Bulding Peterson's "susan" #5 Con't [Archive]

RodB

09-24-2007, 11:36 PM

This is the continuation of the Thread on "Building Peterson's Schooner "Susan"...this is the 5th separate thread in a continuing series. Separate threads is the best way to keep this construction documentary easily accessable to everyone including those with dial up access. I will continue to document this build to the end....with additional sections as each section gets too large.RB

The following show the URL's of the previous threads in this series. Note, thread #2 is full of large photos and takes a long while to load up if you don't have DSL...etc. If these links fail to connect to the thread...just do a current search on the WB forum for Building "Susan" or Building Peterson's Schooner "Susan". I do have the first four sections of this project in pdf format...note since Imagestation will close as of Nov 12, 2007, many of the images in the first four sections of this series of threads will have missing images.

Thread #1 First thread (Images of "Susan" sister ship and basic parameters...set up of strongback and frames)

http://www.woodenboatvb.com/vbulletin/upload/showthread.php?t=11087

Thread #2
http://www.woodenboatvb.com/vbulletin/upload/showthread.php?t=51863&highlight=Building+%22Susan%22

Thread #3
http://www.woodenboatvb.com/vbulletin/upload/showthread.php?t=58754&highlight=Building+%22Susan%22

Thread #4

http://www.woodenboatvb.com/vbulletin/upload/showthread.php?t=62936

Here is the continuation of the Construction of Peterson's "Susan"...the sweet little schooner. These photos show the cabin construction with cabin top beams and then tongue and groove teak laid over 1/4" plywood fore and aft. The sides and fore and aft cabin structure is MDO 3/4".... the cabin roof beams were laminated and very strong...

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/cabin3-4frontview-72-1.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/susancabinprofilenice-72.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/cabinfrombowoverhead-72.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/Susan-cabintop-72.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/cabinundersidefromrearup-72.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/cabinroofunderside-72.jpg

Note the serious bronze ports...to be installed later...
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/bronzeport2-72.jpg

RodB

P.L.Lenihan

09-25-2007, 03:42 AM

RobB,

You say that the cabin top is tongue and groove teak layed over some 1/4" ply yet the inside picture shows what appears to be tongue and groove also. Is the 1/4" ply sandwiched between the inner and outer tongue and groove elements?

Lovely pictures,as usual, and continued success to the builder!

Peter

RodB

09-25-2007, 07:37 PM

Peter,

You are right...the original plan was for ply...but obviously the ply was left out...and the tongue and groove teak was figured strong enough...etc...

I will get back to you with more details...

Sailor

10-05-2007, 08:19 AM

I've been drooling over these threads. They are incredible. Keep up the good work on them. We all benefit from them and enjoy them.

RodB

10-09-2007, 12:12 AM

Thanks for the comments...heres one I forgot...

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/susanprofilecabinon-72.jpg

Sailor

10-09-2007, 05:31 PM

I notice that she's blocked up in there with her ballast keel not yet fitted in place. My thoughts wander to the strength and construction of the floor of the shop. Is the keel not there yet because the floor won't support the weight? Is it simply not yet back from a foundry? What is the structure below that floor like? Could it support the weight of the vessel once the ballast keel is installed? I think the shop is about as good as a man could hope for and I'm sure not the only forumite who's interested in the structure that boat is being built in. Maybe you could get a few more shots of the shop and it's structural support. I just spoke with my wife and she hasn't vetoed a trip to Jones Point Road to see Mr Peterson next summer so I have the answers to a few more questions that only purchasing a set of plans to the yacht I'm planning to build will answer. With any luck I'll be building a shop behind my barn instead of simply rebuilding the back wall next year.

peb

10-09-2007, 06:00 PM

That shop floor will support anything you want to put on it.

Sailor

10-23-2007, 04:53 PM

drumming fingers patiently! Man this thread can't possibly develop fast enough for me. Anyone else check everyday just for this thread. (ok MOSTLY for this thread)?

RodB

10-24-2007, 02:24 PM

More to come after next weekend.

Rodb

Don Kurylko

10-24-2007, 10:59 PM

Nice Bronze ports. Who makes them?

