Thanks, I think I could use that method
although since the gunwales are already off the boat in question (an old Moore Voyageur), I will have to do some hull surveying while setting up the inside thwarts.
Modifying a hull part 6
– Last Updated: Dec-02-08 2:47 PM EST –
The illusion is complete. With a bit of luck and cooperation from mother nature, I'll take her for a spin tomorrow. The weather forcast is as good as one can expect for this time of year.
I've had many people ask about the finishing process. Every boat-builder has his/her own methods and products. Over the years I've experimented with many varnishes and methods of application. Here is what I did this time, and I'm very happy with the results.
I applied four coats of Cabot's spar varnish. I've been using this varnish for a while on my paddles and it has held up well. One of the common problems that I and just about everyone I know of has had, is that of the finish running or sagging on vertical surfaces. I had no problems at all with this product.
I applied four coats with a fine 3" bristle brush. The varnish was thinned approximately 5% with mineral spirits and well brushed out. Between coats, I lightly hand, wet sanded with #320 paper.
After all four coats had dried for several days I wet sanded the entire hull with an orbital sander with #320 paper. I sanded until I achieved a uniform, flat finish. This removed all dust specs and any other slight imperfections. The hull was then re wet-sanded with #400 and again with #600 paper.
After cleaning up all of the sanding residue, I buffed the hull with coarse (red) Dupont rubbing compound. This was done with a HD buffing machine with a coarse wool pad. This produced a satin sheen with just a bit of gloss.
The hull then received a final buffing with a McGuires Glasing Compound (a very fine polishing compound) with a foam pad on the buffer. The result is a satisfying, satin gloss finish.
The proof will now be in the paddling. Due to cold water I probably won't push it too hard tomorrow. I'll be heading to SC in a couple of weeks to visit and work with Tom MacKenzie (of Loon Works). I'll take the Illusion with me and really put her through the paces then.
Illusion: Wet sanding the varnish
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3055/3077296237_424794c5e7.jpg?v=0
Illusion: Bottom View
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3177/3078127392_fb37c346ea.jpg?v=0
Illusion: Topside View
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/3078127778_cbb99f8a1c.jpg?v=0
Marc Ornstein
Dogpaddle Canoe Works
Custom Paddles and Cedar Strip Canoes
Modifying a hull part 7
I just returned from the maiden voyage. Ness, Conk and I spent about 4 1/2 hours today on Black Creek, near Churchville NY. For those not familiar with the area, Churchville is a small town west of Rochester, NY.
Black creek is a slow moving stream that flows out of the Bergen swamp and eventually into the Genesee River.
Some parts that we paddled were perhaps as narrow as 2-3 boat lengths and moving at a moderate pace, other parts were wide with very little current. MOst of the creek is moderately twisty.
My 1st impression is that the boat does exactly what I hoped it would. It rolled smoothly to the rail and stiffened noticably at that point. I had no problem at all holding the rail steady through a 180 deg. axel, post or christy. I didn’t try railing the boat on a wedge as that is my least comfortable maneuver and swimming was not on my adjenda today. (Air temp. was mid 30s and there was ice along the shore line.) Likewise I didn’t try any high kneel thrusts. I’ll leave the fancy stuff for South Carolina in a week and a half.
As for those that have inquired about specs.
LOA 13’ 6"
Length @ WL 12’8"
Max Width 28 1/2"
Hull width @ gunnel 25 1/2"
Width @ 4" WL 26"
Rocker 1 1/2" symetrical
Depth ctr 12 1/2" bow/stern 13"
Wt. 34#
I’m sure ness will be posting pictures here on Pnet later today.
Marc Ornstein
Dogpaddle Canoe Works
Custom paddles and cedar strip canoes
My impression
Marc and I swapped boats today and I probably spent and hour in the new Illusion. I did not attempt to rail her on a wedge or perform a high kneel thrust either so we will have to wait for Marc’s warm water critiques from the south. I did do some half-assed noodling about and can say that this boat brought a smile to my face. I will give it a thumbs-up (guttural grunt) GOOD BOAT!
My pix from today
http://good-times.webshots.com/album/569062394JsXdmq
My impression
of Conk’s Golden Eye is that it is a work of art. Conks craftsmanship is par-excellant. His joinery is characteristic of the finast yachts.
Marc Ornstein
Dogpaddle Canoe Works
Custom paddles and cedar strip canoes
Here’s is Marc’s “new” Illusion
Conk and I paddled with Marc yesterday on Black Creek in Churchville, NY. Marc put the “Illusion” through its paces.
His smile said it all!
Pix:
http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2146562310103974805YjtxNm
http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2192770380103974805eSFkqe
http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2078439280103974805SFyVfT
http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2696143710103974805rHZcxZ
And yes, that’s ice on the creek in the background.
Nice work, Marc. 
Can’t resist, here’s another
This time with Conk paddling the Illusion (and Marc in Conk’s Goldeneye):
http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2943138230103974805oPJUuU