Arnie Eaton

Mike, you need a swaging tool. This tool will squeeze the round hollow tube that you stick the ends of the wire in tight and join the wire ends. You can see the tubes in the above picture.

The Iraqi Ambassador to the UN finished giving a speech and walks into the lobby where he meets President Bush. They shake hands and as they walk the Iraqi says, "I have one question about America." President Bush says: "Well, Mr Ambassador, I'll do anything I can to help you understand." The Iraqi whispers, "My son watches this show 'Star Trek' and in it there are Russians, Blacks, and Asians, but never any Arabs. He is very upset and doesn't understand why there are never any Arabs in Star Trek." President Bush laughs and leans toward the Iraqi and whispers, "It's because it takes place in the future."

Derek, That is called a bobstay. Yes it balances the force of the forestay. Most of the time a chain is used instead of a cable. It may run from the bowsprit tip to a fixture sticking down from the stem called a dolphin striker and then to the lower stem at the water line. The Vacationer plans call for one.

Southern Yellow Pine is great for boatbuilding. Just be sure that's what you are buying. White pine is what the Stevensons used for their keels I believe. I could be wrong. If you seal the keel with glass and epoxy white pine could be used. I used hemlock for the keel of my vacationer, the kind used for window trim and door jams. Very clear and free of knots. I also used the same for stringers. Very nice to work with.

I think building the Weekender will cost you $2000 to $2500 before you're thru. You will get much satisfacion from building your own boat. It may be a bit cramped in that boat for more than a couple nights and then only two people. Should you decide to buy, get any boat you're interested in surveyed by a knowledgeble person. Good luck with what ever you do.

Jo, your right on. They do make a saltwater elect. called Rip Tide at Minn Kota. Up to 101 lbs thrust. I problely will never get to salt water again unless it is in Puget Sound. IF I do, it will have to be a fairly calm day.

Sounds like a winner to me. Is it 2cyl or 4? Four cyl would be better. You had better see it running, in water, before buying though. Personally, I perfer the electrics. I have a 5HP 2cyl I will be selling. About 10 years old but with only about 10-12 hours on it. I have ordered a Minn Kota 74 thrust for $500 and no shipping or tax. Can be used in saltwater.

Jake this is for you! If you use the mast head like Phils you had better use a BOLT in the bottom hole to fasten to the mast. I was sailing with T.Nelson last summer and his mast setup is close to Phils. Had a top bolt and a bottom screw. A fresh wind come up and the screw broke in half from the pressure. Sounded like a cannon going off. We were happy the bolt held or we would have lost the mast. Needless to say he replaced the screw with a bolt.

Check out the Classifieds Forum, there is never used Weekender plans and video for sale. Save $30.00US.

Greenhorn, Go to the local lumber yard,(look in the yellow pages,) and ask for hemlock used for window trim and door caseing. This stuff is fine for stringers and much more. Stay away from the do-it-yourself type stores. Go where the home builders and construction people go. I used hemlock for my Vacationer and it worked great. Stay away from poplar.

I see you have changed your address to the rain forest. Can we call you "Big Foot" now? Miss your wise chatter.

Bright white topsides will be very hard on the eyes during the summer. Also the reflection can cause sunburn. Solfen the white to a cream, will help the eyes and look even nicer.

I know the feeling. BUT! It sounds like you asked for it.

Bill, I think you should not finish any wood surfaces until assembled. ALL joints should be glued with a good glue or epoxy (used as glue). Most people forgo the 5200. Some used 4200 as a bedding for portlights, cleats and other items that may need removing. Now if you must finish the panels and wood parts, leave the area that needs glue free of any finish. Tape off the glue area or you won't get a good bond. A good tight wood joint with proper glue will not leak. If you fibreglass and epoxy the outside hull and do a good job, no leaks.

Hi Dave, Welcome aboard. I think you will find the building of a Weekender very easy with your woodworking experience. Just remember to read and reread all the instructions, measure twice and cut once, and ask questions of the members of this board. Most of us have been there. I'm in Montana so won't be able to help in person but let the board help you. Also be very safety minded with power tools. Sounds like you know your way around them, but be careful. I'm building the Vacationer, Weekenders' big brother and the plans are very clear and consise. Also Mike Stevenson monitors this board and will lend a hand with advise if asked.

I can recommend ultasails. You can find them on the web. They (him) makes a lot of the sails for Stevenson's boats.

You might want to go to McFeeleys web site for the screws. Get the sq drive deck type of screws. Boxes of 100 or 1000 You will need about 1500 to 2000 screws for the whole job, maybe less. Awhole lot cheaper than any place else. Go to Aircraft Spruce (website) for the glue (weldwood), it's the best price and quick shipping. You really don't need brass screws, some use stainless steel. I used the coated deckscrews from McFeeleys and they work well. You'll like the square drive. One very important thing to remember is always read all instructions two or three times, always measure twice and then again before making any saw cuts. Don't be afraid to ask questions of this board and the BYYB board as well. Good luck.

Jo, Tim, I'm sorry you are confused. The message about my supplier was meant only for Jake and I'm sure He understands.

Capt Jake---Just maybe you did_ _ _ Bye the way, my business dealings with my materials suppiers is mine and only mine.

Hey Jake, you know Paul J goes to bed real early and gets up at 4:00 AM. So when you called him last nite when he was sleeping what do you expect. I know when I called him early one evening I heard about it BIG time.

Jake, would you please post your measurements of your dead eyes? They look great and will add much to your boat. I have some ash which is 1.5" thick and I'm thinking 3" in dia. which I can cut with a hole bit. Any bigger and I will have to do the job on my lathe. Might actualy be easier on my drill press, much simpler to mount then the lathe.

A lot of builders have made the rear bottom stringer from 2x material for both vacationers and weekenders. I used a 2X6 and cut to fit on my Vac. No bending that way at least for the stringer. Just bend the bottom and transom to meet the stringer and glue and screw.

A lot of builders have made the rear bottom stringer from 2x material for both vacationers and weekenders. I used a 2X6 and cut to fit on my Vac. No bending that way at least for the stringer. Just bend the bottom and transom to meet the stringer and glue and screw.

Why do I want to build a boat? So I don't get wet when I go sailing.

Tom, Why don't you build that Hartley 21? That will keep you occupied for a while.