Weekender-Why Not Transom First?

[Ken_StJohn]

According to the sacred manual and holy tape, the bottom panel is fastened to the keel and then the transom is attached. This has never made sense to me. Logically, at least to me, it seems as though the transom should go on first. Then the bottom can be slid aft against the transom for a tight fit before fastening to the keel.

Is there a reason I'm not seeing for not attaching the transom first?? You guys have all done this before me so, once again, you're the experts!

[Andrew_Butchart]

That's what I did - When attaching to the keel I fastened the transom to the stern post first then work my way forward.

Mind you, I also did this upside down with the bottom on saw horses and the keel lowered down onto it (insert the bottom into the stem notch first). I also used 2X4s cut to the appropriate curves as stringers.

[Ken_StJohn]

Thanks, Andrew, for the reply. Why the 2x4's?

[Andrew_Butchart]

There were a couple of reasons for going with a 2X4 for these joints.

Firstly, I did a lot of pre-assembly in my basement. With a 2X4 I was able to cut the curves in it and then dis-assemble and reassemble the joint.

Secondly, having read of other people having trouble getting the stringers to bend in two directions made me think that not having to do any bending at all would be easier.

Finally, I wanted these joints to be bullet proof so the extra weight and size would help.

I used 2X4s for all four joints between the hull, transom, lazrette, and deck. For the upper joints I had to laminate two 2X4s together to allow for the curves there. This ended up causing me extra work though as I later had to knotch the transom-deck stringer to allow for the tiller and there was just barely enough room under the lazrette-deck stringer for my steering shaft. I'm still trying to figure out how to make my steering brake with so little room.

[Ken_StJohn]

Thanks all! With your info in hand I WENT 3-D TODAY - WooHoo!!