Re: (Updated 1/6/2012) Checkmate factory pics of my boat under construction
Re: (Updated 1/6/2012) Checkmate factory pics of my boat under construction
A few responses up, I did put in my disclaimer of sorts about knowing the various types of boat building. There are various types of cores, composites, etc. The word composite and world of composites is fickle. Balsa core is a composite.
My Scarab is/was a composite hull, but more specifically a wood-free composite Dupont? product similar to Kevlar?. Now, mine held up great -- solid as a rock (although, I'd be wary of some Wellcrafts from the 90's). However, to get some of these wood-free composites to work, some are outfitted with extra foam or other cellular frankensteins that turn to mush, hold moisture (even the larger 21+ foot boats) and create conditions binding agents don't like. Well, I've seen wood-free composites with water logged foam and delamination and people stumped as how to fix these things and technologies ''borrowed from the aerospace industry'' (an actual quote from a large manufacturer).
Pros/Cons and debates rage on.
A builder who is doing what they do well and has mastered the art -- yes, the art -- is better suited to build me my ride than a company whose crack team of accountants bought into wood-free composites because the balance sheet showed they'd make a slightly better margin on them and they could cut staff, hire cheaper staff and make boats instead of hiring/keeping dedicated craftsmen who've mastered an art and come at a slightly higher price.
That being said...
From my youth on up to my ripe middle age of 44, Checkmates have been ubiquitous and seem to hold up very well. The key is that you don't start drilling into this or that, compromise the structure and leave it rotting somewhere (which is death to all boats).
It is a liner boat -- big plus. It will be a covered/trailered baby. I see a boat port going up soon (my materials list is growing).
I've weighed all the pros and cons. Love the convo though! If anyone were interested in an educational thread and we could ramble on about boat construction, sign me up to that thread.
Okay... back to business here: THANK YOU, everyone! Whatever I can post, I will! She'll look like a boat this week! The hull and deck will me married no later than Tuesday!