RodB

10-28-2007, 01:09 AM

Note to earlier question about the plywood for the cabin top... The tongue and groove teak strips on cabin roof form the interior of the cabin roof, the exterior will be applied later....plywood applied on top of the teak strips, glassed and painted...fyi.

The ports are made in Port Townsend...I'll have to get the name of the company later. Heres the cutouts for the rectangular ports... and a round port in the deckhouse for illustration purposes....

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/cabinportcutouts-72.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/roundportdeckhouseinsideportion-72.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/roundportdeckhouseoverhead-72.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/smallportdeckhouse-72.jpg

Heres the interior mostly primed with an epoxy primer over glassed hull interior. Note the deck beams left bright for aesthetic appeal.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/interiorbowprimed-deckbeams-72.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/deckbeamsagainsdecknice-72.jpg

RodB

RodB

10-28-2007, 01:10 AM

Here we show the decking all installed and the beginning of the bulwarks. The bulwarks will have to be laminated in place and will be an interesting procedure for those who have not seen it. The bulwarks will follow and extend the angle of the topsides but also change as you go forward along the sheer from stern to bow. Here goes with current pics....

1/2" Decking ply installed...
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/decking-1stbulwarksternview-72.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/deckingoverviewfromstern-72.jpg

View from bow...

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/beginbulwardsightalong1stlayer-72.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/bowviewdecking-beginbulwark-72.jpg

More to follow...

RodB

almeyer

10-29-2007, 10:07 PM

Heres the interior mostly primed with an epoxy primer over glassed hull interior. Note the deck beams left bright for aesthetic appeal.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/interiorbowprimed-deckbeams-72.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/deckbeamsagainsdecknice-72.jpg

RodB

Now THAT looks nice. Your threads are absolutely priceless, I'm learning a lot from your descriptions and pictures, and will refer to these threads often if and when I start building Eun Mara.
Al

Wild Dingo

10-30-2007, 07:07 AM

Gawd I love these threads of yours Rod!! :cool:

Shes looking damned stunning!!

RodB

10-31-2007, 12:28 AM

Shane,

You should be building her too...you know it... ha! You always loved her...from my memories of your comments.

RodB

Trisailing

10-31-2007, 10:16 AM

Ports are from New Found Metals.
I have them in stainless steal. Very Nice. I have the very first round ones in stainless. Nicely made.

Canoez

10-31-2007, 10:54 AM

Ports are from New Found Metals.
I have them in stainless steal.

Stainless Steal? That cheap, eh?;)

Trisailing

11-05-2007, 04:42 PM

That cheap, eh?

I was wondering if anyone would catch that. Not really. But very nice and very strong.

Trisailing

11-05-2007, 04:46 PM

I have been following this for a while and I must say that I worry about all that pine. Where I live (Florida) it would rot before you nailed it down.

P.L.Lenihan

11-06-2007, 06:34 AM

[QUOTE=RodB;1681419]Note to earlier question about the plywood for the cabin top... The tongue and groove teak strips on cabin roof form the interior of the cabin roof, the exterior will be applied later....plywood applied on top of the teak strips, glassed and painted...fyi.

WOW! Thanks for taking the time to ask RobB! That is going to be one built-proof roof ! Continued success to the builder and good health to you..........to take more pictures,of course :) :) :)

RodB

11-06-2007, 11:34 PM

The pine used on this craft is certainly quality yellow pine...at least what is available today...and used on the interior of the craft, up high. All interior will be sealed and varnished or painted (sealer CPES) ... I will ask more details if anyone is interested. BTW, the deck beams and cabin roof beams are laminated 1/4" layers of yellow pine....

More to come this weekend.

RodB

Sailor

11-09-2007, 10:41 PM

GOODY GOODY GOODY! Can't wait!!! Keep 'em coming, we love them.

Robmill0605

11-09-2007, 11:54 PM

AWESOME!!!

more boat porn please......

Eric D

11-21-2007, 04:56 PM

Any more updates? please!!!

this is awesome!!!

Sailor

11-30-2007, 12:24 AM

Must be nearly time for another update?

