Save-A-Boat - The Forum for Plastic Classic Rebuilds!

I've posted previously under the "Rub Rail Modifications" topic but have decided to quit hijacking someone elses topic and start my own. Hopefully over the next week I'll do my sworn duty as a forum member and post some pictures.

My ipe has arrived and I am beginning to fabricate the pieces for the bow. If by some miracle it quits raining I'll start getting this thing together.

The caprail that I am replacing had traditional scarf joints. I am considering changing these to half lap joints where possible. My reasoning is that ipe is purported to glue poorly and the half lap will give me more bonding surface and I can screw down through the joint for additional strength. Additionally if I used scarf joints and the joint failed this would allow water through the caprail and possible through the screw holes and into the boat. In order to maintain some aesthetic appeal I though I might angle the half lap joints.

What say you?

Scarf joints are primarily for joints that are under strains. An example would be a toe rail that is bent under tension into place. For a cap rail which is set in place with no loads on the joints anything will work really. Cap rails are often done with decorative joints. I can't speak first hand to glue and Ipe, but increasing the glued surface won't help keep a glue from failing, it adds strength to the joint if the glue does not fail. It isn't my favorite, but some boats use open then caulked joints between pieces of cap rail. Some of these use decorative shapes to the joints.

Are you no longer feeling 'duty' bound?

Nope just moving slow. My daughter is graduating from high school and the wife has loaded me down with projects around the house in preparation for a party. I have all but 2 sections fitted. I did figure out that when the construction manual says 13/16x8 they mean by 8 and not 7 1/2. The slight reduction in width significantly changes the usable length of the board on the curved sections. In the end I'll end up with one more joint than the original.

Pictures still forthcoming!

I am getting ready to put down my new teak toe rail. Will be interested in seeing your pics.

Capn_Tom wrote:I've posted previously under the "Rub Rail Modifications" topic but have decided to quit hijacking someone elses topic and start my own. Hopefully over the next week I'll do my sworn duty as a forum member and post some pictures...
What say you?

I have noticed a common theme in many of the posts here...


John ;)

LOL, I think you have the reality of it well displayed John, but sometimes we do much more than just a 90 degree turn.

I got this project to the 90% complete stage a while back but as is typical for me moved on to other projects before completing the last few details. I did at least take some pictures today before covering up for the long winter nap.

That's stunning! It looks like it compliments your teak parts very nicely.

Joe

That boat just looks "right"!