depth-Sounder-/151245527323

A well made made joint, with modern glues, will out preform the soft woods. Such as, cedar, redwood ...ect, all the conifers. Knots are the weakest points. Cut out the knots that equal 1/4 or more of the dimension of the stock then try not to over think it. Remember that you are working with a natural product. Logical compromise from perfection will be necessary. You can always clamp it in a vice and test the break strengths. It will make you confident in the process.

Thanks. I will stick it with Lexel and wait a few weeks. I do know that transducers do not like any air trapped in the mounting. The screen will show black lines and gibberish with even the smallest amount of glue failure. That is how I learned that silicone only works for ......well until it don't no more.

As for the crooked scarf joints, the two angles have to be equal, cut the same way on the same jig. Just a fraction of a degree will compound itself. Think, cut both pieces the same way, them flip one over. Perfect match.

Sounds like the scroll saw you are using as some serious issues. Mine kept breaking blades until I made it run true and found the right tension setting. Took about 5 min per frame to cut out. If you get it to work, it will save you a lot of time consuming sanding. Sanding is THE chore.

NO,NO, I meant, Will Lexel stick to the flexible fabric for any amount of time? I was sure it would shoot through the skin but i wanted to mount it with out using the 'set it in a puddle of water' trick. Sorry for the confusion. I know that regular silicon didn't last very long, at least on my plastic boat. As for the cable lenght question, It appears that i'll need to make my own. Thanks.

I'm thinking of installing my small fish/depth finder in my newest skin boat. (started lofting the FreeB 14, Thanks to P.Douglass). I have two questions. 1.Will the transducer work mounted inside the hull? ex. Glued with Lexel. I think it will. I don't want to remove the transducer from my other boat unless I know it should. 2. Are short transducer to display cables available? I need 18" not 18' . Lowrance spec.

Jeff, In you store the FreeB is listed as a 12 and 14 foot boat. I'm interested in the 14' version but can't find a way to download it. I'll buy a full set of plans if you want to plot them out. I need to stay around 15' long with a large cockpit and good stability for my bride. Help?

Great looking boat you have there. I really like the black hull. I almost did mine in black and still might. Hey Jeff, brass strips.......................hint,hint.......

Is cypress light in weight like most conifers? What would you compare it too? Here in TX, the eastern border of the state is full of it. Caddo Lake as an example.

Rub strip on the bow is almost a necessity and it makes it much safer to beach your boat bow first. I have started using a brass rub strip on mine. I have to get it listed in the store. Yes Please. I can't find any brass around here. I'm assuming its half inch wide half round.

Sorry, i was on the road most of the day. Text me with the word 'Strong-back' and I will call you back in short order. visit Arlingtonpools.com , that is me.

and no. they are not open on the weekends. Industrial park area.............9-5 mon -fri.

yes sir. It is comes in a 5 by 5 sheet. high quality stuff. Terrill Stehling, 817-831-4206 is the salesman that i went through when i picked up my ply. It's right off 35E north at exit 56-A. I think it was less than 30 bucks a sheet. One whole boat easily out of on sheet. I see you are in Mansfield, I can give you a sample piece of scrap of birch ply. I'm at Walnut Creek and Country Club and can meet ya anywhere close. I still have the strong-back if you are in need.

yes, if there is room.

That Maori fishhook is called a hei matau = Very cool. I love the details. To me that is what makes it unique, special.

I gotta say I LOVE that color too. I also like how the rigging goes up the deck to the bow and stern. I think you just gave me an idea. Funny thing, this maori tattoo is what inspired my design. NIce job with the dark wood accents. I'll most likely sew my next one. Thinking of a Vardo for my wife and that color is gender neutral so i could use it for longer trips....just thinking.

Thanks Mr.Douglas, She wont let me hang it on the wall....yet....I have to wait until she wants something....then we compromise. Thank you also Uncler, Glad you like it. As for you questions 1. The hull is stapled to the gunnel with stainless staples witch do pull the fabric. I my case all the pulls disappered when I ironed it out and shrunk it. The black stripe covering the seem is vinyl tape over white 1" nylon webbing secured with outdoor carpet tape. It is all temporary because I did not realize it need to be black until after I painted it. The black webbing is on order and will be affixed with 3M automotive double sided tape. Like the stuff that keeps the logos on your car. 2. I used the 8oz poly that Jeff sells. Be sure to add the extra foot Before you place the order. Make his life easier. 3. First cut out a pattern that matches 1/2 of the bow or stern or one whole side. I used taped together construction paper. Second, create a design and cut it out. Next, I taped it to the center line of the topsides and traced it onto the deck with a pencil. I did not un-tape it, I flipped it over to the other side a hit repeat. Lastly, I masked off the design and painted with artist brushes. Tip: Automotive stores carry Frog tape in 1/4" and 1/2" wide rolls. You can follow curves very easily. The last photo shows the wrinkles the staple leave in the cloth. (can't find pointed ss staples) They shrank out completely. Hope this helps

Wow. Thanks Again. The floor in the front is a cut up $10 camping mat from Academy covered in fake swede. It is removalable and is just to keep my feet warm from the water as i don't wear shoes while in the boat. I strap those muddy things on the deck. Note: The deck rigging is retractable because i don't use it that much and it cuts up the design, that will explain the knotted lines in the cockpit. I just used tung oil on the frame before skinning. Thanks again all.

Thanks for the compliments guys. And Mitch you are indeed correct. At first I used then to mock it up because I had a large mess of them i got for free. I found them to be incredibly strong. I compared them to my hand lashing right up to the breaking point of wax sinew and i could get them much tighter. I did a little rescearch and learned to use only US made, 75lb rated, Black for UV resistance and manufactured out of Nylon 66. I know it is an experiment. I covered the hull last so that if they do not work out, I wont have redo the deck paint job. The bout is very strong and stiff. The upside is that two ties would have to break to lose a connection. I keep you updated after further trails.

Thanks JReed , It's the only tattoo I have. So now i have one.

I realize this post is a month old but, I was listening to NPR today and learned the Nimrod was also the great great grandson of Noah. ...connection to water, perhaps. A Way With Words on NPR 02/08/14.

Hello all, I have trolled this forum for a short while. I want to share what the SOF community made me do with my winter time. Originally, I was going to build a ceder strip boat with very fancy inlays and interesting woods. I have the skills and the tools but, I knew I would only want to hang it on the wall as a piece of art. I wanted a boat that was light enough for me to portage at least 100 yards if need be. I normally paddle only 3-4 hours at a time. The Ravenswood seems to be just right as to the volume I'll need for day tripping. I'll update how Tattoo preforms when the temps improve here in Mansfield TX. . P.S. Thanks for you help with my order Jeff.