Lotus

Thanks Mike , glade to hear that some one is using my photos as a reference ! Would be happy too is some one takes some ideas about the new lines I gave to Marissa ! Have you managed to flip the boat or you're going to glass it first ? Think I found a solution where to put the portable toilet . You will see in a couple of days if this Idea works

Thanks Mike, Yes I am planning to move the console about 16 inches forward so that there will be more space at the back and if possible I will fit a folding seat to the transom. According to Graham moving the console forward dosent make much difference. He told me that with his smaller motor, the GPS would show about 1knot drop off in speed when putting too many people forward. About the fuel tank the only tank I found in my country that fits in that space is a 72 litre. Personally I preferred a 90 litre but every outboard dealer told me that 72l is more than enough for a 60hp as the new 4 stroke engines are very economical . The deck to chase gap will be filled with that gray stuff . Its a kind of marine sealer that bonds with almost every surface including pvc. The brand is ' sika ' a very good product manufactured in Italy. They manufacture a lot of construction related products. If you look for marine sealer that contains fusion polymer it will be good for pvc. Always test a sample. Some more photos

I am trying to figure out where I can put ( or hide ) a portable toilet in this small boat. Some put it inside the console but I noticed that these type of consoles are so big ( having a side door to enter in for some privacy). Still with no idea Dose any one have some genius ideas ?!? Today I finished the new designed transom . It gave her a new look and I am very happy with the lines . We can say that now Marissa got a ' facelift '

Yes Mike and my wife tells me that that boat is making you sick !!

Hi Mike, yes the top sides are structural infect I am going to lower them about 2 inches and make them parallel to each other . I have then transom pictured in mind and yes I added some reinforcement too. I like the idea of adding some material to the keel, it will surly help . My only concern is that white oak is a hard wood and has a different density than the other wood you're using . This may result in different movements than the rest of the boat with climate changes . I would use the same material you used for the keel. Some more photos !

Great nice work Mike ! I like the way you twisted the gunwales, looks very fine . Are those screws on the sides temporary ?

Frames extended and preparing for decking

Nice photo russell

Thanks Mike. Some more updates : Ive decided and the increased freeboard plank is cut out of plywood and attached permanently Now need to extent the frames to the new hight and re design the transom.

Mike, The sides were permanently attached to place before the inwale. Sorry think have no photos of this process. I have a tread in this forum named Marissa (eco 18) went to Europe !! photos of build were I am uploading some photos of my build and also some alterations I am making to Marissa. Might you get some ideas too !! Dont worry about flippin over the boat . I flept mine with no equipment, just the help of 2 other friends. What I did first was to reinforce the left side to the righi side by fixing some planks from the left inwale to the right inwale. I made 3 of them. Than lower the boat compleatley to the ground. From the middle of one side grab the boat from the inwale and lift it as high as you can until she is on her side . The other 2 friends will be on the other side of the boat ( facing you ) ready to keep the boat from overturning . When they have a good grip they will continue lowering the boat on there sides. And the story is over !! The boat is very light at this stage so you need no heavy equipment . Would like to come and help you but think its impossible Good luck Mike

In fact when I spoke to Graham about this idea he told me that it looks better than he thought that it would . He told me ' the only concern I have is raising the centre of gravity and increase windage.' He told me also ' The increased freedoard will increase the down flooding angle.' which in my opinion this will be better for our waters !

Planning for some alterations on the deck and transom. Would like to have more freeboard to give her that Mediterranean flavour ! Any ideas ?? The planks added are temporary hardboard just to see how she will look.

Hi Dale , I am planning to put a Suzuki df 60 on mine , have you ever clocked you boat with a gps ? I am very curious what speeds will get with 60hp !! You have built a very nice boat with a beautiful colour scheme ! Great .

Thanks Mike, You are doing a great job too !. Yes I will flip the boat again for fiberglass. Ive decided to finish all the wood work before fiberglass as I am planning to do some alterations at the transom and also on the deck . In the Mediterranean we like boats to sit higher on the water, ie increasing the freeboard and the deck will be higher from the water. Regards the inwale I used two 1 1/2 x 3/8 strips as you planed . The only difference is that I fitted them after I have covered the sides with plywood. This was not Graham's idea as we talked about this issue and he told me that the inwale have to be be fitted before sheathing . I found out that the way I planed is much more easy as you will find that the side plywood will guide how much you bend or starch the inwales and will line perfectly with the plywood with no gaps left ! I fixed in place the first strip with screws , screwed in from the plywood side than fixed the second strip with clamps, clamping both strips and plywood side together. It was much more easyer than I have imagined ! Good luck Mike .

Hi all , I am new to this forum . I live in Malta Europe a small island in the Mediterranean. A couple of years ago I've built a kayak ( eureka 155 ) and it was a real fun doing it ! A year later I've decided to built a real boat and Marissa 18 immediately caught my eyes. At the end of last year I email Graham about the plans and the shipping costs all the way to Malta. I found out that he is very friendly and helpful. About 4 months ago I received the very detailed plans and a cd full of Marissa's photo ( the red one that Graham built for the competition) Started studying plans and the few questions I had where always immediately answered by Graham via email as he is very available and helpful ! The plans are simple to understand and the full scale drawings are a real help. The only full scale drawing that was missing is a section of the centre console ( think that it is a misprint ) but its not a problem at all as one can scale it up from the plans. I've bought all the plywood and wood needed and started with my project last May 2014 and as you can see from the photos attached here is my progress !!

Hi all, I am new to this forum and also in the process of building the Marissa . I am so glad to see others shearing their experience . Very nice work Mike T, and well done to Dale for 'Sality' I have bought only the plans , the rest is all fabricated in my workshop . The plans are very detailed and all that photos Graham send me are very helpful . Also Graham is always very available by emails. I really have to thank him for his extra help !! I only going to use this boat in open waters as we here have no rivers here in Malta Europe so I definitely will put the largest motor Graham suggested . I was thinking of a suzuki df60 , but still a long way for the motor !! Here are some photos of my project