Millcreek 16.5 Hybrid 50/50 Kayak

[swampwood]

Re: Next Future Build

Stiched the panels together today.
Attached are a couple of pics.

 

[swampwood]

Today I taped, glassed and epoxied the inside.
Also epoxied the carlins, which form the cockpit.

 

[swampwood]

Bottom Glassed with 1st coat of epoxy. 2 more coats to go.

 

[swampwood]

All that is left on the bottom is final sanding and painting.
Here is a pic that shows the temporary deck frames installed.
Next step is to shape the gunales and begin stripping the top deck. (My favorite part)

 

[beekeeper]

Starting to look like a boat! It looks even better in the flesh. I like the shape and lines of the hull. The panels flow into each other and that gives it a soft profile. My fishing trip was canceled so I'll be by to help :roll: (ie. watch and ask questions).

beekeeper

 

[swampwood]

Got a good start on the strips yesterday.

 

[swampwood]

Finally figuered the highlights out in the front. :idea:
They will be tiger maple and cocobolo.
I have not figured out the back pattern yet, but working on it. :idea:
The cypress strips will finish out yellow-orange (lighter strips) and brownish-black (darker strips) :!:

 

[tx river rat]

Thats looking good.
Ron

 

[swampwood]

Thanks, Ron
Alot more cutting and fitting than if I would have ran them straight. But no pain no gain.

 

[swampwood]

Finished the front highlights today :!:
Tommorrow I should finish the back and then I will post pics.

 

[swampwood]

Finished stripping the deck.
Planed the cockpit opening and the deck to the hull.
Also fitted the deck end caps.
Next is the part I hate (sanding)

 

[swampwood]

Rough sanding done.
Filled bad spots with wood flour and epoxy mixture (depending on wood color).
Finish sanding left before glass.

 

[tx river rat]

Question ,why did you go with a kit and did you v the bottom?
Ron

 

[swampwood]

Ron,
The last build I decided to not go with a kit and by the time I bought all the materials, I saved around $100.00 dollars and spent alot more in time.
After researching this boat more from people that have built and paddle them alot and some even race them. It tracks well with 2 people and will paddle well with a single paddler with the weight distributed or you can use the rudder. Also they say it is fast.

 

[tx river rat]

I am surprised at the fast statement normally the flat bottoms are a middle of the road hull. Show us the bottom sometime if you can ,I am curious.
Ron

 

[swampwood]

Sanded the bottom of the deck, installed the hatch braces and epoxied the deck.
Next I have to install the foot braces, seat guides in the inside of the bottom, sand and paint.

 

[swampwood]

I am surprised at the fast statement normally the flat bottoms are a middle of the road hull. Show us the bottom sometime if you can ,I am curious.
Ron

Ron,
The foot print on this boat is basically the same as the Skinny piroque you built. With one big difference. The first 2 side panels are on around 40 degrees.
It is 21" flat bottom and 33" beam. All the edges are rounded. It is a sleek design.
I will take a picture of the bottom.

 

[swampwood]

Finally finished the inside.
Added a middle set of seat cleats. Now the boat will handle better, weight distribution with a single paddler
Next the deck permanently meets the bottom half. Complete hull

 

[swampwood]

The deck is a permanent part of the hull.
Hatches are finished.
Cockpit combing is finished.
Deck has been glassed and 3 coats of epoxy applied.
Next is finish sanding the outside of the bottom and paint.

 

[swampwood]

Bottom is finish sanded and ready for primer.