"The
Hull Construction Log
Go to the Newest pictures
May 26, 2007
Test day moved to June 7th!
Yes...we've been given an additional week to make sure things are right. June 7th will be the day we'll find out if what we've been THINKING is going to work really IS going to work and let all the elements of what is now Miss Thriftway a chance to prove us right or wrong! The past month has been verrrrry stressful on the crew. So many little things to do and just when you think you're done, Chief says, "What about THAT?" Damn! Forgot to clamp it! OK "Git 'er done!!!!" BUT...the list is really short and we'll be getting her wet on June 7th at Stan Sayres pits on Lake Washington.
This is going to be the last entry in the "progress" section. I will be modifying the website to give you more updates as to what displays, events and demonstrations we will be participating in. Chief, Larry, Rob and I, along with Stuart, Alan and Peter would like to thank all of you who have supported us through the build and really look forward to showing off our work. Please don't hesitate in introducing yourself if you are at an event where we have the boat, we'd love to give you a "tour". Our first "official" display is next weekend (June 2nd) at the Thriftway store on Vashon Island. We will be there from 9am-4pm. June 7th is TEST DAY! June 8-10, Miss Thriftway will be on display on behalf of the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum at Lake Sammamish State Park for the 11th annual Tastin' and Racin' event. In July, we will be participating in a demonstration run in Tri-Cities, Washington at the ABRA Columbia Cup race. In August, Miss Thriftway will be on display at the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum in Kent, Washington celebrating Bill Muncey. Keep checking the website for the updated schedule.
Again, we thank you for your support and look forward to seeing you!
Steve "Chief" Payne
Larry "Lars" Fuller
Rob "Scooter" Wheeler
Steve "Woody" Compton
May 19, 2007
No new pics this week, just a lot of very time consuming work. Wires and hoses are being run and clamped into place. The final hook-ups are being done. Chief, Larry and Rob worked hard this past week just getting it done...throttle and mixture linkage, main oil hose, fuel relays, battery cables, fuel lines, more water lines,... Steve worked on a few structural pieces of aluminum and finished them up Saturday. Lots of last minute thrashing to get her ready for next Tuesday. Keep your fingers crossed!
May 12, 2007
Pete Bertolotti, original Slo-Mo IV & V and Hawaii Kai Crew member, came by with Bruce Dayz to look at our beauty. Pete seemed to enjoy himself and he kept walking around, looking at various things we've done.
On Friday, Peter came over and just about finished up the wiring. Chief got more hoses done, The battery slides were installed by Rob, Larry started buffing out the bow so things continued to move along.
As I write this progress update, it occurs to me that after 4+ years of spending Sunday mornings reviewing what's been accomplished the day before, we are near the end of this portion of the project. The next step is to start running, displaying and demonstrating our pride and joy. The next few weeks will be spent putting the finishing touches and final hoses, linkages, polishing, touchups on Miss Thriftway. It won't be too apparent from the outside appearance, but these are the internal workings that's going to make her go. There will still be updates posted as to where our displays will be, where we'll be running and overall activity with her. Many of you have been asking about a test date. Right now, there is a tenative date of May 29th at Stan Sayres pits. We still have a lot of little stuff to finish up and we have not even thought about trailer firing the engine in the boat yet. That is still a week or more away. Peter will be back on Monday to finish up the wiring, Chief, Larry and Rob will be putting the engine back in on Monday so Peter can do his wiring to the engine, more hoses still need to be made, battery cables need to be installed, reinforcing for the frames that were cut out need to be bolted in, etc, etc, etc...
It really struck me yesterday afternoon as I was climbing out of the engine bay to get a drill when I looked around and saw six people all doing something different. There is a lot left to be done. We are confident we'll make it, but still, is everything going to work the first time? It's a race boat...Probably NOT!!!! We don't want to dissappoint people, but we just want to cover everything we can think of (that's Chiefs main forte!) We'll keep plugging way...
May 8, 2007
Two more days on Vashon for Steve and between the 4-5 of us we got some major milestones behind us. Steve brought the trailer over Monday and by Monday afternoon the hull was on the trailer. We got a few more hoses fabricated and installed along with the guy wires for the tail. This morning (Tuesday) Chief was concerned that the tail was going to hit the overhead gantries, so we hooked up the F550 and started to slowly pull the boat out of Larry's shop. For the first time since January 2006 Miss T saw the outside. It was a beautiful day and the sun was out so we really wanted to see what we had...take a look at the hull photos!
May 5, 2007
Busy week again!
Richard came over and put the finishing touches on the U-60
Steve Came over Wednesday to help out, Larry took some time and Rob showed up and here's what we did:
Fabricated and installed all but 2 water lines
Fabricated and installed both fuel tank vent lines
Fabricated and installed the large Oil lines
Installed the Fuel and Oil filler spouts and caps
Ran the ground wire required when we fill the fuel
Peter came over and put a full day in on the wiring (still needs another day or two)
Fabricated and installed the gearbox vent line on the engine
Finished fabrication of the battery tray
Did final install of seat mounts and got the seats
Did final alignment and install of steering linkage
Rob fabricated the foot petal throttle
Oh yeah, did I mention we installed the Strut, intermediate strut and stuffing box TODAY!!!!!
We are having Scott Baker work two props for us and they are close to being done.