RodB

12-03-2007, 08:24 PM

Thanks guys for all the positive comments, I appreciate them. Well, lets continue... with the bulwarks...

Bulwark fabrication....glue-up begins atop this sheer deck trim piece which is the exact height to be flush with the teak deck that will be laid later. The Bulwarks are laminated in place with epoxy, scarffed in place atop the trim with epoxy and galvanized lag bolts/screws (counter sunk) and galvanized ring nails which are used for increased strength and holding the bend in each piece during the glueup.

Here we start with the cap/trim piece that runs along the sheer and will be radiiused and glassed before installation of the rubrail and the teak deck installation. The entire deck will be glassed with fiberglass or xynole before the teak deck is laid. Additionally, the entire bulwark from the top 3-4 inches of the topsides to just inside of the bulwark where the teak decking is laid....will be glassed with Xynole or fiberglass. The end results is a completely encapsulated deck and hull/deck joint to offer maximum longevity for the deck and hull. The teak decking will be installed without fasteners to maintain the moisture barrier offered by the deck encapsulation.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/beginbulwardsightalong1stlayer-72.jpg

Heres several layers of the bulwark glue-up atop the sheer trim.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/bulwarkendonbobtoo-72.jpg

Heres Bob's helpers/future boatbuilders.... Katie and Jackie...
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/Bobandkidsniceshot-72.jpg

More details.... note counter sunk lag screws....ring nails...and note grain orientation of strips, grain running from side to side, strips edge bent.
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/Susanbulwarkendview-72.jpg

Closer view of glued up strips, and ring-nails... and the major deck level scuppers (deck drains) if pooped.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/susanbulwarkscuppers-72.jpg

This closeup shows the countersunk lag bolt/screws along with some ringnails.
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/laminatingbulwarkslagbolts-72.jpg

continued following.....

RB

RodB

12-03-2007, 10:10 PM

Heres a closeup of the "scarffed in place" strips of the bulwarks...shows more details... Note epoxy filler over countersunk lagbolt...and of course the galvanized ring nails...

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/bulwarkscarffinplace-72.jpg

This diagram shows the hull shape at the sheer...which must be continued by the bulwark...to look right. This means as you glue up the bulwark you will have a bevel on the bottom strip which will change as you move foreward or aft on the hull.
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/Susandiagrambulwarkscross-section.jpg

Note the top edge of the bulwark here at the center of the hull is about level, as the bulwark goes forward you can see it angles outwards following the shape of the hull.
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/Susanbulwarkrtglueup-72.jpg

This photo illustrates the changing angle of the bulwark as you move fore or aft on the hull...
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/sternendonbulwark75-72.jpg
Perhaps a wider shot helps clarify....
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/bulwarksternendonview75done-72.jpg

This detail shot shows how the location of nails and lag screws are noted for avoidance later when cutting more drain holes/slots...(scuppers)... in the bulwark with a router. The three main scuppers are at the center of the hull, there will be a few more slightly higher than deck level if really pooped with a large wave.
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/bulwarkcloseupglueup-72.jpg

continued............RB

RodB

12-03-2007, 10:46 PM

Heres the foredeck with the basic bulwark glueup... Note, the foredeck hatch here is not on the original "Susan".
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/susanbulwarkmidboatforward-72.jpg

Heres "Susan's" sistership "KRENIE" owned by David Longstreet.... (built by the builder of the original "Susan") .... so you can see what the final construction will be like.
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/Susan-bowsprit-starboard-72.jpg

Raw construction...
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/Susanbulwarkendview-72.jpg

The original "Susan's" foredeck and bulwark....
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/bulwarkinsideview.jpg

Exterior view...
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/susanbulwarkconstprofile-72.jpg

And a finished look... ha!
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/Susan-anchor-nicepix-72.jpg

RodB

RodB

12-03-2007, 10:59 PM

Another shot of David Longstreet's "Krenie" (sistership of "Susan") shows the teak decking merge with the bulwark... Bob's "Susan" will have a different pattern on the teak decking.
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/Susan-port-view-forward-72.jpg

Overhead view of the work thus far... ..sorry...didn't want to move that damn heavy miter saw.
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/susanbulwarks75overhead-72.jpg

