I wasn't going to post this build log, but there weren't any for the kit and I figured if anyone just starting out wanted to check it out, it might be worth it. This was a super fun and quick build, which was what I was looking for. Almost immediate satisfaction, but lots of fun little details to keep me interested.
It's a pretty big box, but not a whole lot in there. Everything is laser cut, even the planks so there is very little shaping required.
For the boat's bottom, there are two options. They provide a single laser cut piece that can be used or three pieces or three planks that are glued up. I went with the three planks.
The frames are pretty straight forward, I glued them over the full size images provided to ensure everything was lined up correctly. This was probably the most fiddly part of this whole build,
Once the frames are complete, they are inserted upside down in a provided jig and I glued the bottom in place. I used rubber bands to clamp everything together. Be careful putting the rubber bands on and off. I snapped one of the frames accidentally and gluing it back together was the most challenging thing I had to do for this build.
The planks, all laser cut, are applied next. The only thing of note is to pre-bend them and be sure to bevel the planks. In the instructions they say just do a half inch, but the planks are longer than the hull and if you just do the last half inch that will end up getting cut off from the overhang on the back, so be sure to see where the plank is actually going to end against the stern and make sure the bevel matches.
The kit provides 5 oars so you have one to practice on, but really it's relatively easy. It just takes some time and is worth going slow to ensure they are round and consistent.
With the hull off the jig, The tops of the frames are cut off, and sanded smooth.
With the boat free from the jig, the side cleats and bands are installed, then the gunwales, and finally the breast hook.
With all the construction done, it's time for some paint. I went with the suggested paint scheme, but there are hundreds of variations if you Google Grand Banks Dory.
With the painting done, I tied the beckets stern and aft, then placed the thwarts. While the thwarts are laser cut, there is some sanding in fitting that needs to be done so they sit properly. Just test fit constantly.
So that's it. Place the oars in and you have a wonderful sense of accomplishment. and didn't spend a year or more working on it.
Hopefully someone out there will find this useful.
It's a pretty big box, but not a whole lot in there. Everything is laser cut, even the planks so there is very little shaping required.
For the boat's bottom, there are two options. They provide a single laser cut piece that can be used or three pieces or three planks that are glued up. I went with the three planks.
The frames are pretty straight forward, I glued them over the full size images provided to ensure everything was lined up correctly. This was probably the most fiddly part of this whole build,
Once the frames are complete, they are inserted upside down in a provided jig and I glued the bottom in place. I used rubber bands to clamp everything together. Be careful putting the rubber bands on and off. I snapped one of the frames accidentally and gluing it back together was the most challenging thing I had to do for this build.
The planks, all laser cut, are applied next. The only thing of note is to pre-bend them and be sure to bevel the planks. In the instructions they say just do a half inch, but the planks are longer than the hull and if you just do the last half inch that will end up getting cut off from the overhang on the back, so be sure to see where the plank is actually going to end against the stern and make sure the bevel matches.
The kit provides 5 oars so you have one to practice on, but really it's relatively easy. It just takes some time and is worth going slow to ensure they are round and consistent.
With the hull off the jig, The tops of the frames are cut off, and sanded smooth.
With the boat free from the jig, the side cleats and bands are installed, then the gunwales, and finally the breast hook.
With all the construction done, it's time for some paint. I went with the suggested paint scheme, but there are hundreds of variations if you Google Grand Banks Dory.
With the painting done, I tied the beckets stern and aft, then placed the thwarts. While the thwarts are laser cut, there is some sanding in fitting that needs to be done so they sit properly. Just test fit constantly.
So that's it. Place the oars in and you have a wonderful sense of accomplishment. and didn't spend a year or more working on it.
Hopefully someone out there will find this useful.