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Sheet Metal Boats - The Sheet Metal Boat Building Experience

pricer - Jun 05, 2004 - 12:36 AM
Post subject: The Sheet Metal Boat Building Experience

These are the beginnings of the Junior Scout J that I intend on building for my son. My goal is to build the boa from (2) 120 x 60 sheets of 22 gage galvanized steel. The boat will be riveted together and the seams will be soldered. It is a simple design and I have built a smaller version of this type of boat. I would like to know what you all think about it. I think I can email a dxf. version of the drawing if any one is interested in viewing the drawing further. Any comments would be appreciated.

Bud - Jun 05, 2004 - 12:46 AM
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Now please explain the notches, are they going to have a single pop rivet each? Another question is the dispalcement of the water? How do you decide on the debth of the boat compared to the weight put in the boat?

Bud

pricer - Jun 05, 2004 - 01:00 AM
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I would like Grue to comment on the pitch of the rivets, I am not sure of there placement in relation to the strength. The beginnings of what I know about displacement is that it takes the weight of one cubic foot of water to submerge one cubic foot of air. I have built other small wooden boats and found that the estimated water line was predicted fairly close. A cubic foot of wood weighs less than a cubic foot of water therefor it will float in the water in that state . Steel on the other hand would not float in that state, go figure. The coast guard booklet for back yard builds suggest that the vessel be put in the water and filled to the gun whales, recording the amount of water you would be putting into the hull. The capacity would be 2/3 of that displacement. That is what I was told by a local pro builder. Please consult the Coast Guard before trying this. There is a downloadable copy avalible, I cant remember the site but, I can find it.

Bud - Jun 05, 2004 - 02:07 AM
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So there are no floatation divices in Flat Water Boats? If so where would you place these in the drawing you have here?

Bud

pricer - Jun 05, 2004 - 02:19 AM
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The floattion will be placed in the bow compartment and in the seat compartment. Two part non expanding foam can be poured into those areas. The entire side compartments could also be filled if the hull were double walled. I am sure that this feature will give the littleboat some rigidity. My son is 7 now and the boat will be right for him when he is a little older as well. We , he and I , had a small aluminum boat simmilar to this. I am starting out simple and learning. I myself like Tunnel hulls and Cat hulls. I have many ideas on paper and have built several scale versions of some of them. I have counted the cost on this boat and I am willing to see it through.There are many shallow creeks that you could travel here, some for days. They have white sand bluffs , excellent for camping. These are the type boats I like. I have a 19' bay boat and a 16' bass boat, it is a project. Remember, I love the process of building as much as I like using them.

Bud - Jun 05, 2004 - 02:30 AM
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Until we can find the approiate link, I have placed the PDF here on the site for all who wish to attempt to build their own boat. This is serious stuff and always consult an expert before you launch your floating divise:) We do not claim to be experts...

Safety standards for Backyard Boat Builders

Bud

Grue - Jun 05, 2004 - 05:00 AM
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Pricer,

I don't like the notch bit! You'll only make a headache for yourself soldering up later. I'd suggest that you should make up a wooden form block for your turned up pieces and knock the seams over. The whole shebang could be tacked together with only minimum rivets and soldered. Rivet the end of the joints to stop the solder tearing. I just wish i was closer so I could learn you the fine art of solid rivetting.

Grue

pricer - Jun 05, 2004 - 05:21 AM
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I think you have a good point with the hammered over seam. What about making a pittsburg joint at the curve on the bow. I could make the pitts in the brake with a mallet then slowly turn a 1/4 on the curve by hand. This would make for a good seam wouldn't it? May be a pocket seam on the corner. It would be time consuming to do this, listen to me, I am thinking as if this were a piece of duct LOL. It doesen't mateter abou the time, I want this boat to last. The solid rivet sounds very intresting. It would be nice if the crew here could get some "Real" shop time for a few days. I think we would all come away with more than we brought. Maybe one day. My soldering still stinks but, I am closer than I was a week ago. I think I understand I just need to round up the right equipment. Soon I am sure. Back to the drawing board, if you have anymore ideas...........

johnnyb - Jun 06, 2004 - 04:50 AM
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Bud wrote:

Until we can find the approiate link, I have placed the PDF here on the site for all who wish to attempt to build their own boat. This is serious stuff and always consult an expert before you launch your floating divise:) We do not claim to be experts...

Bud

Here's the link to the PDF on the US Coast Guard website
http://www.uscg.mil/d8/mso/louisville/WebStuff/comdtpubp16761_3b.pdf

pricer - Jun 16, 2004 - 02:04 AM
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Guy's, I am getting closer to figuring out what I want to build. The summer is busy and I am further behind than what I have invisioned. I will keep all up to date on the progress of the" Lil sheet metal boat that could". Back to the duct work for now, got to get it while it is here!