flat_beer

Hey Chuck, Thanks for the advice! I love your build of betsy lee. I'm going to finish the picture thread tonight! I really admire it. I think you're right about over thinking it. It's definitely within my nature to do that. A brief update overall: I've taken the advice from Oyster, and I'm starting a small boat build. An easy 14' Stitch and glue Skiff. It's a Salt Boatworks FRS-14. https://www.saltboatworks.com/product/flats-river-skiff-14/ I think this will be a good place for me to start. A small introduction to scarfing plywood and boat building. I'm excited to get started. I'll keep you guys posted!

Hey Tom, I have to agree - the BJ271 really is at the top of my list for what a family boat should be. I'm excited to start working my way to get there. I know that I mentioned having access and experience in CNC. but I will not use a CNC to cut panels, I agree that there would be little savings in that effort. I only mentioned my CNC experience to highlight my mechanical experience- not necessarily as it would relate to a boat build. In fact, all of my cnc experience is in metal working and not wood. So I will not be using a cnc My CAD experience however, has been utilized in many of my woodworking projects. I like the build things on the computer first before I lay them out in the shop. This way I can configure interiors or cabinets the way I see fit without having to prototype pieces first. I can see if I have fitment issues, or a door swing may interfere with another component. This is why I ask about it. I will very likely be able to build the 3d model of the BJ271 just from the plans. I've attached an example of the style of modeling I am referring too. But first, I will start small. I do think I will likely reach out for plans after my first build so I can start to study what I'm getting my self into. I'll keep you guys posted! Thanks so much for your effort and contributions

Hey Egbert! I've actually spent a great deal of time looking over your build, I'm in love with it! I don't think I want to utilize the CNC for the pre-cut kits, but maybe for more customize-able details to the build. I only really mention it to highlight my mechanical experience, not necessarily in relation to the build though. I would like to model the boat in CAD so I can build different interiors and layouts, and understand the build first before jumping in. Just a thought. Thanks for chiming in!

Hey Oyster, Thanks for the reply. I totally agree with you. I recognize that I have a lot coming my way in the next few years, which is why I really want to make sure I'm thinking correctly about the time frame for all of this. I like your suggestion to start small. Even before the micro tug, I think I will build a small canoe project just to familiarize myself with the techniques. And then I'll move on up in size, micro tug, maybe another interim project, and then start a BlueJacket build. I definitely think the micro-tug would be a killer toy for a child growing up in a boating family. I'm going to do it! I'm finishing up the transom well on my Lyman today, and getting it ready for some of the final stages so I can move it out of the shop, then I'll have some room to work in! Also- Given that I have a lot of CAD experience, has Tom or anyone got CAD drawings of the Blue Jacket boats? Just knowing the way I work, I'd build the boat on the computer first before I really started the physical stuff. I think I will go forward with plans, just so I can study the process and maybe start to model it in CAD.

Long introduction post.. Sorry in advance Hey Guys! I'm new here, and I'm very interested in taking on a BJ build. I have a few things to consider before making the move to really get started, and just wanted to reach out to the community to help guide my thoughts. I am 29, from Pensacola, Florida. And like most of you- I'm looking to build a trailer-able weekend trawler/Power cruiser that is stitch and glue. The BJ boats basically fulfill every requirement I have, as well as being what I consider the perfect blend of styling, usability, and economy. I have never BUILT a boat before. But I am a hobbyist woodworker, and I have had plenty of boat projects. I am actually in the final stages of a total restoration of a 1957 Lyman 16' Runabout: https://imgur.com/a/KkEaCIG And once that's finished, I won't have anything else (boat-wise) to work on.. I'm a robotics engineer, I have access to tons of 3d printers, CNC machines, and 3d modeling software. And I've done lots of complex carbon fiber and composite work.. I think the build process would be manageable, but definitely still a skillset that I need and want to develop. Since I've never actually built a boat- I think I'm going to take the advice of another user here (Dave maybe?) and start out small. I'm going to build a small Stitch and Glue boat first. Maybe a Mini-Tug or a Micro Power cruiser (Micro BlueJacket anyone??). This way I can see if the process is really something I enjoy, and if a large project is something I want to take on. I do have some questions before I get started.. I'm taking the planning and budgeting of this project seriously- and I want to make sure I'm in the right place in my life to start a project like this. I'm sure the small boat build will tell me a lot about how ready I am, but I'm looking for alternative perspectives. I want to plan for a build like this to happen over ~6 years. My wife and I just found out we are pregnant with our first child (!) and I recognize this is going to change a LOOOT about my priorities and how my time is spent going forward. For the fathers out there.. Is this possible? I am well equipt at the house to build here on site. And I'd love to have this boat ready for my family as my kids grow up (My wife is on board too). Plus I kind of feel like I'll need something to work on to combat all the stress! Any words for somebody trying to justify if they can take on the build? Are there things I'm not considering? I think I'm ready.. but the micro-tug comes first! Then I think I need to really examine which boat is right for us.. I'm thinking the 271.. Anyways, I going to keep dreaming and researching for now. Gotta go finish that Lyman!