Stemhead Modification

[Dave R1]

I just thought I would make a post to show a modification I did to my Weekender's stem. Maybe some new builders would like to take advantage of this. The stem mod itself is very easy and only involves adding in a couple of pieces of wood to fill out the back of the stem. The center layer is already there if you cut the pieces as per the plans. Normally that center layer gets trimmed to match the outer layers.

The built-up stem provides a surface on which to mount the bitts. I figured out the location of the bitts and added enough material on the stem for the mounting blocks behind the bitts.

The bitts have tee-nuts recessed in their forward faces. They need to be recessed to clear the openings in the deck unless you want to make the opening oversized. This can be done with a forstner bit prior to drilling the through holes.

Once this is all done, the bitts can be bolted in very easily. I used a socket wrench on my cordless drill to run the bolts in. If desired the bitts can be easily removed as well.

Here's a drawing of the modification.

Link to a slightly larger version of the drawing

Here's a lousy photograph showing the stem of the boat.

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[Frank Hagan]

Very good idea. The alternative is to try and fit the bits and work through the forward hatch after the boat is nearly finished. I think it was during this operation when I got stuck in the hatch, tried to get my cell phone out so I could call my wife and dropped the thing on the side of my head. I decided I would end up dying upside down, stuck in the hatch of my unfinished boat.

I had the "mast stub" in the boat, and I finally figured out a way to push off against it and extricate myself. But if I had extended the stem with this mod, I would have avoided those scratches on my sides!

[Dave R1]

Frank, your experience was part of the impetus for this modification. As it turned out I was able to do all the fitting of the bowsprit and bitts without worrying about the paint underneath. Then I removed the sprit and bitts, painted and reinstalled it all.

Works quite well.

[kydocfrog]

Grin. The standing on head in the hatch does ring a bell with me.

I had to make somewhat the same modification to the stem after I bought Charlie Girl II as partially finished hull. I always thought it might have been easier if done first.

DocA

[Tim Diebert]

Damn those renderings kill me every time!

[Dave R1]

Sorry 'bout that Tim.

[Barry Pyeatt]

Great idea Dave. 8) I think we were both building about the same time. Kinda looks a bit like mine as well. I found that this was a lot easier to attach the bits and make them removeable when needed.

Doesn't take much to scab on two little trianglar pieces once you get the stem assembled.

I also added a bit more deadwood to the rear side of the stem to attach a battery shelf to the stem to get it forward and out of the way. The shelf is for a second battery, the primary sets on the bottom against the forward side of the front bulkhead.