Two Paw 9N - Bow & Transom Construction

[bhanchett]

I'm about ready to put all the pieces together and it seems that the bow and transom would be a lot stronger with perimeter bracing, additional 3/4" X ..., and provide a much larger glue surface for the bottom and sides.  I seem to remember though that there is some reason not to do this that I read about last year.  Any suggestions?

[Dale Niemann]

My advice is to build exactly according to Graham's plans.  I did on my CS 17  'Lively' in 2008 and have never been sorry.  Well, I did make a modification of the bow hatch but that is all. I love her and the solidness of her construction and the way she sails. Graham knows what he is doing.  Please do not try to second guess him.

Dale

[Hirilonde]

My advice is to build exactly according to Graham's plans.

If you want to add a dodger, modify the mainsheet, add a binocular caddy, fillers for sleeping, different storage access ideas, special clips to hold your oars, yada, yada, then go for it.  But other than these types of things;  I completely agree with Dale!

[bhanchett]

Thanks Dale & Hirilonde,

  I guess I have to remember I'm not building a house here where all my strength comes from the fasteners and cross bracing.  I'll try to limit my imagination and not install the hot water heater and kitchen sink.

[Hirilonde]

 I guess I have to remember I'm not building a house here where all my strength comes from the fasteners and cross bracing.

That is an understatement.  Virtually no strength comes from fasteners, it comes from epoxy gluing and epoxy/glass tape tabbing.  And this is a good thing as they are far stronger than fasteners.  And there is no cross bracing, diagonal loads are carried by the plywood.  You can rest assured that you are building an extremely sturdy little boat.  BTW, for the sake of terminology, a pram has 2 transoms, one at the stern, and one at the bow.

[Jknight611]

I built a 2 Paws 8 years ago, exactly per the plans, plenty robust! Strength certainly isn't a issue.

Jay

[Chick Ludwig]

But there are times when a glue joint will release, such as when the fibers of the wood tear, or layers of the plywood separate, or when for some reason the glue joint is weak. Sometimes the extra assurance of a screw or bolt can "save the day". These are the times when the real world trumps the world as it "outa be".