New Builder

[David Lindow Jr.]

Just got my plans and ready to build.  I've removed a stump and a tree to prepare my location.  It's going to be interesting getting her out after.  I will have to take out one more tree and my side fence. I'll worry about that in about two years.  )

I'm about to construct my rudder and centerboard.  Any opinions on using Douglas Fir or Cypress.  I have free cypress but...

This will be my third boat but definitely the biggest project.  My last was a Weekender but it didn't have enough room for the family and I didn't like the way it pounded.  Would not push through a chop very well either unless you had lots of wind.

I have admired Travis Votaw's Pilgrim the last couple of years at the Texas 200 so decided to build my own rather than coveting my brothers. ) 

I look forward to conversing with you guys along the way. 

David

[John Turpin]

A new Princess project?!  Great news.  Where are you located, David?

While Doug Fir is the best building wood available to me here, I know a builder that exclusively uses Cypress.  He swears by it.  Others here will be more knowledgable on the subject than me.

[David Lindow Jr.]

Thankd for the input.  I am down in San Antonio.

[Gordy Hill]

I never heard of a centerboard being too weak, but I'd still prefer the strenght and weight of fir.

[John Turpin]

Thankd for the input.  I am down in San Antonio.

I think I've met you, David.  I sailed with Kevin Nicolin in the TX200 last year on the dark blue Core Sound 17.

[PAR]

Cypress may will likely move around considerably more if it's sheathing is breached, compared to Douglas fir. Cypress (depending on sub-species) can be quite low in sheer strength as can it's stiffness. It's bending resistance is 30% less then Douglas fir and in a centerboard or rudder blade, it will be asked to bend continuously underway. Given a choice Douglas fir is a better selection. What kind of cypress are you talking about? Bald, white, macnab, etc.?

[David Lindow Jr.]

That's what I was thinking.  I will go with fir.  Cypress is light and free but brittle.  My cypress is all Bald Cypress.  I will put in my order for fir tomorrow.  Thanks for the input. 

David

[Greg Luckett]

WOW, a Princess build. I am tipping my hat in admiration. :salute:

I am most interested in how you plan to shelter the boat while building as this has been my number one problem keeping me from building anything longer than about 14 ft. I have had a PS26 plan set since right after they became available.

Please post pics when you can.

[David Lindow Jr.]

I plan to tarp at this point and see how that goes.  I have been searching for temporay tarp shelters but haven't found one long enough without being too wide.  I also would not want to go higher than eight feet to keep from offending the neighbors.  I live in a subdivision and it is going to be interesting getting a two thousand pound boat out of the backyard through the narrow side yards but what is life without a challenge.  :grin:

I'll post pictures when I go 3-D.  It will be a while. 

So far I have built the tiller and waiting till I return from Colorado to start the rudder and centerboard. 

Here is the tiller.  Ash with walnut accents.  Waiting to stain and finish till I get the rudder and housing finished. 

David

[hokeyhydro]

I built a tarp shelter for my daughter's wood/epoxy catamaran using Sced 40 PVC pipe and a variety of fittings.  The length of the shelter could be adjusted by adding or subtracting roof/side sets.  Mine used 1" pipe, but did not pass the snow load test. We had a few inches of really wet heavy snow here on the Carolina coast today and it sagged a bit.  Larger pipe or better yet, a crossbeam similar to a ceiling joist would tie it together and beef it up. My rig has 4' walls, perfect to keep the Cat/trailer covered, not high enough to work on a boat, but like you I wanted to keep a low profile so the HOA minded neighbors wouldn't pitch a hissy seeing as I have multiple trailer boat combos here.