On 15 Jul 2007 13:50:50 +1000, GB
wrote:

Bruce wrote in
news
I'm not sure how you plan on building this boat but for a small dinghy
I'd use the "stitch and glue" method where you cut the various panels
to size and tie them together with wire, cable ties, strong string,
whatever, and then smear glue in the joints.

I'd looked at similar approaches used on various web pages and
was concerned that the method didn't look nearly strong enough.
The design I had in mind was flat bottomed, (see the url below)
and I had planned on perhaps going beyond the reccomended jointing
methods screwing the bottom and sides to a piece of wood of
about 1in x 1in for the length of each join. Is that overkill?


[...]
If you are interested in a really good small dinghy do a web search
for a "D4" dinghy. The plans are free and the guy's web site has a
wealth of information on building boats.

That D4 does look like a very nice little boat. A bit more advanced
than what I had in mind though. Something like this:

http://personal.eunet.fi/pp/gsahv/dinghy1/simboii.htm

is where I'd planned to start. If that works out OK, then this
D4 design looks like a good next step!


Thank-you,


GB

Actually a properly made "stitch and glue" joint is probably stronger
then using a batten to screw to. Remember that there is a epoxy filler
fillet, usually about a half by half inch at each place the plywood
joins, which is then covered with a 4 inch fiberglass tape. I tape my
joints both inside and outside, which may be over kill, and while I
have never actually tested one to destruction I am willing to bet that
the joint is stronger then the parent plywood.

Of course it is your boat and you should build it the way you think
best but do take into consideration that literally thousands of stitch
and glue boats and if the method wasn't effective certainly there
would be comments all over the net.


Bruce in Bangkok
(brucepaigeatgmaildotcom)

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