Posted by Page on August 13, 2002 at 12:15:48:
In Reply to: ZIP questions posted by John on July 25, 2002 at 19:18:47:
You can leave off the spray guards, stem band, and keel strip without hurting the structural integrity of the boat... however, you're gonna get wet with spray guards and the boat will be hard to handle without a keel. If it's fiberglassing you're concerned about, glass the hull THEN add the keel, etc.
With regards to motors, you only need to decide if you are going to get a short-shaft or long-shaft motor. You can adapt the design for a long-shaft unit, but the boat was really intended for a short-shaft. It might look a little ungainly with a long-shaft powerhead sticking way up in the air! If you look around, you'll find a vintage motor -- even on eBay. I picked up a nice '59 Evinrude short shaft from a local boat shop for $325, and that probably wasn't even a bargain.
Go for it!
: I'm not yet commited to build, still gathering info and digesting the 'boatbuilding with plywood' book. I'm considering the Zip, from frame kit. Some early questions:
: 1. Are either the spray guards, stem band or keel strip optional?
: 2. At what point of construction should you have your outboard motor on hand, and what adjustments may have to be made in construction in regard to different motors?
: thanks,
: John