A place to share YOUR boat building story

• Glass Bottom Boat
  
  
• New Affiliate by Gayle Brantuk
  
  
• Cruisette: Builders' Diary, Part 4 by Ron & Devy Porter
  
  
• A visit with James Logan
  
  
• Where’s The Boat? by ArtDeco
  
  
• Glen-L Questionnaire Results #2 by Gayle Brantuk
  
  
• Shop Talk: Making a Fairing Board by Capt Patrick McCrary
  
  
• Common wisdom about Marine-grade plywood APA Blog
  
  
• Recent email
  
  

• WebLetter resource: The "Index of Articles by Subject". Someone had asked me about how to layout an inboard prop shaft. I gave a long explanation, followed by "it's in the book" (Inboard Motor Installations). I did not remember that the chapter on shaft layouts was also in the WebLetter. See the above link and scroll down to "Inboard".
• When you place an order through our new Online Store, you receive a "Thank you for your order" message. After the order is shipped (usually the same day), we email you a shipping confirmation using the email you enter with your order. Currently, we have several confirmations a day returned because of bad email addresses. Darla would like me to urge everyone to double check their email address when placing an order.
• Back when the WebLetter was new, we had a special feature: "Boats in 'exotic' locations". This was inspired by a local newspaper that showed photos of their readers holding up the newspaper in places like London, Paris or Cincinnati. Unfortunately we only had one response: Drifter. If anyone has an idea of something that might be recurring and allow our readers to participate, I am open to suggestions.
• At the risk of being redundant, I need articles for the next WebLetter. The more input I get, the quicker the next one will be posted. I like to put out a WebLetter each month, but I have a hard time generating enough material by myself. Share what you've done, share what you know and become Internet famous.
• Thanks to all those who sent articles and email used in this WebLetter.

      
Editor      

Glass Bottom Boat

Imagine a roomy little rowboat, two small children looking in a viewer through the bottom and shrieking as a fish comes into view. There are probably other reasons for building our GLASS BOTTOM, but the laughter of children is probably the best.

GLASS BOTTOM has been in the works for some time, but has been pushed to the background because of other projects. But now she's HERE! See our Online Store for more information about this great little design.

Glass Bottom

New Affiliate!

by Gayle Brantuk
Client Services

Many of you have suggested that we carry other items such as motors, electrical gadgets, more hardware, etc. So….we have a new affiliate: Boaters World. There is a link on our store home page at the bottom left...

If you click through the link in our store, we receive credit for your purchases. Boaters World has a ton of products and many, many items that we do not carry. For example; in addition to the items listed above, they carry water sports gear, anchors, GPS, fish finders, seats, electrical, plumbing, apparel, footwear, marine stereos, fishing rods & reels, coolers, skis, wakeboards, kneeboards, and tons more!

Please do us a favor. The next time you are looking for something boating related, please check our affiliate and buy through the link on our site if the price is right. And, don't forget to let us know what you think!

Cruisette: Builders' Diary, Part 4

Ron & Devy Porter

Turning the hull

Turning the boat over is not the major undertaking it might be--a 15 foot boat weighing just a few hundred pounds should be child's play compared to something like a yacht! In addition, the cabin and other interior structures contribute very little to the strength and stability of the hull, so there's no need to be gentle, just careful. Still, everything I've read leads me to the inescapable conclusion that turnover is an important milestone deserving of its own page. And maybe a bit of a social event--I wonder what Crestline's policy is on having a bit of wine or beer on hand for the turning crew and supporters?

(As it happens, their policy is pretty good. Pizza and beer were on hand.)

