Moccasin 2 Timeline

[keimel]

So, I've got my plans and my hull number. Hooray!

My plan is to build it with my boys, ages 7 and 8, this June when we head over to Dad's camp, on a small lake here in Maine. The website says that you can build it in four days, but I figure that with the two boys "helping" me and if I precut as much as I can, perhaps do some good work on the breasthooks in advance, we might be able to finish it off in 6 days. Well, at least get it floating. After all, with a 7 and 8 year old helping...

Do people think this is a sane idea? I have some woodworking skills but I've never built a boat before. I have a hackers mentality and really want to have a great little boat for the boys and I to putter in when we do visit Dad's camp in the future.

If I can get a boat to float, perhaps not a final paint job, I'll be happy. I can always take a couple days after and do a finish sanding and paint later. After all, I probably don't want the boys around the paint that much. Perhaps not the epoxy either....

So, what do you think about this plan?

Thanks!

(Oh, and progress will be blogged, address to be given later for the blog)

[Peter HK]

I think it would be quite achievable if you don't paint it until later.

Some years ago I built this simple canoe

[kcjones]

I started my Moccasin 2 build in Feb.  I have finished the install of the gunwales and the doubler this weekend.  The cold weather (I live in Colorado) really slows down the epoxy cure.  I have rigged up some tarps and heat lamps but it still take 24 hours to get a good cure.  Work, school (working on a MBA) and kids have me mostly working on the weekends (even then only a few hours because of waiting for the epoxy).  My next step is filleting!  Getting close to turning it over.

My advise:

1.  Take your time.  This time with your boys is priceless.

2.  Build a sturdy strongback.  Your going to loading it down with a couple of hundred pounds.

3.  Use 4mm NOT 1/4" plywood.  I had to start over.

4.  Buy sandpaper in bulk.

5.  Preheat the expoy for about an hour with heatlamps.

6.  HAVE FUN! 

KC