New Steam Launch Construction

[Steve A W]

Re: New Steam Launch Construction

It's really looking good!
I question the seat height, Won't that be kind close to the gunnel?
Not a lot to hang onto. Or are You going to ad some rails?
Make sure You post when and where Your going to dunk and run it.
That might make for an interesting road trip across the State to
see it.
Good luck with Your boat.
Steve A W

 

[wrfalpacas]

Re: New Steam Launch Construction

steve,

I would welcome yor visit! as far as the gunwale height, we are talking a 6-8 knot boat here, no speed deamon (ha) but I am dropping the height another inch and will probably have some sort of a low stern rail (3-4 in tall) so it will give you something to hang on to is you get caught in a wake or something.

 

[Ned L]

Re: New Steam Launch Construction

Looking beautiful! As for the sole caulking color, -- Teak planking, definately black, that's traditional. White seams is for varnished mahogany (aka speedboats).

 

[Psiclown]

Re: New Steam Launch Construction

You know we want some videos when you're done!

 

[Luhrs28]

Re: New Steam Launch Construction

What RPM will a steam engine like that run? I'm guessing around 200?

 

[wrfalpacas]

Re: New Steam Launch Construction

What RPM will a steam engine like that run? I'm guessing around 200?

Yep that is the ballpark, maybe 150 rpm cruising, 300 rpm flank speed! (it is a navy lifeboat after all )

 

[wrfalpacas]

Re: New Steam Launch Construction

After some good input by the steamboat forum and several other steamboaters, I decided to lower the seat height to 13.5" finished above the deck, that does not include the cushions, and will hopefully be adequate for the lanky folks (like me ). I am headed up to visit DetroitTug on Saturday to see his wonderful project first hand. I will also be making a stop at a Marine Lumber store up there to get the seating material. As you can see from the photos, I have replaced the cardboard with Teak framing for the settee. I am also boxing out for a small ice chest in the rear seat. I attached the framing to the sides of the hull with 8/32 SS Button Head Cap Screws with rubber washers. (the wood has been fitted with screw/machine thread inserts) I only needed 6 penetrations, and they are above waterline.

 

[archbuilder]

Re: New Steam Launch Construction

Very nice work! Your attention to detail is excellent, can't wait to see her in the water!

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: New Steam Launch Construction

I am a woodworker and I LOVE your work. Keep posting those PICS!!!!1

 

[Greg Mrozinski]

Re: New Steam Launch Construction

This is the coolest thing. Great job so far. I cannot wait to see the pics of it steamng around. Very nice!!

 

[wrfalpacas]

Re: New Steam Launch Construction

I went up to visit DetroitTug's boat this past weekend, all I can say is WOW! That is going to be an AWESOME boat!!! I Picked up some ribbon sapele marine plywood while I was up there, and had Ron break out his plasma cutter and re-configure my smokehood as well (Dropped the overall height 4"). Started on the rear settee Seat, Man I like the look of that wood. I added a Small compartment that I am having a SS box with a drain made to fit, to serve as a small cooler or ice chest for beverages

 

[wrfalpacas]

Re: New Steam Launch Construction

Sorry it's been so long for an update. I finished the rear settee and added the flexible trim , faux finished the trim, got the stainless cooler made and installed. Then i built the fold down jump seat and got the mounting figured out. enjoy the pics.

 

[wrfalpacas]

Re: New Steam Launch Construction

Got the deck caulked this weekend, also got the Epiphanes teak oil sealer on. Then it was on to the prop shaft cover. It was built up from 3/4 by 1/4 western red cedar strip planking over a series of plywood ribs. It was really fragrant working with the cedar!

 

[archbuilder]

Re: New Steam Launch Construction

wow! excellent work! how did you like working with the teak sealer? I'm fixing to be in the market and would like to hear how you liked working with it. Awesome project, excellent attention to detail.

 

[Greg Mrozinski]

Re: New Steam Launch Construction

Wow! What a show piece! Very nice!

 

[Psiclown]

Re: New Steam Launch Construction

Simply immaculate.

 

[Ned L]

Re: New Steam Launch Construction

Very nice work!

 

[Luhrs28]

Re: New Steam Launch Construction

Super nice woodwork!

I'm wondering: What's the most efficient form of fuel? Plain old wood? Charcoal like you'd use in a barbeque? Steam trains and big ships used coal, but I don't know if that's practical with such a small engine. I'd think coal would be pretty difficult to light initially.

 

[MichaelP]

Re: New Steam Launch Construction

Wow!
But not surprised after what you did to the Chief.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: New Steam Launch Construction

So cool!

Though, I would have a bit of a strange feeling in my belly setting a fire inside my boat to get it moving for that first launch

Excellent work Bret, keep it up