Continue

A visit with James Logan

I began posting photos of James Logan's Starpath 44 on 4-16-99, beginning with the construction of the building form. When I received photos from Jim in March of this year, I emailed back to ask if I could come to see the boat. I do not normally go out to look at boats on site, but this was an opportunity I couldn't pass up. It took us awhile to get our schedules coordinated. But at last, with driving instructions in hand... well, partial driving instructions and a map from the Internet, I headed to San Diego. Luckily, I checked the camera just before leaving the house and was able to add the memory chip. As is my wont when going places, I didn't check the instructions/map until I was almost there. I had only written down the final turns, "knowing" the first part of the route... Anyway, after driving around for 45 minutes, I found a street on my directions and "found" James and his Starpath. Although I'm sure he hadn't realized he was lost.

I see a lot of boat photos, many large boats, but I was overwhelmed as Jim showed me around his real-life Starpath. There are so many individual projects: tables, doors, molding, cabinets, ladders... all of them accomplishments in themselves. It is hard to believe that James "was not previously a woodworker". James chose the Starpath for its size and accommodations. He and his wife had previously sailed to Hawaii in a smaller boat. "We decided that we needed more room if we were going to sail to Hawaii again..." Jim's wife was an accomplished sailor when he met her. She was in demand for crews because of her navigation ability.

The Starpath is essentially finished. There are odds and ends, but as soon a slip opens up, the bottom will be painted and the boat launched. The plan is to familiarize themselves with the boat, with the goal of a second trip to Hawaii... and beyond?

I'm sure James would have liked to spruce up before I took photographs, but as I said, this is a work in progress. The following photos show the cabin interior with tools and supplies where they are handy. I would like to thank James for allowing me to photograph and share his project with WebLetter readers.

Continued

Where’s The Boat? (a real-life boating lesson from childhood) I wonder where my little boat has gone Where, oh where, can it be I tied her right here to this very dock Now she’s no-where I can see I tied her real tight as I have been told Using the painter line from the bow To that cleat on the pier, I made her secure But where, oh where, is she now The river is swift and the river is wide It flows like a bat out of heck My craft could be miles away by now I look but see nary a speck The knot that I used was a good one, I thought The kind that granny liked best With a loop pulled around and down through the hole Pulled up snug it held when not stressed But perhaps the knot wasn’t really that good I should’ve practiced it more, I guess My boat’s far away and I’m gonna get paddled My, oh my, what a mess As I pondered my fate I took one last glance “Father, father, please hold the spank” For, to my surprise, she was still there I forgot the drain-plug... and she sank -ArtDeco

If you haven't visited the Boatbuilder Connection, you're missing out!

Or, 26... Make a list.

Glen-L Questionnaire Results #2

by Gayle Brantuk
Marketing

Many of you may remember a Glen-L Questionnaire that was emailed to you, oh, about a year ago! Well, we were so overwhelmed with the results that it has taken us a long time to go through them. I still have hundreds more to read, but I do have some results to share. By the way, I learned the hard way to only do a survey in automated format! Live and learn, right?

When I say we were overwhelmed with the response, I mean that in a good way. It is very rewarding to have so many of you take your precious time to provide us feedback. Many of you were very appreciative that we even asked! I must say, Glen-L clients are the best! You really are more than "customers", more comparable to an extended family.

Now, back to the survey. A couple of questions had to do with whom else you buy products from and who you see as Glen-L's primary competitor. The answer to both was Clarkcraft. We would agree they are a primary competitor, however, they also sell our plans and books. We are not plan brokers, we are designers - all of our designs are done in-house. Depending on your perspective, this can be a good thing or a negative thing. We pride ourselves in our customer service, so we have always felt that if we sold other designers' plans; we would not be able to provide the same service. We know our designs because we designed them...

We also asked how many Glen-L boats and boats from other designers that you have built. Well, bottom line is that the majority of you have not built ANY boats! Come on folks - stop dreaming and start doing! Which brings me to another question and that is what prompted you to want to build a boat. Guess what one of the most popular answers is so far? "I've always wanted to build a boat/it's a dream of mine!" As I said, let's get going folks!!! Actually, the most popular reason is cost savings. I was also surprised to hear the word "challenge" used frequently. I hadn't considered describing boat building as a challenge for marketing purposes, but you never know!

