Lost My Parking Spot

Now that Big Tuna’s frames are off the floor and on the strong back, I lost my parking spot in the garage. All in the name of progress.

Speaking of progress, let's take a look at what has been done.

KEELSON & DRAIN HOLES

Prior to cutting, I needed a guide for the keelson notch. I cut a small 1/4 inch think piece of the keelson to use as a template.

I lined it up in position and I traced the template on the frame.

Once the cut is made, I verified it with the template. Any small "imperfection" of the cut can be filled with epoxy and filler.

For the drain holes, I again used a small template to make my cuts.

Notches for keelson and drain holes have been cut on all frames. There is a gusset on every frame for additional support on the joint but only located on one side.

CHINE LOGS

To create the notches for the chine logs, I cut a small piece of the actual chine log so that I can use it as a template. I gave it a light coat of epoxy to prevent it from chipping while working with the template.

When I was ready to cut the notch, i would trace the template on the position that I wanted.

Carefully and patiently, I then cut the notch for the chine log. Note that the top edge (over the ruler) is on the very edge of the frame. You have to make sure that the outer corner of the chine log meets evenly with the edge of the frame. The remainder is sanded down flush.

SETTING UP THE FRAMES ON THE STRONG BACK.

The strong back helps in many ways. It is a must to build if you want to move forward with the project.

Here Gil and I are lining up each frame on the strong back to the exact spacing as indicated in the plans. I cut a block of 2x4 for the proper spacing needed (18inches). I then used a right triangle to assist in truing up the frames to ensure they were lined up properly. Unless you're an octopus, an extra set of hands can be very useful.

Gil man handling what appears to be Frame #5

Lou checking frames.