Again, the hatch on the foredeck is not on the original "Susan" but a great change for the hot climate here is Texas. Note: the cabin was extended about 8 inches in length and about 4 inches in width. The sliding hatch for the companionway is larger than the original too. These modifications allow more room below decks and easier entry.
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/susanbulwarksbowview-72.jpg

Beam view.... Cloudy day...not much light ...
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/susanbulwarkprofilemidjob-72.jpg

And another view of "Krenie"... the finished deal... mmmm
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/Susan-moor-closeup-72.jpg

I like this shot as it lets you see the marvelous shape of the hull and decks...on this sweet design...
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/Susantelesternbulwark-72close.jpg

RodB

ucb4ume

12-04-2007, 10:00 AM

BEAUTIFUL! These pictures help to keep me motivated and working on my own project. Keep up the good work.

Is she going to be located in Texas when finished? North Texas Lakes? or Gulf Coast?

CK 17

12-04-2007, 03:18 PM

Rob,

The date on the first post for this project is 1/30/06. When did it actually start? Has it really been only about 2 years? This is remarkable progress. Does he work alone or is there always help?

RodB

12-04-2007, 08:01 PM

Oh yea, this pic shows how the decks etc will look looking towards the stern....
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/Susan-cabintop-face-rear-72.jpg

This strip/cold molded "Susan" will be sailed at Lake Texoma, about an hour north of Dallas. Lake Texoma is very large, borders both Texas and Oklahoma, and has several very nice marinas for home porting "Susan".

http://www.laketexoma.com/

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/fish/recreational/lakes/texoma/access.phtml

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/texoma.jpg
Dallas is just south of Sherman, about 45 minutes....

....and yes, the end of January will be two years since the start of construction. This goes to show you how much progress can be made if your shop is close by (like in the back yard) and you can work no matter what the weather is doing... (a kerosine or white gas jet type heater does wonders in Bob's shop and he has a wood stove to take the chill out of the air that helps alot and makes the shop smell great). Also, Bob has two heavy duty commercial ceiling fans located directly over the bay where "Susan" sits...which offer really nice cooling in the 100 degree summers in Dallas. Naturally, these factors do not detract from the passion and drive Bob Albers has focused on this project.... kudos to Bob's productivity!

RodB

ucb4ume

12-05-2007, 11:10 AM

Rob,

Thanks for letting me know about the location. I lived in Plano, TX when I built my last boat, a Glen-L Rebel. I've spent many hours on Lake Texoma. It's a beautiful lake and I miss the sandy beaches out on "Thong" Island.:D

RodB

12-06-2007, 07:30 PM

Thong Island was diminished this summer due to the high water at Texoma....

R

BobAlbers

12-12-2007, 02:58 PM

I thought I would finally jump in here....usually too busy building,
Rod has been doing a great job documenting this build. I am really bad about taking pics, so this is great to actually have a picture sequence.
I hope to wrap up the bulwarks in the next week or two...

Paul Pless

12-12-2007, 03:04 PM

Welcome to the forum Bob. This is one of the best projects and threads I've seen o the forum.

Aces!

StevenBauer

12-12-2007, 04:54 PM

Welcome! I've enjoyed watching your progress. :) She's a beauty.

Steven

RodB

12-12-2007, 09:36 PM

Bob who?

:)
R

BobAlbers

12-14-2007, 11:04 AM

Just thought I'd add a bit about the photos of "Susan"
These pictures are actually of a sistership named "Krenie"
It was built by same builder of original Susan in 1972 (I think the builder was Malcolm Brewer)
The original Susan and Krenie differ in that Susan is cedar planked and has iron ballast. Krenie is mahogany planked with lead ballast.

I have always wanted a schooner and spent lots of time looking at several designs. Susan was always a favorite and my interest peaked when Rod posted some pics and info.
Fortunately, work takes me to Maine on occasion so I looked up Bill Peterson. Bill met me where he keeps Susan and was kind enough to spend the afternoon showing me the boat and talking about building.
As luck would have it, when we were at the marina, we bumped into the "caretaker" of Krenie, Mr. David Longstreet. He is a very kind gentleman who I have visited a couple times since. The next day, he took me for a great afternoon sail. I was hooked.....I knew I had to build this boat.

