New Steam Launch Construction

[wrfalpacas]

Re: New Steam Launch Construction

Bummer!

Ah well, I am thinking that it should bring about a million dollars as it's awesome!

Wow, thanks for the compliment! I was thinking more around 5K

 

[wrfalpacas]

Re: New Steam Launch Construction

Got the hull back from the sandblaster, he did the whole job for $175 I am thinking of having them paint it as he can do it with 2 part epoxy prime and topcoat, 2 colors, inside and out, for $500 -$600. seems like a no brainer, as getting something else to cover galvanized would be tricky

 

[archbuilder]

Re: New Steam Launch Construction

That is a pretty good price on the blast job! Any idea what colors you are going with?

 

[wrfalpacas]

Re: New Steam Launch Construction

Hunter Green and Tan trim

 

[jasoutside]

Re: New Steam Launch Construction

I am with arch, super pricing on your blast/paint work!

Your color choices will be classic, very nice!

 

[wrfalpacas]

Re: New Steam Launch Construction

Sorry about the delay in updates! I have the hull back and painted, then I painted the trailer. I finished the engine restoration and built a water pump for it. The ASME code boiler was delivered, and now has been set in the hull along with the engine. Now to attach the boiler and engine to the backbone.

 

[sprintst]

Re: New Steam Launch Construction

Damn man. I might have to make a trip down just to hear it run when you float her.

 

[Ned L]

Re: New Steam Launch Construction

Neat project! Real nice looking engine too. -- I would suggest taking a careful look at her stability when you first drop her in the water. That boiler has a lot of weight up high, and that hull is pretty shallow with quite slack bilges, and there there might not be a whole lot of weight down low when you are done. You may end up needing a good bit of ballast to keep her from being too tender.
Years ago I built a 22' steam launch (replica of 1880's fantail launch) when I worked as a boatbuilder at at a small shipyard. Fun project!

 

[Luhrs28]

Re: New Steam Launch Construction

That boiler reminds me of the one in the Humphrey Bogart movie "The African Queen".

Are the wood slats around the engine to insulate it?

Very cool project!

 

[archbuilder]

Re: New Steam Launch Construction

First rate work, very cool project!

 

[wrfalpacas]

Re: New Steam Launch Construction

Neat project! Real nice looking engine too. -- I would suggest taking a careful look at her stability when you first drop her in the water. That boiler has a lot of weight up high, and that hull is pretty shallow with quite slack bilges, and there there might not be a whole lot of weight down low when you are done. You may end up needing a good bit of ballast to keep her from being too tender.
Years ago I built a 22' steam launch (replica of 1880's fantail launch) when I worked as a boatbuilder at at a small shipyard. Fun project!

Ned,

Thanks for the info! I used Delftship cad software to calculate Center of Buoyancy, and Center of Mass and havebeen addingeach item to the program as it goes. (including passengers) and so far, it has shown a pretty stable boat even in a seaway. I would love to see pics of your launch.

 

[wrfalpacas]

Re: New Steam Launch Construction

That boiler reminds me of the one in the Humphrey Bogart movie "The African Queen".

Are the wood slats around the engine to insulate it?

Very cool project!

Thanks!, the wood lagging (slats) are for insulation, although in an engine this size it is more for show. However the boiler will recieve thesame treatment and that WILL improve it's effeciency.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: New Steam Launch Construction

HOLY WATER BOIL BATMAN!!!! That IS a KOOL BOAT! I REALLY can't wait to see this one in the water. Keep posting those pics!!!!!

 

[Ned L]

Re: New Steam Launch Construction

I'm glad to hear that you actually understand stability & center of gravity, center of bouyancy, metacentric height etc.

The launches I built were fiberglass hulls (layed up by an outside contractor) that we finished as either electric, gas, or steam. We built a number of the electric & gas versions, and really only one steam one. In my mind the hull was really too narrow for the steam plant & made for a pretty tender boat.

 

[1980Coronado]

Re: New Steam Launch Construction

Very cool project.......I see you are in NE Indiana....what lake is this going to run on....would love to see it in action some time....We're on Lake George. That would be a perfect place to run it. fast boating hours are from 10-6:30...so you could run it all morning and not get run over! An evening cruise too! Public boat launch is on the Michigan side...very easy in and out.

 

[wrfalpacas]

Re: New Steam Launch Construction

Very cool project.......I see you are in NE Indiana....what lake is this going to run on....would love to see it in action some time....We're on Lake George. That would be a perfect place to run it. fast boating hours are from 10-6:30...so you could run it all morning and not get run over! An evening cruise too! Public boat launch is on the Michigan side...very easy in and out.

Mark,

Lake George wold be awesome and close too! I am in Auburn. I was thinking of the west lakes chain, also have some friends at Jellystone.

 

[1980Coronado]

Re: New Steam Launch Construction

Mark,

Lake George wold be awesome and close too! I am in Auburn. I was thinking of the west lakes chain, also have some friends at Jellystone.

Well then, maybe we'll see you steamin along this summer!

 

[NSBCraig]

Re: New Steam Launch Construction

Cool!

 

[wrfalpacas]

Re: New Steam Launch Construction

After a little time out for spring cleaning with my wife today, I was back at it and got the rest of the teak deck installed. I am going to wait to sand and caulk it (probably black instead of the more traditional white) until after I get the piping finalized. Just in case I have to add some under the deck somewhere other than centerline (removable grates for that area). Now I can mock up the seating and place the foldable jumpseat and helm. Then it is on to building the frames for the u shaped rear seating area, and the front seat. I am thinking of using marine mahogany plywood for the seating areas. The gap between the edge of the decking and side of the boat will be covered with this cool flexible and stainable trim.

and I couldn't resist getting the ID tag back on

 

[wrfalpacas]

Re: New Steam Launch Construction

I have made a mock up of the rear settee, It will be marine mahogany plywood with teak structure below, seat height 15" plus cushion, any suggestions?