JEM Watercraft

Hi Morten. I've been doing my homework on the DK18. I have a few questions. I'm thinking I can start building by April. It will be summer here.

What weight of glass should I use? I saw the 4" tape spec but no weight. Also I have some biax. I don't suppose there would be any problem if I used this on the bow and keel? Or would a graphite coating be better.

Next I would like to be a slotted inwale. Aside from it being very useful, it would also cover the frames. Can I make it 1-1/2" wide and taper the part of the frame leading to it so it butts with the inwale flush? Or is just doing the the inwale 2" wide better?

I'd like to put a detachable sole and floors. Any thoughts?

Do you really mean to leave out the cutout for the motor in the transom?

170g (6oz) glass fiber tape or heavier should do. Sorry for the missing specification. I don't see any problems in using the biax you got.

Sure an inwale sounds fine and tapering the upper part of the frames to 1-1/2" would be fine, since the strain here is lower.

A sole could be fine, just remember to have it as low as possible to help stability.

Sorry for the transom drawing I have emailed you a new one

Thanks Morten for your answers. I have a couple more:

1. Excuse my ignorance please. I tried looking it up but I could not find a good answer. Why is a motorwell a good thing?

2. Where is it best to put the gas tank?

3. I'd like it to be unsinkable but still keep as much of the closed volumes for dry storage. Where and how large should the flotation volumes be?

4. I think I can figure the hatches but if you have specs please feel free.

Our boat building group will be conducting a kit cutting session at my house for our upcoming Family Boatbuilding Weekend, I plan to order the plywood at the same time - volume and free delivery .

1: No problem The motor well is primarily a good rigid beam that will help distribute the forces from the outboard to the hull. You can see that one of the difference between the 15' and 18' Dinghy is the motor well and since the 18' Dinghy is designed for larger outboards the motor well is necessary for this design.

2: I would recommend you have it under the aft seat. If you need to carry more fuel you can have some extra fuel tanks under the center or bow seat.

3: The amount of flotation depends on how many crew members and how much gear you carry. I would recommend you make the forward and aft compartments watertight.

4: I haven't got any specification for the hatches. Since the size and position depends on the builders preferences you should find some hatches that suits you and install them. I find it most convenient if the hatches are placed in vertical surfaces, but you might have other preferences.

That sounds great with the plywood and boat building weekend. My best wishes for an enjoyable weekend.