JEM Watercraft

I've received plans for the dinghy 18. The wood is bought, the epoxy is on its way, and I'm starting soon. Before I cut out the parts, I have some questions about small changes.

I would like to use a longshaft motor, is this as simple as moving the clamping board 5" higher? Would I also want to move the motorwell bottom higher, or is it better in general to have a deeper motorwell? Why is the cutout on the transom so wide, can I make it just wide enough to clear the engine from lock to lock?

Can I leave the side compartments beside the transom open? I think this would be a good place to store things vertically, such as spearguns, a boat hook, etc. I would put a drain inside, of course.

I have another question about the building jig. In the assembly manual, it says to "use the width of the chine of the smallest frame" to determine the width of the building jig. Well there are two chines, which one do I use? If I look at the smallest frame, it's the bow frame on 10003-13, that dimension is either 12.25" or 19.5" depending on the chine. Which one determines the width of the jig?

I must admit that sheet 10004-1 is a bit confusing. It would be much easier if you could simply give the dimensions of the building jig using normal lumber dimensions.

I would recommend you leave the transom height as it is and just use the long shaft outboard. It will anyway give a better performance of the outboard.

The width os designed for normal recommendations regarding width for standard outboards, so before altering the width check real carefully with your outboard supplier that the outboard will work alright.

No problems in leaving the side compartments open as long as you have sufficient drain.

12.25" should be fine for the jig.

Things are moving along, I have an album on FB:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/fbx/? ... feb23f591a