The idea is to build an i550, a very sexy little 18' sailboat. I will post some links to the blogs of the brave people who have started this process before me. Their work is impresive. It will also give you an idea of where I am hopefully headed.
But first, an explanation of the name: you see, my boys and I (JP, 5 yrs and Mickey, 7 yrs old) have a hard time talking about boogers with out laughing at least a little. This process can be a bit intimidating and I wanted to remind myself at each turn that it is supposed to be fun. It is also a process that is bound to get messy at some point. And I am hoping that the finished product is, "SLICKER THAN SNAIL SH___". Finally, it helps solve one of the million little decisions I need to make along the way, that is, what color to paint the boat when I'm done.
Bulding an i550 sportboat
The i550:
The original i550 was created for the MicroTon class, and has since been upgraded and redrawn as a one-off sportboat for fleet racing.
Due to it’s simple construction method, there’s not much to the construction process. The whole thing can be cutout, and “stitched” together in a weekend. The construction process is fairly simple and straightforward; The wood panels are cutout and “stitched” together in a string jig to keep the boat symmetric. Once the boat has been stitched, the open hull is left right side up, and the seams glued with glass tape and epoxy. Frames are set in the boat, and taped with epoxy in place. The whole interior can then be epoxied and finished before adding the decking.
Decking comes next, then the hull exterior itself. The boat is still light enough in this stage that it can be easily turned over with the help of come friends. The bottom faired and finished and the hull turned back upright. Rigging is added, and any interior details come next. Sounds simple ? That’s because it is. Total build time is typically about 200 man hours.
There is room down below for simple accommodations, and “camp style” sleeping. Plenty of room on deck ensures comfort both up and downwind. A bulbed keel gives stability and righting moment while allowing the boat to keep dinghy like performance.
Due to it’s simple construction method, there’s not much to the construction process. The whole thing can be cutout, and “stitched” together in a weekend. The construction process is fairly simple and straightforward; The wood panels are cutout and “stitched” together in a string jig to keep the boat symmetric. Once the boat has been stitched, the open hull is left right side up, and the seams glued with glass tape and epoxy. Frames are set in the boat, and taped with epoxy in place. The whole interior can then be epoxied and finished before adding the decking.
Decking comes next, then the hull exterior itself. The boat is still light enough in this stage that it can be easily turned over with the help of come friends. The bottom faired and finished and the hull turned back upright. Rigging is added, and any interior details come next. Sounds simple ? That’s because it is. Total build time is typically about 200 man hours.
There is room down below for simple accommodations, and “camp style” sleeping. Plenty of room on deck ensures comfort both up and downwind. A bulbed keel gives stability and righting moment while allowing the boat to keep dinghy like performance.
BEER-O-METER
469 and counting
Before (my last project)
And AFTER.....
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