On my Toto I used a milk crate against the bulkhead then a regular boat cushion against it for padding as a backrest, I also used a second boat cushion to sit...
Hi Eric, ... I've built and paddled two Totos, and in my view the skeg shown on the plans is inadequate. If I were doing it again, I'd make the skeg shorter...
I think your problem is mostly technique. I should know, since I seem to have the same problem. First, I can't see much reason for an offset paddle unless...
Well, I'd go by the water you'll be on. If you want to be out in rough water, build piccup. If not, piccup squared would be good enough and easier to build. I...
They're selling two different types of outboard. The small/light/simple/cheap models (such as http://www.smalloutboardengines.com/20hpoutboard.html) will be...
Hello Stacey I built the AF4G here http://www.duckworksbbs.com/plans/jim/af4/grande/index.htm I run mine with a 1983 Johnson 25HP. I have remote controls setup...
Thanks to all who responded I will try a longer paddle with no offset and some type of seat setup. I am not sure I really want to sit any higher in the boat. I...
As an experienced double-paddler in both whitewater boats (which turn even when you don't want to) and sea kayaks (which track straight for 50 yards without...
Eric -- Last year we took Cormorant up to Indian Lake (probably passing within 15 miles of your house on the way up Rt. 30), but this year we dropped that trip...
I've just ordered the plans for the Twister and I'm curious if one has already been built. Anyone heard of one? I've searched this forum unsuccessfully and...
Steve-- Jim's boats require very little sailing hardware. To raise the sail, you need a hole in the mast, perhaps re-enforced with a bolt. I can't tell how...
John, Thanks for the response. That's what I was hoping to hear. I figured it was doable but wasn't sure. If I can get the build going it will be as a...
I've got twister plans but have not built. The mast is raised by hand and sits in the step and bolts into the partner via a plate -- so it would be easy to go...
I've got twister plans but have not built. The mast is raised by hand and sits in the step and bolts into the partner via a plate -- so it would be easy to go...
Have thought about Twister myself and had a chance to check in with some others thinking about it. I'm inclined to think that Twister will be a better...
Well after many false starts and way too much epoxy not to mention too much cutting three times instead of measuring twice my first boat has tasted water...
... rough water, build piccup. If not, piccup squared would be good enough and easier to build. I suspect Twixt would be close to as much effort and money to...
Hello everyone, I am reading "Boatbuilding for Beginners" and have decided to build the Mayfly as soon as I can acquire the materials and hardware. I own two...
Hi Chris -- Table saws are useful for many things -- but you don't need one to build Mayfly. Save the money! The saber saw and drill alone would do it. No need...
Sounds like you have what you need to build the boat. Mayfly is nail and glue construction, epoxy and glass isn't absolutely necessary, although as Jim says...
Hi Garth, I just might buy a pre-made sail. I'm definitely not looking forward to all that sewing. How many reef points should I select? And what are they...
Here's another 2 cent suggestion. Consider a used Tanaka motor. The TOB300 was marketed through Tanaka America till 2004. Sears sold it as the GameFisher 3.0....
Hi Chris -- Reef points are for tying the sail down shorter in heavy winds. (You slack the halyard to let the whole sail down a couple of feet, then tie in...
Chris, I have a table saw, but I do not use it for boatbuilding. I do my layout and cutting on a couple of 2x4's set on a couple of saw horses. I rip strips...
If anyone has build or is building the AF3 or Normsboat in the central valley of CA or the Bay Area, I would like to get a look at it. I live in Manteca CA...
... Looks that > person. I'll have to see next time if I can launch it by myself. Its ... My congratulations, I'm a big fan of Robote and I'm very curious...
OK folks, Time for another hairy idea. How about a shaft driven electric AF4? The electric motor could be mounted in the space under the "water box" The...