KevinR

Hi everyone. I know it has been awhile since I posted an update. I have made some progress. I have added 2 permanent strongbacks. One ate the bow and the second at the stern. I have added a temporary strongback at the midship. I am attaching the chin log to the keel and transom. The Transom and other parts laid out. Attaching the transom. The transom and the rudder case. The Keel with the transom. The blocks of wood for the bow. The stern strongback. The strongback also supports the rudder case. Gluing the chin logs to the transom and the stern strongback. The chin log glued to the transom and nailed and glued to the strongback. Earlier I had soaked the chin logs in water and nailed them to the forms. Thanks for stopping by. Until next time Catch Yall Later

Ron, I have been wanting to learn CAD, just have never found enough time are patience to dive in. Maybe now is the time to give it a go. Today, I sanded the second keel to the correct shape. I acquired a shop vacuum while working on the remodeling. By connecting the vacuum to the sander, I can run it inside the house. I no longer have to run in and out to sand a part. I also worked on drawing the transom. Since I do not know CAD, I did it the old fashioned way with T-Square and Drawing board. The Transom is the same for both boats. The 1942 version is just taller. The Transom is tilted at 42deg. The dashed lines at the bottom is the tapper for planking. There is 3 inch camber to the deck and that is shown by the lines on the side and in the center.The angle of the transom makes drawing the camber a bit tricky. I figured I would deal with it, when I get ready to lay th deck. My goal this week is to get the transoms cut out, and create the rudder sleeves/housing. I need to cut the tapper into the bow stem and add a notch for the chin logs. The dead rise at the bow is 12 inches. The places the chin logs resting on the keelson. All of these plans do not take into account my wife's plans though. Thank you for stopping by. Catch Yall Later,

Ron, I look forward to following your lead. Thanks,

Ron, Thank you. I appreciate all of the work you have put into the hand winders. I am amazed how well they came out. You have done a great job. Catch Yall Later,

Happy New Year Everyone! I hope everyone had a great 2015 and you have an even better 2016! Well, I finished the bathroom remodel a couple of weeks back and I have finally got back to my skipjack. I may not have got to work very much on the Albatross, I did thank about it often. I was thinking about the plans for the Albatross. The plans show her as she was built, as well how she appeared after being modified to use gas powered winches (winders). I have been saying that I may come back and build the Albatross as she appeared after the modification. This would show a more complete history of skipjacks. I realized that to build both versions, it would be easier to build both hulls at the same time. I may not finish them together, but the hulls will match closer. While I worked on the remodeling I was able to put some time in, on the second keel for the later version. The new keel was such an improvement over the first keel, that I decided to create another to replace the first. Today was the first time that I was able to put any significant time on the Albatross. I was able to get all of the pieces glued and will complete the shaping tomorrow. The new keel with the parts for the second keel. The original keel is at the top. Gluing the aft section of the keel. I am using an aluminum angle to keep the assembly straight. Gluing the forward section on. Thank you for stopping by, Catch Yall Later

I wish I had $2500 as well. It would also cost about $2500 a year in maintenance and another $2500 a year for a slip. I live close enough to the water to enjoy it. The problem is the money.

Hi Ron, I came across this on Craig's List and thought you might find it interesting. http://annapolis.craigslist.org/boa/5301875352.html 1952 Skipjack, 22' Bateau Cruiser designed by Howard Chapelle and built by Dick Hartge in Galesville, MD. The "Blue Crab" has been recently refurbished. Previous names included Pearl, Diana D., and Albatross. $2500 Edited to add picture and description, since the Craig's List will go away at some point.

