Bantock Gunboat

[bd]

Hi Guys
Has anyone started building a Bantock Gunboat ( lightweight 12 kg design for older guys like me) yet? If so could you let me know how it is progressing with some description and pics.
I have just ordered a set of plans and will commence construction shortly. I will keep you updated on my building progress.
bd

[bd]

Hi Guys
Have commenced Gunboat - here are some early pics
bd

[FRD]

Yeah it's an ugly bitch of a thing an't it? Not as ugly as my UFO though.

Tell us about the building board thingy an what's that other boat in the background in pic #3?

F

[bd]

Hi Frank
The boat with 03 on the sails is an IOM design by Rob Scholes from WMYC (balsa planked - goes really well!!) and the big wide thing is an 'A' Supernova 3 belonging to Rob Clark WMYC with some new sails on it. The building jig I have made for the Gunboat hull has a 20 mm square aluminium backbone with 15 mm aluminium angle fixed to it with self-tapping screws. The holes in the angle are drilled slightly oversize to allow for accurate alignment with the centre line marked on the backbone. The shadows are 3 or 4 mm ply fixed to the angle with self-tapping screws also, and the holes in the ply shadows are also drilled slightly oversize to allow accurate alignment. I have used this system for some time with IOM hulls, and I hope that the square tube is stiff enough over a 1900 mm length for the Gunboat as it will be secured in a 600 mm clamp. I use this arrangement as the aluminium extrusions are accurate, it is re-usable, available from Bunnings, and allows accurate alignment of both the angle (horizontally) and the shadows (vertically and square to the angle). The two pics are before alignment has been done, and should give you an idea of how easy it is to accurately align the shadows.
Cheers
 Brian

[bd]

Hi Guys
Planking is progressing on Gunboat. Here are a couple more pics.
Cheers
Brian

[bd]

Hi Guys
I have now completed the planking of Gunboat. Apart from a few awkward planks in the area of the tumblehome and around the skeg the planking was reasonably straightforward using Zap-a-Gap glue and well within capability of any builder. The 4 mm balsa meant that no planks had to be steamed as with planking with cedar etc. I have posted some pics of the planked hull before sanding in the Technical section. I will continue to update as building progresses for those contemplating building one.
bd

[bd]

Hi Guys
Oops! It seems that the second layer of 85 gsm glass on the outside was one layer too many as the bare hull is above the weight suggested by Graham Bantock - one layer inside and out next time. The hull is so stiff one could just about jump up and down on it. It will be interesting to see how much lead I am able to put on it.
bd

[bd]

Hi Guys
I have now posted part 3 of the Gunboat Construction in the Technical section.
bd