Popular Mechanics 1962 PM38 Build [SPLASHED 2017]

[pekstrom]

No Title

Finally got her turned over tonight. It took 4 of us to get it accomplished. I put together the two saw horses after I realized I didn't have anything to support her at a height that would allow me to work on the inside and the decking. They are about 18 inches tall and puts her at a good height for me. She looks so different now. On to the sheer rails so I can trim off the excess plywood, and then frame #1 and the dashboard, etc, etc.

 

[Ned L]

Congratulations! You should feel quite a sense of accomplishment, and rightfully so. Nice job!

 

[pckeen]

Looking great!

 

[pekstrom]

Thank you for the encouraging words. They are much appreciated. I have been waiting for this moment for quite a while and seeing her like this makes me think I may actually pull this off.

 

[TruckDrivingFool]

Holy smokes it really looks like a boat right side.

Looking good Pek

 

[pekstrom]

No Title

This weekend was pretty productive. Got the side plywood trimmed down along the sheer rail so now the true lines of the boat shows. Also got the inner deck supports steamed and bent in place. Got frame #1 installed and got the dashboard temporarily in place. I need to work some more on the fit of the side supports before I can attach it permanently. The plans call for cutting out the bottom arch of the dash. But I have seem others comment that there's very little room for gauges etc. if you do, so I opted to keep it. Looks like I'll have plenty of room for the gauges I eventually want.

 

[pckeen]

Good idea - if you decided you wanted to cut it out, it can always be done later. Looking great - what's the next task?

 

[pekstrom]

Yes pckeen it is always easier to remove than to add back And in looking at it, I kinda like how it looks so unless it becomes a problem with legroom I'll probably leave it like this. We will see. Next up is to work on getting the proper fit between the side supports for the dash and the sides of the hull. Then to glue and screw it in place. After that I'll work on the inside deck supports to get those permanently in place as well. Once that's done I'll probably work on the bench. There are a couple of risers and a 'bench' for it to rest on. I'll leave the actual seat out though until I have epoxied and painted the innards so I can get to everywhere.

 

[archbuilder]

Its nice to see the shape coming together! Nice work!

 

[pekstrom]

No Title

Btw, had to revert to an old school method for my steam bending process. Turns out my little camping stove decided to quite working, so I decided to use the charcoal method. Worked like a charm though.

 

[pekstrom]

No Title

So I just couldn't wait, I had to step in the boat and sit in the driver's seat for a moment. The seat isn't done yet so I just rigged a temporary seat. I also used a clamp to temporarily hold the steering wheel in place to try it out. Not too bad! And the one of the full boat shows a bit of its size too.

 

[TruckDrivingFool]

First official Vroom session - Check

 

[jbcurt00]

Yep, looking great.

 

[archbuilder]

Cool, very nice!

 

[Woodonglass]

Great Workmanship. Won't be long now..

 

[ssdale]

You've got a nice set up in the making with that 25 hp. Will be as zippy as it looks! Press on!

 

[pekstrom]

No Title

Thank you for all the kind words! This is how she's sitting right now. I finished the foredeck center support and the side deck supports yesterday. Also attached the sheer rails with screws so I could remove all the clamps. They aren't glued yet though. Basically I just have the seat left and some spackling/sanding, and then epoxy and pain for the inside.

 

[archbuilder]

Cool looks like a boat! That looks like fun build, you are doing nice work!

 

[TruckDrivingFool]

I didn't realize it until that last pic you posted that last pic but look at all that space back there, you got any plans for filling it?

 

[pekstrom]

Yeah, it does have quite a bit of space back there. There are 4 of us in the family so my plan is to replicate the forward facing bench as a rear facing bench just behind the frame. That will give me a couple of more seats back there. And of course the gas tank and battery will also take up some space but closer to the transom. Over time I may come up with some other items too but for now that's the immediate plan.