Hi everyone, If you are interested, You can own your very own Skipjack. http://annapolis.craigslist.org/boa/5301875352.html 1952 Skipjack, 22' Bateau Cruiser designed by Howard Chapelle and built by Dick Hartge in Galesville, MD. The "Blue Crab" has been recently refurbished. Previous names included Pearl, Diana D., and Albatross. $2500 Edited to add picture and description, since the Craig's List will go away at some point. Catch Yall Later,

Thanks everyone for tuning in, unfortunately I do not have any updates for you. I started remodeling the bathroom a couple of weeks ago and it is taken longer than I had planned for. I hope to have the remodeling completed in another couple of weeks, than I can get back to the Albatross. Catch Yall Later, Kevin

Ron, Thanks for the information. I had not gotten for enough to investigating the sails and rigging. Catch Yall Later,

Looks great!

I do not have an update this weekend. The wife and I spent the weekend in a Basic Small Boat Sailing class. We started in the 420 Club (14ft) boat, but after the capsize drill my wife said she was not going back into the water. So, we moved up to the Navy Knockabout (24ft keel boat). It was easier to sail the knockabout, but harder to dock. Today the wind picked up and the whole class ended up in knockabouts with the sails reefed. We had a great time and are ready to do it again. Not much planned for next weekend. I should have something to post then if not sooner. Catch yall later,

Wow!

Frank, It is a beautiful drive down the Eastern Shore. The Mariners Museum no longer has a Chesapeake Bay section. They do have lots of other things worth seeing, though. The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum has the best exhibits on crabbing and oyster industries. I wish i could go to the NRG Conference in Mystic, but, I did all of my traveling in June. I thought about building the Kathyrn myself. She is such a beautiful boat and very historic. But I decided to stick with a traditional Deadrise construction. The Kathryn is a Framed construction. I may build the Kathryn at a later time. Good luck on your trip and have a good time, and thanks for getting the measurements for us. Catch Yall Later, Kevin

Frank, Sounds like a busy trip. In the Norfolk (Hampton Roads) area there are actually 4 Maritime Museums. Hampton Roads Naval Museum, Nauticus, The Mariners Museum and The Lightship Portsmouth Museum. Which one are you visiting? The Hampton Roads Naval Museum is in downtown Norfolk (co-located with Nauticus) and has the Battleship Wisconsin. This is the US Navy Museum. (FREE) Nauticus is in Downtown Norfolk. It has been years since I have visited, so not sure how they are set up now. When I visited, all of their exhibits were borrowed from other museums, mostly the Mariners Museum. Though they advertise the USS Wisconsin, it is part of the Naval Museum. The Mariners Museum is located in Newport News. It has a large collection and is home to the USS Monitor Center. You can view the progress on preserving the Monitor Turret. They also have the Crabtree Miniature Ship Model Collection and their Small Boat Collection. I have not had a chance to visit the the Lightship Portsmouth Museum. From what I understand it is about the Lightship Service. Not for away is the Jamestown Settlement, next to Historic Jamestown. They have reconstructions of the 3 ships (Susan Constant, Godspeed and Discovery) that brought the first settlers to Jamestown. If you are into History, there is a lot to see around Hampton Roads.

Ron, I believe you are correct about the height. Maybe Frank could help us out. Frank, The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is a great place to visit. Is the museum the reason for the trip or and added benefit? I was wondering, when you visit the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, could you get the height of the Hand Winder? You would save me a 6 hour drive. Thanks everyone for the feedback and the likes. Catch Yall Later, Kevin

Ron, They look the same to me. In one of your posts you you have a picture of men working next to some hand winders. The winders look like they come to the men's waist. 38-42". A correction to my earlier post. The winders were placed in the sunken area, not on the main deck.

