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Grand Banks Cruiser build
| Peter Fitness | 04/05/2009 00:30:59 |
 508 forum posts 215 photos | In October of 2008, I started construction of a Grand Banks Cruiser, to a free plan by James Pottinger in MMI magazine. I had the plan enlarged slightly to give a hull length of around 80 cm. Jim was kind enough to send me copies of some of his photos of full size vessels for reference.
Construction is plank on frame, most of the hull planks being cut from 1.5 mm ply, while the deck planks are cut from pine. The frames are from 6 mm ply, and most of the superstructure is made from 1.5 mm ply.
The main cabin is fitted out with appropriate furniture, and the cabin windows are big enough for the detail to be seen, even though the cabin roof is a permanent fixture. I am currently in the process of completing the fly bridge.
The boat's tender is a scratch built RIB, using pine dowel, with an outboard motor made from scrap wood and brass bits. I have made a decal of the Mercury outboard name which will be put on soon. I have named the boat "Lady Catherine" after our daughter, and that decal was printed on our computer on to water slide decal paper from Crafty Computer paper.
Construction has been somewhat stop and go, being interrupted by several trips away (retirement is marvellous), but is proceeding well at the moment, as we are home for several months before our next caravan trip.
       The rest of the photos may be viewed in my photo albums, under Grand Banks Cruiser build.
Peter.
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| Bob Abell | 04/05/2009 08:05:02 |
 8904 forum posts 2783 photos | You`ve made a nice job of it, Peter
Bob
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| Barry Foote | 04/05/2009 08:25:00 |
 161 forum posts 93 photos | Beautiful as usual Peter.. |
| David Meier | 04/05/2009 09:28:09 |
 205 forum posts 81 photos | Hi Peter. The boat looks great, you have done a lovely job on the planking. Why did you choose ply for the hull planks and not pine as for the deck? I couldn't help noticing your little helper in one of the pictures. Looks very much like our Rosie.
 Cheers.
David. |
| Peter Fitness | 04/05/2009 23:53:32 |
508 forum posts 215 photos |
David, the main reason I used ply, and not pine, for the hull planking, was convenience, or just plain laziness. It was easier to cut strips of ply than pine, plus I had some planking left over from my Nordkap kit, and the ply matched the thickness of that perfectly. Because the hull is sealed and painted, the difference is not noticeable.
Well spotted, my "helper" is also a Corgi, called Cassie, who usually lies under my feet while I'm in my shed.
Peter. |
| Peter Fitness | 15/05/2009 02:59:37 |
508 forum posts 215 photos | I am nearing the end of this build, with just a few finishing touches to add before the maiden voyage, which should take place next week, weather permitting.
David, here is a shot of our Corgi
Peter.
   Edited By Peter Fitness on 15/05/2009 03:08:14 |
| David Meier | 16/05/2009 08:01:41 |
205 forum posts 81 photos | The boat looks really smart Peter. It is beautifully finished. What do you use for glazing the windows? They look nice and clear and there is no encroaching glue showing. How do you mount them?
Cassey looks pleased with life, I suspect she is one lucky dog and knows it.
Our corgi likes to come for a ride on the boat rescue canoe at the pond, when ever she gets the chance.
David. |
| Peter Fitness | 16/05/2009 13:52:54 |
508 forum posts 215 photos | David, the glazing is clear 1.5 mm styrene sheet, which comes with a protective plastic layer on both sides to prevent damage. I bought it at a model shop in Lismore some time ago. The glue is aeromodeller's canopy glue, which seems a type of PVA, and it dries very clear. Any excess can be wiped off with a damp rag, much the same as woodworker's PVA.
Cassie loves nothing better than going body surfing, yet is not keen on still water. She happily hurls herself into broken waves at the edge of the surf, and has realised, if she gets carried out a short way, she can catch a wave back in to shore.
Peter. Edited By Peter Fitness on 16/05/2009 13:53:48 |
| Paul T | 16/05/2009 14:46:53 |
 7146 forum posts 1208 photos 2 articles | First class model Peter.
When will you be sailing her?
Paul
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| Peter Fitness | 16/05/2009 23:45:29 |
508 forum posts 215 photos | Thanks, Paul. I should finish it today so, provided the weather holds, and the forecast is not promising, she should be having her maiden voyage this week. Her first club outing should be next weekend, when our club is hosting a visiting club from Brisbane.
I will post some photos at the first opportunity.
Peter. |
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All Forum Topics > Scratch build > Grand Banks Cruiser build