Scamp in Aluminum

[HappyDog]

Why is it that the closer you get to being finished with a build, the slower your progress becomes? Another question, how is it that macro sized items can seemingly jump into the quantum world? Inching along towards the boat ramp... Seats have been closed, piping on coaming tops and other raw edges made and installed, and some foam flotation sprayed into some areas. The foam is not so much for safety, it is for sound deadening. What I've found is that if foam is injected into a closed or semi-closed area where it can expand, fill the space, and couple the various 'walls' it makes quite a difference. When that same foam is sprayed onto an open surface, such as on the planks in the forward storage area, it is not effective for noise reduction. This finding leads me towards making up a lightweight plywood liner for some areas and then injecting foam between the liner and the planks.

[HappyDog]

Making the piping. ½ x .065" 6061T-6 tube secured along the edge of a plywood straight edge. Rail saw clamped in desired position and a cut made. I discovered that the tube must be positively prevented from being able to rotate otherwise a spiral cut may result. Wasted a bit of tube that way on the first try. The Makita saw just happens to have a blade that cuts a perfect kerf to fit the .090" thick coamings, cabin sides and top.

[HappyDog]

Versi-Foam, a high quality closed cell polyurethane foam. Expensive. I have completely filled the areas behind the seat backs between B-4 to the aft transom,and all the other enclosed seat space aft of B-7. There is lots of discussion about the merits of using of foam in aluminum boats. I've found that it's okay when it is placed where it cannot delaminate from the substrate, as in when filling a closed or semi-closed chamber.

[wdscobie]

Why is it that the closer you get to being finished with a build, the slower your progress becomes?

yep ... exactly how it works.

why i chuckle, , when i see a boat up for sale that the ad reads, "90% complete;" or, "all the hard things done, just a few more tasks until ready to sail."

[HappyDog]

Good things do happen on Mondays. "Practice", out of the basement and into the sunshine, and FedEx delivered all the bits and pieces for building a trailer (less the steel stock). Debating if I should spend the extra $ and build the trailer frame out of aluminum as I'm having trouble finding galvanized channel anywhere nearby.

[swoody126]

you've gone too far not to have an aluminum trlr, IMHO

sw

[wdscobie]

I'm having trouble finding galvanized channel anywhere nearby.

as you would have to remove the galvanizing to weld i'm thinking it best to use 'raw' steel and then have the frame dipped once complete and you install the hardware (assuming you mean axle, springs, etc).

another option is to have the frame powdercoated.

if you do the frame in alum you will still need to maintain the non-alum parts (ie, axle and other hardware).

[WoodnMetalGuy]

you've gone too far not to have an aluminum trlr, IMHO

sw

And aluminum spars, I assume. I wonder if you could make a sail out of some kind of heavy duty aluminum foil?...

-- Dave

[swoody126]

you've gone too far not to have an aluminum trlr, IMHO

sw

And aluminum spars, I assume. I wonder if you could make a sail out of some kind of heavy duty aluminum foil?...

-- Dave

a SPACE BLANKET would look like one

[kenjamin]

Practice would look great finished with polished aluminum finish with clear Mylar sails. I would still like wood seats to sit on and a wooden tiller in my hand but hey, it's your boat, dude. She's looking great in the light of day! Congratulations!!!