-Bob

Eric D

12-14-2007, 04:30 PM

Bob,
Welcome, and thanks for sharing your story. In addition, thank you for allowing Rod to take all these pictures and document them here for all of us to see. This has been a wonderful experience for many of us. My hat is off to you, excellent work, keep up the progress and please, by all means continue to join us in this and other discussions, it is truly what makes this place hum...

Eric

gert

12-14-2007, 05:35 PM

This is an education.
Can we assume this is Bob's full time job?

RodB

12-15-2007, 10:27 PM

Bob is a full time engineer for Boeing.... and a great family man... and a man of great energy....

R

RodB

12-18-2007, 12:51 AM

Heres the stern deck where it abutts the transom. Note the ply trim that will be flush to the teak strip decking. All of this foundation will be glassed before the teak decks are laid. The teak decking will be installed without fasteners to keep the glassed decks as a continuous barrier to moisture etc.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/Teakdecktrimattransom-72-annotation.jpg

Share URL - Email & IM
Direct Link - Layout Pages

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/lowviewsternbulwarkshaping-annotati.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/bulwarksternlongaxis-72.jpg

A wedge of wood will level this top edge of the transom and the cap rail will be mounted atop....

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/transometopedge-72.jpg

RB

RodB

01-21-2008, 06:59 PM

Here is the continuation of the laminations of the bulwarks... the height is about 8" at the stem... drops to about 5.5 inches at the beams...and then goes up again at the stern. The bulwarks in this case have been laminated the same thickness. The plans call for a taper from base to top... which comes next. ...and finally the caprail will be fabricated.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/bulwarkfrombow3-72.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/bulwarkfromstern2-72.jpg

The bulwarks at the stern are the most troublesome....but will end up looking great no matter how you approach them. You end up gluing enough wood together to achieve the required thickness that allows the twisting and turning at the stern.
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/rearbulwarks85done-72.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/bulwarkportsidefromsternexterior-72.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/bulwarksternonmedium-72.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/bulwarkfromboww-bob-72.jpg

Continued below....

RodB

RodB

01-21-2008, 07:20 PM

This is the best overall view of the bulwarks in my opinion... the stern area at the transom will be completed next then fabrication of the cap rail will begin. The bulwarks are tapered from base to top...and a 3" cap rail sits on top. NOTE: As mentioned before, this builder widened and lengthened the cabin because when he was on Susan's sister ship, he realized he wanted more room on the interior and the entryway... and that there was plenty of side deck space even with such a modification. You can see here that the side deck offers plenty of room with the cabin about 4-5 inches wider than the original and about 8 inches longer than the original.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/bulwarkstern-onteleview-72.jpg

Here are some views of the scuppers, with such a high bulwark, you need for water to drain quickly if you are pooped.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/bulwarkscuppersbestbeamon-72.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/bulwarkscuppersangleview-72.jpg

The stem where the bowsprit will come through...

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/bulwarkatpointofbow-72.jpg

Shaping the bulwarks, the power planer is the easiest tool to use if you can get at the area...but where the bulwarks have too much curve you have to use a disk sander...etc.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/shapingbulwarksbob-72.jpg

The "overhead view".... This shows the deck space is plenty with the slightly enlarged cabin.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/bulwarksfromloftnice-72.jpg

More to follow once the stern bulwarks are completed, then the cap rail will be another labor intensive step....

RodB

RodB

01-21-2008, 07:25 PM

Heres a pic that shows the sheer...and the cabin is looking a little shorter....hmmmm the 1 1/2" cap rail is not on yet... BUT... I am not at the height you would be if she was in the water and you were in another boat.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/susanbulbeamview-72.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/bowviewbulwarksfromfloor-72.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/bulwarkforwarddeck-72.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/Prestoboat/bulwarksbeamonwholehull-72.jpg

More to follow in a couple weeks or so. I plan to follow the process of fabricating the cap rail which will have to be sawn... and scarffed in place.

RodB