Underway: Layout and scarfing

The wood arrived, the flu has moved on, and I can finally start making sawdust. The first step was to layout the lines and cut out the bottom and sides of the Clark Fort Drifter. The first variation from the plans is that I plan to scarf the plywood panels. The plans recommend a butt joint with a doubler pad - a second layer of plywood to overlap the seems. I completed several scarf joints on my previous stitch and glue project (Fairhaven Flyer), so figured I could easily make the change. Scarfed joints will be just as strong and will be much more aesthetically pleasing. It also seems like a doubler pad is likely to trap water, at least on the bottom surface.

Most people use a 8:1 or 10:1 ratio for scarf joints on plywood. In my case this works out to roughly 3 3/4” for the 9 mil and 2 3/8” for the 6 mil. I built a router jig for my last project but was not too pleased with the results. After a lot of trial and minimal error, I found the best way was to remove most of the material using a handheld power planer, followed by a block plane and random orbit sander. The uniform thickness of the plys helps monitor progress (the finished surface should have uniform ribons from the different payers of the plywood.) This is definitely one of those steps that can be a bit stressful - more than 20 feet of plywood edges are feathered to leave a paper thin edge. If you plan to paint your hull, the small gaps are not a big deal. If you plan to show off the beauty of the wood, it takes much more precision to ensure the edges stay intact.

Clark Fork Drifter

I'm planning to start building my first drift boat later this week.  I've been narrowing down what I need for this build, and have finally decided on the hull and construction methods.  I have access to a large workspace, but at the end of each day my tools, materials, and work in progress need to fit in a 6' by 20' studio.  Based on my current Yankee Tender build, I figure I can build up to 15' LOA with a beam of five feet.  

The Yankee Tender has over 100 copper rivets and 24 oak ribs that were individually beveled, cambered, tapered, curved, notched, plugged, sanded and bedded; definitely looking for a simpler method of construction on this one.  I hope to make a traditional framed drift boat later this year, but am going with stitch and glue on this one.  It needs to be sturdy, yet light enough for two people to drag to the river.  I found lots of plans that fit these criteria, and ultimately went with the Clark Fork Drifter from Paul Butler.  

Incidentally, Highway 200 on the Clark Fork is one of the prettiest drives I've taken in recent years.  My great grandfather was born in Thompson Falls in the 1891.  And Randy from Plains was instrumental in bringing my wife and me together.  I guess it was meant to be.  

I'm using Okoume marine grade plywood; 9 mil for the bottom and 6 mil for the sides.  The hull will be coated in epoxy and the exterior 'glassed.  Chine seams will be reinforced with thickened epoxy fillets and fiberglass tape.  I plan to add a replaceable rub rail at the waterline.  I also considered a solid wood stem, but need to think through this process a bit further.  The gunwales and other trim will likely be CVG douglas fir or white oak, but that's dependent on local suppliers.  Butler has pictures of several recently built Clark Fork Drifters. The white hull/bright interior and the all bright examples are both striking.  I guess I have a few weeks before I have to make that call.

Cast & Blast 2019

For the past fifteen years my childhood friend has invited me to join him on his annual Cast and Blast trip on the Grande Ronde River in Southeast Washington. Three days in a beautifully remote canyon to take advantage of the scenery, mule deer season and the steelhead. run. Most years the invite came at the last minute in the form of a phone call: “You joining us on the Cast and Blast this year?”

The call usually came from the grocery store parking lot in Lewiston as he stopped for last minute provisioning. My kids, my job, and 2000 miles prevented me from joining him until this past year.

2019 would be different. That summer I was offered a wooden sailboat in need of some rehab. Unbelievable opportunity, but I would need to pick it up in Newport, WA. My great uncle built it in the 70’s but it sat in his barn since 1985. A boat project, along with the chance to see my cousin in Malden, convinced me to make the journey to the Grande Ronde in October 2019.

Four childhood friends and enough food and drink for a week - we were ready for our 3 day trip into the wilderness. We had two 14 foot drift boats ready to go. I had read Roger Fletcher’s book on drift boats, but this was my first time aboard one. I was immediately hooked. Light enough for two guys to launch. The shallow draft allowed passage through low water. The high rocker enabled us to maneuver through rapids and around submerged hazards. The beam gave us stability to stand - and room for a cooler. As an avid backpacker, I particularly enjoyed access to a cooler and some of the best food I’ve ever eaten in the wilderness.

On my return journey across the great plains three thoughts kept circling in my mind:

1) Stay ahead of the blizzard.

2) Would the 1985 trailer make it to Madison.

3) What type of drift boat should I build first.