A Hatch in Houston!
By Eric Comstock
By popular demand there will be;
The date is January 12, 2013. The second Saturday in January.
UPDATE: The Hatch will be extended over two days.
1:00PM -> 6:00PM+ on Saturday 01-12-2013
9:00AM->2:00PM+ on Sunday 01-13-2013
Coincidentally, I hope to make the second Saturday of EVERY month the day when we get together to sail at Buffalo Run park. So the second Saturday in February (02-09-2013) will be our first official sail there!
The goal of this Hatch is for people to bring their lumber (I'll supply a list of what is needed) and we will cut out the side panels, end panels and chine logs for a side air box PDR. Everyone should leave with all the wood cut for at least 6 complete panels.
- Two outside, side panels
- Two inner air box side panels
- Front and rear transoms.
- Four bottom chine logs. These are cut to exactly match the hull shape for easy assembly, no bending required.
- All additional chine logs
If there is more time and the the owner has a way to transport it, we will assemble the panels on as many as we can.
If there is still time we will put a bottom on one.
If we put a bottom on one and there is STILL time, we will go throw it in the water at Buffalo Run. That would be some kind of record wouldn't it? Wood to water in one day? It isn't likely to happen...at least not this first time. But it is on the to-do list. :)
Supply list for now:
- Two sheets of 1/4" plywood This will make four sides, two transoms and the air box decks. Note: if you want to try and get the bottom on bring a third sheet, 1/4" or 3/8" plywood. But there is no guarantee that we will get that far.
- One 2"x10"x8' board as straight as possible and with as few knots as possible (for cutting upper and transom "chine" logs)
- One 1" x 12" x 8' plank with as few knots as possible (for bottom chine logs)
- 1 pint (or more) of glue (TB2 or 3)
- Screw out inspection ports. Bring your own (or at least know the size holes you need) and we will get the holes for them cut.
- 1/4" diameter x (1/2" or 1" long) flush cut router bit. I got this at Home Depot on sale for $7 but it was burned up by the end of the first boat. This is needed for cutting the chine logs and side panels. I'll get a part number soon. If a larger diameter bit is used we will not be able to get all four chine logs out of one 12" x 8' plank.
We already have 9 people who have expressed interest in attending. How far we can get on the assembly of the boats depends on how many show up with lumber and how many more show up to help. Please contact me directly if you would like to attend and let me know if you will be bringing lumber or just want to help/watch.
The location will be in Stafford TX 77477 (SW Houston), not far from Buffalo Run park.
Thanks,
Eric