Ron, I am not sure, but if I remember correctly, I believe the crank was at about 36". Before gas powered winders there was a sunking work area called a "sunk platform". The crew would operate the winders from there. The winder would be placed on the main deck*, at the forward edge of the sunk platform. The sunk platform was 8" below the main deck. This put the crank at about 43" height when standing in the sunk platform. "Abaft the hatch in a two-sail bateau or abaft the mainmast in a three-sail bateau, there was a sunken deck or cockpit with its level about 8 inches below the sheer line. Lead pipe scuppers about 1 inch in diameter led through the side of the hull at each corner of the fore end of the cockpit. The decks or half decks at each side of the cockpit were about 18 inches wide." "Notes on Chesapeake Bay Skipjacks" by Howard I. Chapelle, page 7. I hope this helps. *("The winder would be placed on the main deck" - further reading revealed that the winders were placed in the sunken deck, not on the main deck.) Catch Yall Later, Kevin

When we went to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum we were able to catch a Sail Tour on the Skipjack Herman M. Krentz, Captained By Ed Farley. Captain Ed Farley gave a great talk about oystering and the state of oystering in the Chesapeake Bay. Unfortunately, I was more interested in what he had to say, than to take pictures during the ride. I was able talk with him afterward and he provided me information on the constructon of the rudder and transom on counter-stern Skipjacks. Captain Ed Farley of the Skipjack Herman M. Krentz (Right). Captain Farley's drawings comparing the construction of the Herman M. Krentz and the Rosa Parks. The Herman M. Krentz, Rosa Parks and Albatross are/were counter-stern skipjacks. After reviewing the drawings, I realized I made a mistake on the Rudder Post Housing. I braced it with a knee. It should have been a strong-back. luckily I still have time to correct it. Catch yall later, Kevin

Welcome Ron, Omega, Frank, Jack, Jazz and Bob. I glad to have you along. Thank you for all the kind words and feed back. Ron, here are the pictures of the Hand Winder at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. I also have lots of pictures of the E.C. Collier. The Album from our visit can be seen here. 2015-05-23 Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum Thanks again for stopping by, Catch yall later Kevin

Thanks Patrick, I have had a busy summer. Vacation in June, Sick the month of July and moving my daughter and son-in-law in August and all of the usual summer chores. I have added a new build log for Skipjack Albatross. Skipjack Albatross by Kevin from Hampton Roads Please go check it out. Catch yall later, Kevin

My current project is the Skipjack Albatross as she was originally built in 1899. Based off of drawings found in "Notes On Chesapeake Bay Skipjacks" by Howard Chapelle. This go around I am working at a smaller scale (3/8" = 1') and using forms to ensure the correct shape and no gaffs. Length bet. perps....44'-2" Beam .....................15'-10" Draft........................2'-9" What made me choose the Albatross was that there are two versions. The As she was built (1899) and then after being modified for gas powered winders and push boat (1911~). I was looking forward to building the gas powered winders and the push boat, but she looks so much cleaner as she was built. I also like the more historical aspect of the as built plan. I have chosen to build the As Built version of the albatross. I ordered the plans for Albatross from the Smithsonian Institute. Two-sail bateau Albatross This fine bateau has been drawn up to show her as built and as raised upon. When originally built at Cambridge in 1899, she was intended both for oystering and crabbing10. Because of her very low sides, however, she had very little room below. Hence, she was raised upon the unusual amount of 12 inches. When first built, the Albatross was considered a very fast sailer, but since being raised upon, her speed has decreased. She requires some ballast to overcome the effects of the increased windage of her sides and great flare. Generally speaking, counter-stern bateaux are are not usually as fast as those with outboard rudders, but there have been some notable exceptions. "Notes on Chesapeake Bay Skipjacks" by Howard I. Chapelle 10. Albatross was built by George E. Leach in Lloyds, Maryland, near Cambridge, according to the carpenter's certificate. CBMM 1998. Gluing the forms down. The forms in place withe thee keelson laid. I used my router table to cut the taper for the crossplanks. I did the starboard side first and it worked fairly well. The Port side did not go as well. I may have to use some putty. The Bow Stem tapered. The Rudder Housing/Sleeve Centerboard Slot The rudder housing glued to the keelson. Transom glued to the keelson. Well that is all for now. I hope to have more soon. Later, Kevin

Hello Everyone, Sorry for the big delay on updating. It seems summer conspires to keep me away from the shipyard. Well I am back at it again, hopefully with out any major interruptions, at least until next summer. Well here is were I stand. I have scrapped my previous attempt at building a Skipjack due to some issues with the shape of the bow. (1/4" difference from center-line) My current project is the Skipjack Albatross as she was originally built in 1899. Based off of drawings found in "Notes On Chesapeake Bay Skipjacks" by Howard Chapelle. This go around I am working at a smaller scale (3/8" = 1') and using forms to ensure the correct shape and no gaffs. The Plans. Gluing the forms down. The Forms glued and the keel laid. The Bow Stem tapered The Rudder Housing/Sleeve Centerboard slot. I will be starting a new build log and post the link here shortly.

