Sponge

The family is still working on boats; My Daughter was inspired by the web site www.muskokaseaflea.ca. She decided that this was a must do project. Fortunately for her there are a few pieces of scrap in our shop from my projects that the very low budget (2 new pieces of ¼ fir plywood and glue) allowed her to proceed. The boat is powered by a 1970’s 7.5hp Mercury, the boat is 8’ long and 4’ wide. I was surprised when we first put it in the water as I put one foot in the boat to try and start the engine and I stated to sink it with my weight. I now start it on the beach standing in the water. The kids have had great fun with this boat and as you can see my daughter has a smile on her face bigger than I have ever seen. They have been very wet coming in as the boat waves can give you a face full of water. Below is the excerpt she wrote to show it at the kids section of the July boat show in Gravenhurst.
Chris Bullen

I had a very small budget for the boat. The only wood purchased were 2 sheets of 1/4" ply from the lumber store. This was the plywood for the deck and hull. The remaining pieces were scrap from the garage. The total cost of the boat was $96.06.

planing stringers (click images for larger views)

clinching deck at bow with bronze boat nails

I used gorilla glue ("strongest glue on earth :-)") to hold it together, as well some screws and nails. The bow was clinch nailed with bronze nails. Then a layer of west system was put along the bottom seams.

painting the bottom

The name, although inspired by the cartoon, is appropriate as you may get very wet in the boat. Great fun was had on lunching day July 7.05.

Jen's boat

I had a blast once I got over the jitters of driving such a small craft. My younger bother took off and was a little less timid with it. I had to call him back in so I could get another go. I suspect that great rides will be had for many years to come.