I'm surprised that your designer didn't give more instructions on how to
assemble the pieces. Basically every variation exists, and most are
designed to allow a little natural error in the process, e.g. wood bends a
little different. Others are very exact and you make the wood conform
rather than the design conforming to the wood. For example, some boats use
various methods to build the sides, then fit and mark the bottom to the
boat. Others have you make the bottom assembly and fit the sides to it.
Some use forms, some don't. Square (measure diagonals) and level cross the
board are the first rules, and faire curves are the next.

Concerning your questions about the sides, note that you can and should do
whatever you can to provide symmetry to the boat. On side panels, you will
typically do the best you can on one panel, then trace it out on a second
and cut it out very carefully. After cutting, you can clamp them face to
face and do what you need to in order to make them the same ...planing,
sanding, etcetera ...always keeping as close to design as you can and also
maintaining fair curves.. One of my favorite techniques is to use a top
(closer to router) bearing template bit on my router. Make the first panel
as described, then use it as a template for a router for cutting out the
second side. Be careful with the bits though, since many light boats use
thin plywood. Often times, the router bit's guide bearing will miss the
template when the cutter portion is aligned well with the piece getting cut.
This can cause the bearing to ride over the ply and the cutter will dig into
both pieces. If you really want perfection, you can make a very nice
template from thicker ply then use it as a template to cut out both sides.

Brian


--
http://www.advantagecomposites.com/tongass -- My 22' Tolman Skiff project



..
"Jonathan" wrote in message
...


Backyard Renegade wrote:
Jonathan wrote in message

I'm curious as to why you might think that? (That it will take more
than two dedicated weeks)

Actually I am more curious as to what pitfalls you see me stumbling into
that i can't see,( still having the blissful veil of ignorance).

As I think about it, there is the obvious, i.e. scheduling boat work is
best accomplished by estimating the time required, then multiplying by
2.5, so that you will only be short by 30% of your estimate

but are there any common pitfalls that I might avoid with a few
suggestions/pointers by others?


Hey I just found this for another guy and though of you.
http://www.microcruising.com/ding1.htm
Not trying to be a wiseass here, better to shoot a little low and be
successful, than to chew off more than you can chew and fail.
This boat would allow more input from your daughter and you can take
your time and finish it up easy, maybe even time for here to add her
own paint scheme She will not get bored and you will not get left at
the end of vacation with a half finished project and a dissappointed
family.
The fact is, it will not be the last boat you build, it's just how
this addiciton goes, you can still build a nice s+t in your spare time
over the summer or fall. No reason not to cut your teeth with a simple
and almost guaranteed successful first build..
Scotty

I appreciate the thought, and one of my questions was answered. (do I
want to layout the sides twice, or lay out once, cut then trace them)

I was leaning toward tracing it anyway ....

I am committed to this design (I am committed to a sailing dinghy in any
event) for her to putter around in after we anchor in the evenings.

Every little bit of knowledge that someone thinks to share is one error
I might not make the first time, so I appreciate all efforts

Jonathan