I also asked about products you would like us to carry. Many suggested CAD (Computer Aided Design). Unless someone out there has a solution I'm not aware of, our designs are all hand drawn (over 250), and converting them to CAD would not be feasible for us - that we know of. Many suggested using the Boatbuilder Forum as Support - we are considering this one in the near future. Many other ideas were given and we have implemented some and have many more to consider. Keep the suggestions coming - we are always open to making our products, website and the rest the best it can be.

The majority of you (so far) are between the ages of 41-50-as I suspected, the baby boomers! Another interesting fact - we have a LOT of Canadian clients! Obviously, most are from the US, but of all of the other countries, Canada has the most with Australia coming in a close second... kewl.

The majority of our clients are retired - that makes sense! The most popular occupation is Engineer. The most popular hobby? Woodworking (shock), with boatbuilding a close second! Surprise, surprise. Fishing was a close third!

The majority seems to be happy with our products, pricing and customer service. That is very important to us as we feel it sets us apart from our competition. Another comment that we received quite a few times is that our plans look old. That's right! Many of our plans are old, but we prefer to call them "classic" (*smile). Whatcha gonna do - we have been in business since 1953. We are who we are...

That is a brief re-cap for now. I will continue in a future article and let you know some of the interesting comments that we have received as well as other suggestions. We are really learning from you all and once again, appreciate your help and response.

Shop Talk:

Making a fairing board by Capt Patrick McCrary.

The following was taken from the APA (American Plywood Association) Blog

Common wisdom about Marine-grade plywood as siding? It's not so wise

Posted At : 4:33 PM | Posted By : Ray Clark
Related Categories: Help Desk, Plywood, Siding

One of the questions I get every so often at our Help Desk is whether it's okay to use Marine-grade plywood as an exterior siding product.

At first glance, Marine-grade plywood would seem to be an excellent panel to specify for a siding application. After all, it is intended for boat building; so one would think it must be decay resistant, have a superior glue bond, and perhaps hold up to weathering better than other plywood panel products. This, however, is a common misconception.

1. Although Marine-grade plywood is uniquely suited for many marine applications, it is not treated to enhance its resistance to decay.

2. The glue used in Marine-grade plywood is not unique. Marine-grade plywood has the same Exterior Exposure Durability and uses the same type glue as other Exterior panels including APA Rated Siding panels. All Exterior panels have a fully waterproof bond and are designed for applications subject to long-term exposure to the weather or moisture.

3. The sanded face of Marine-grade plywood may also not be the best choice from a visual standpoint. Face checking, due to weathering, is much more noticeable in a sanded veneer panel. A check is a naturally occurring lengthwise separation between wood fibers parallel to the grain of the veneer in a plywood panel. It occurs normally in solid or laminated wood products exposed to weather and can be expected on non-overlaid veneered panels, even when the panels are finished with paint or stain. APA Rated Siding panels have a textured face veneer and the checks tend to blend with the textured veneer resulting in a more visually appealing surface.

4. Marine-grade plywood is also considerably more expensive than APA Rated Siding products.

APA Rated Siding is available in various wood species, in a broad range of appearance face grades, and in several surface pattern and texture combinations. With such a variety, architects can specify a siding product that expresses thier design intent. Have a favorite APA Rated Siding product? Click on the "Comments" link below to tell us about it!

Recent email:

From: Gary Solmi
Subject: Console Skiff Photos
Date: Fri, 19 May 2006

I have posted the final pictures of my Console Skiff. #28 thru #44.
Web site:
www.wizzards.net/ycranch/skiff.html

Subject: Thanks!
Date: Fri, 19 May 2006

Hi Gayle, Alex & Jack saw the ad in WoodenBoat magazine last night and were totally thrilled. They're pretty sure that they are the two most famous people in America now. Thought you might like to see both boats in action. The weather's been pretty horrible here this spring, but we managed to pop them in the water for a few minutes.