Here is another concrete ship off of Galveston Island Texas. SS Selma - Google Maps and Wikipedia. I grew up seeing this ship every time we rode the ferry to Galveston.

Hi Everyone, I am sorry to keep everyone waiting on an update. I really appreciate all of the comments and advise over past couple of months. Lawrence and Patrick, Thank you for checking up on me and not giving up. All is well I just have run into some issues as I will describe below. Allen, Thank you for your offer. I would love to take that piece of wood and turn it into a model of a skipjack, unfortunately I do not have the proper tools to mill my own lumber at this time. Maybe on a future project. Do you know which skipjack the piece is from? As you may remember, I ran into a problem with the hull shape. When I was building the hull, I made sure that the chin log was correctly shaped, but I just assumed that when I added the side strakes they would follow the chin log with the correct shape. That is not the case. The port side strakes are not flared out as much as the starboard strakes. The difference in dimensions is that the bow area is 6 (scale) inches wider on the starboard side. 6 inches would be hard to hide in the deck planking, but I thought I could joggle a couple planks and hide it with the forward cabin. When I started framing the hold hatch, I realized that the discrepancy ran all the way back to the midship area. At this point I decided that I would never be happy with how my skipjack would look. I am not ready to through in the towel just yet though. I have learned a lot in the past 10 months, and plan to use what I have learned and start a new scratch build. This time I will be working from a set of plans. I will also be using forms (just like the Willie Bennett kit) to ensure the correct shape of the hull. I thought about building the Kathyrn or the E.C. Collier, since I already have their plans. The Kathyrn is fore and aft planked and is a framed hull. I would have had to loft the frames and I decided that I was not ready for that just yet. The E.C. Collier I got as for as cutting the keelson and decided that there was just to much uncertainty in the plans. When the Collier was surveyed, she was suffering from some severe hogging and had spent a lifetime of hard work and make-do repairs. As the notes on the plans stated there was nothing square on the whole boat. I felt that to do it justice I would need to get more information on the E.C. Collier and with the boat still existing there would be no end of the research to get it correct. So what other plans were available? I have Howard Chapelle's "Notes on Chesapeake Bay Skipjacks" which has some additional plans and information. (Great book and can be ordered from the publisher here http://www.tillerbooks.com/Notes_on_Chesapeake_Bay_Skipjacks.php.) I first selected the Hand Dredger Louise. The Louise was only 32' and I wanted something a little larger. There were a couple of Three Sail Bateaus that caught my eye, but I had started on building a Two Sail Bateau and figured I needed to stay with that. So I finally settled on the Skipjack Albatross. Albatross also has a Counter-Stern which adds a twist to the build. There is limited information on the Albatross. In some ways this is great. What is not in the plans and notes I will just have to make do and do my best. There is less wondering about whether I did it correctly since there is no surviving boat to compare it to. Length bet. perps....44'-2" Beam .....................15'-10" Draft........................2'-9" What made me choose the Albatross was that there are two versions. The As she was built (1899) and the after being modified for gas powered winders and push boat (1911~). I was looking forward to building the gas powered winders and the push boat, but she looks so much cleaner as she was built. I also like the more historical aspect of the as built plan. I have chosen to build the As Built version of the albatross. I ordered the plans for Albatross and Louise from the Smithsonian Institute and currently waiting for the delivery. Once they arrive I will be closing this build log and starting a new one.