River Dory and a Viking Ship Q4 V1

A Boat Built on Commission

At the end of third quarter we soft launched the traditional grandy without sails while the sport grandy moved into the time consuming finishing process (sand, coat & repeat).  While waiting on the sails to be sewed and the paint to dry another boat project was in order. The commissioned boat ended up being a river dory or drift boat, often used to run white water rapids. These boats are characterized by their wide flat bottom, low draft and constant rocker shaped keel.  They were adapted from open water dorys used for fishing.  The design goes back to the mid 20th century where they were made of wood. Construction methods adapted to include aluminum, fiberglass and plastic.  One feature that sets a river dory apart from one used for open water is the addition of interior compartments, which provide storage and buoyancy.  

The newest boat project is 16 feet long, the frames are made from fir and the hull is marine grade plywood.  As with previous builds the boat will be constructed upside down on a strong back. The fir frames double as molds and are fashioned from the lofting. The frames along with the inner stem and transom are attached to the strong back in the appropriate orientation. Notches to accept the laminated chine log are carved into the frames, stem and transom prior to attachment.  The frames also get a set of limber holes that allow water to flow between frame bays. The chine log is laminated from 3 layers of 6mm plywood.

The next step is to fabricated the side planking which is made from scarfed 6mm plywood that is over 16 feet long.  The sheer was patterned and cut while the chine was left long and cut after attachment.   The bottom planking is 9mm plywood and was traced in place then cut on the bench.  Once fit, the bottom to side joint received piece of 5 in wide fiberglass tape.  They entire bottom was covered in 10 oz cloth and coated with epoxy where the last 2 coats included a graphite additive for abrasion resistance.

 

The outer stem is bonded and shaped in place. The sides received 3 coats of epoxy before primer and paint.  Extra care was taken at each step of the coating process to ensure the surface was completely flat with no texture. Next the boat is freed from the strong back and flipped over so we could begin working on the interior. Once the frames were cut to length the interior is prepped for epoxy coating.  If the results are acceptable it is likely the interior will remain bright.  

Boats built in the Norwegian tradition

During this quarter we had to the opportunity to travel to the shop of Jay Smith. A local legend who has spent a life time building boats in the Norwegian tradition. In his youth he apprenticed in Norway and the Faroe Islands. The current project is a 56 ft viking ship replica that will be used for tourism and education.

https://aspoyaboats.wixsite.com/aspoyaboats

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