Best to you & the team,
Marc E Bourassa

Subject: Update to Minuet - Robert Zopp
Date: Thu, 18 May 2006

I just wanted to update you on the progress of my Minuet, "Sweet Pea."

First, I have been spending too much time on the Boat Builder Connection and not enough time actually building my boat. It definitely helps keep the dream alive by "talking" with others about our project. They are also pretty good at prodding you along to keep things moving. I appreciate you offering us that forum as a place to discuss your great designs.

To date on the Minuet, I have completed assembly of all the frames, transom, stem and breasthook. I have also completed the building form and I am about to begin "hanging the frames."
I have updated the photos on my yahoo photo log as well.
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/razopp/my_photos

Thanks again,
Robert Zopp

Subject: cool SK-169 pictures
Date: Mon, 15 May 2006

Here's a few cool Glen L pictures from last summer's Scioto Riverfest event in Columbus, Ohio.

Kevin M. Klosterman

Subject: Reliant project
Date: Mon, 15 May 2006

This is my self-promoting email (somebody has to do it) to tell you that we have the new and improved boat website done. All new format (high speed connection is best) includes the movie made while turning the boat upright in the shop. The boat weighed about 10,000 lbs at that time. When you have time take a look.
Thanks,
Jim Benge
www.whitmar.org

Subject: Vera Cruise Registration
Date: Wed, 10 May 2006

Gayle, Barry, Here's a couple pictures of the Vera Cruise frame kit arriving home.
In a couple months I'll have some electrical assemblies complete. I'll send some more photos then. Here is my project registration info.
Design: Vera Cruise
Builder: David Ellingson
Location: Woodstock, IL
Status: I've been working on my Vera Cruise several months, sort of in backwards order. I've been working on the electrical/electronics, accumulating hardware, etc. so that when the hull is complete all this other stuff will be complete and ready to install. I bought the frame kit now because Allyn is retiring and it won't be available in the future. But I won’t be able to start on the hull for a year or two.

Below is the result of your feedback form. It was submitted on Wednesday, May 3, 2006
------------------------------------------------------------------

firstname: John C
lastname: Davis

Comments: I've seen your ad for years and as a mid grade Army Officer am considering embarking on my sworn duty to begin building a boat in my spare time... just kidding about the sworn duty part.

Subject: Length of Boat and Trailer?
Date: Thu, 4 May 2006

Greetings,
I am interested in building the Monte Carlo runabout and the 5000 series trailer. I know that the Monte Carlo is 24'-6" L.O.A. but I need additional info on the trailer. What is the overall length from the farthest point at the stern to the tip of the hitch with the boat on the trailer? Before I build a shop/garage, I want to be sure I have room to park the boat in the garage with the door closed.

Thanks,
Richard Rucker

Date: Thu, 04 May 2006
Subject: Re: Glen-L Order
To: Gayle Brantuk

Thanks for making the process as painless as possible. I have designs from several of your competitors and your customer service is by far much better. It's nice to see that in today's fast paced business world you folks still understand what it means to provide service.
Mike

Subject: Glen-L profile
Date: Sun, 30 Apr 2006

Hi Barry, Gayle and other Staff

Just a thought.
Larry Grable made an interesting comment in his letter about meeting Allyn Perry and the fact that many of us will never meet the Glen-L staff. May I suggest that you devote a newsletter to profiling your company and staff or better still this could be permanently included in your website somewhere. Perhaps a photo and short article on each staff member and some photos of your operations there.
Who is Barry Witt?
Glen's son, webMASTER, company photographer, question answerer, the guy who puts the WebLetter together.
Who is Gayle?
The female person who sits to the right of Barry, his sister, in charge of advertising, order taker, pretty voice on the phone and the expert on our new computer program. See: WebLetter 3
GLEN PHOTO Who is the older guy sitting at a desk in one of your recent news letters or on your website somewhere?
Glen Lewis Witt... Glen-L.
Are there any other staff in the organization?
Darla Schooler
Alfredo Rodriguez
And, of course, Allyn Perry

Who actually is the brains behind your designs?
As I look around the room... I'm not sure. Actually, the "brains" would be Glen. Our designs are probably the most complete in the industry, because that's the way Glen wants it.
What is the philosophy and thinking behind your designs and company?
About Glen-L
What does the name "Glen-L" mean and where did it come from?
See "old guy sitting at a desk", above.
Perhaps the large number of responses to Allyn Perry's retirement add support to my suggestion. My first thoughts were that there would now be this factory full of high tech profile cutting equipment lying idle. Based on your responses, I actually doubt if that is the case.

On that note, I personally find building and setting up the frames one of the more rewarding and interesting aspects of the whole building project. Even lofting out the frames oneself has benefits for the builder as frames can be moved slightly to accommodate slight adjustments to bulkhead and furniture positions etc. (many designers would cringe at that thought I know - bless them)

Love the new look of the newsletter and appreciate all the effort that has gone into developing it. Perhaps the 1953 cover girl picture should be reintroduced as your mascot or something - it's a beauty. Can you trace the lady and is she still alive. A profile on her life may be of general interest also. Who knows she may well be the current bosses grandmother or something fascinating like that.
The "girl" was a model. The photographer was Bill Holman, a friend of Glen's. She arrived for the shoot in Bill's garage with a boy friend. I believe both Bill and Glen were impressed by the young lady, but Glen has no knowledge of her personal history.

Best regards to all
Roy Gadischke
Australia

Speaking of Allyn leaving Glen-L...

Announcing the FIRST EVER Glen-L Teleseminar, with Allyn Perry:
"Help! How Do I Build a Boat
WITHOUT a Frame Kit?"
Click here for details

Date: Fri, 28 Apr 2006
From: Gary Williams
Subject: Allyn

Hi folks,

I know I've written you more than once, going on and on about how much I love the little Amp Eater prototype I bought from you, and praising Allyn's skillful and thoughtful workmanship on the boat. But on the occasion of his retirement, and inspired by Larry Grable's tribute in Webletter 77, I can't resist writing one more time to ask that you pass on my personal best wishes to Allyn and his wife.

Not many of us will leave the kind of legacy he leaves behind. We have Glen and the rest of you in the family and crew to thank for the thousands of boats built around the world, but the fortunate few of us who have one hand crafted by Allyn have a special treasure. He only needed to build a prototype to prove a design, but he built a real boat - one that any professional builder would be proud of.

Fair winds, Allyn.

Thanks again,
Gary

Below is the result of your feedback form. It was submitted on Thursday, April 27, 2006
-------------------------------------------------------------------

firstname: Stephen
lastname: Wagner

Comments: I came across your ad last night when reading HANDY Magazine. I just had to take a look at the website. I have looked at quite a bit and I nearly fell off the chair when I saw the Malahini. I, as a 16 year old kid, along with my father built that boat in the mid 60's. The frame design, from my recollection has changed. I recall there was an option then for 1/4 or 3/8 plywood bottom. I chose the wrong one for the use and had leaks almost immediately. We remedied this by putting exterior runners down the bottom of the hull. I see you now have them as part of the frame design. Whatever, it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I have been a woodworker ever since.
I would love to do a Mahogany boat. Some of those designs are tempting. It would be a great retirement project. I don't know if it's still in me though. Thanks, Steve Wagner

Below is the result of your feedback form. It was submitted on Thursday, April 27, 2006
-----------------------------------------------------------------

firstname: Micah
lastname: DeSchepper

Comments: Great site, and from the sound of it your customers love your products and service.
Researching now and plan to start on a Zip after the move next spring to a bigger house.
Look forward to starting that project and sharing many more with my sons as they age.

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