As you can see, things are getting checked off pretty fast. Monday, Steve will bring the trailer over and we'll move the boat onto it. We'll install the engine and start the final stages of plumbing and wiring.
April 28, 2007
During the week, despite being sick, Larry got the tail painted, Richard came over and got the U-60 on and Chief and Stuart did the final install on the tail, rear cowling and dashbord cowling. Once again, it was hard to get started Saturday morning because all you wanted to do is walk around and stare! BUT...work we did!
Steve and Larry got the rub rail trim installed
Alan fabricated the mounting brackets for the tail struts
Rob made the alignment bolts for the engine
Chief installed the kill switches and fabricated brackets for more electrical connectors
Stuart cleaned up and polished the transom
This week, Steve will take the latter part of the week off and help Chief make and install the hoses for water, oil and fuel. We're hoping the seat is done so we can start working on the throttle linkage. We'll install the fuel and oil fill spouts on the deck. The steering tube will be done and we'll get that installed. Peter is coming over to work on the wiring, and Richard is going to make one more trip to put the finishing touches on the U-60. Alan is coming over Friday to finish up and install the strut brackets. If we can get the shaft back, we can then get the Strut, intermediate strut and stuffing box installed. Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock...May is approaching!
April 21, 2007
WE HAVE STRIPES!!!!!!
What a difference a week can make! WOW! I couldn't even start working yesterday. I just had to walk around her and stare, and marvel at how beautiful she looks. My love affair with this particular boat started when I was 5 years old. A neighbor had built the Dumas model of her and I thought that was the most beautiful think I had ever seen! I got that feeling again yesterday when seeing the stripes for the first time. OK, so we're bragging a little, we just hope she RUNS as good as she looks!
One of the cream stripes was a little off, so Larry and Rob got it ready to fix. Chief and Steve worked on laying out the tail so Larry will paint it this week and Rob fabricated the trim tab bracked that holds the trim tab at the correct offset angle. We called Richard to let him know he can "U-60" her up so the "look" will be complete verrrrry soon.
Alans prop checked out and is being finished up. Ike Kielgas has loaned up two props which we'll get checked and balanced so we should have a few options when we test. Test day is at the end of May...exact date has not been determined.
Prop shaft may be back next week, the stuffing box will be picked up so we're hoping with the paining done, we can get back to installing her components.
April 14, 2007
Steering linkage cut and ends attached
(to be welded this week)
Prop shaft marked and pulled out
(Alans prop will be magnafluxed this week then will go down with shaft for taper and keyway)
Bench seat fabricated. Both seats to be taken in for uphostry this week
Intermediate strut support was glued and bolted in
More pictures will follow this week as Larry sends them to me on the stripes progress. Peter will come over and finish the dashboard wiring.
April 7, 2007
Rear and dashboard cowlings are ready for paint
Seat brackets were fabricated and mounted
Seat bars were fabricated and attached
Stuffing box was milled and now fits
Intermediate strut was located and holes were drilled
Shaft alignment was finalized
Larry is almost done with sanding and buffing the finish.
This week Peter is coming over to wire the instruments. Don Mock was called and will come over next Sunday to start the stripes. Chief will be putting the final coats of varnish on the tail and trim tab so they can be sanded and buffed by our resident finisher (Lars). Steve will be taking the stuffing box and bearing inserts to get anodized.
Now that the prop shaft is where we want it, we need to get it cut to length and tapered. We're very lucky in that we have a number of props available to try to see which one will work best. Once that is determined, we may have one made (way in the future!)
March 31, 2007
While we're all anxious to see the stripes put on, Larry discovered another way to give the finish a furniture look. He's sanding it with 600 wet/dry then buffing it out. The area he did was spectacular! It's going to take a little longer, but man, is it going to be worth it! You'll see stripes soon enough...
Chief and Stu finished up fitting the cowlings so Mr. Epoxy (Rob) laid up a lamination to attach the two pieces together. Orange paint is in the near future.
We started on fabricating the seat attachment today. We've seen a number of ways to do this, but the Museums Hawaii Kai III has the easiest one we've seen. Since we don't have a lot of room to work, we need to be able to remove the seat quickly. This design allows that!
Most of the morning was spent working on the prop shaft alignment. The stuffing box tweaked enough during the welding process to where we need to make an adjustment on the base. Lou and Rob will take care of that this week and we should be able to mount it. When we're happy with where it's located
we'll send it out for anodizing.
March 24, 2007
Rear cowlings are just about done
Seat is ready to send to get upholstered
Stuffing box is out getting welded
Engine rails and bolts are installed
Intermediate strut reinforcing was fabricated
Shaft alignment plates are done
Reinforcing plate for strut was fabricated
New towing vehicle was purchased
To say that it was a busy day (week) would be an understatement! Lots still left to do, but things are getting checked off pretty fast. Corky Peterson and Ed Karlsen dropped by to see how we were doing. Ed was kind enough to give us some insight on propeller theory...verrrry interesting. Oh yeah, we were fortunate to have a situation come our way to where we now have a brand new F550 to tow the boat with. Take a look at the hull picture page.
The stipes had to be put off a week. Don is planning on coming over next week.
March 17, 2007
Only one photo this week because all the stuff that happened wasn't quite done, or it didn't seem like there would be anything new to show...NEXT WEEK, HOWEVER...
So, to recap:
Larry sanded and put another coat of varnish on (one more to go!)
Chief made the backing plates for the engine rails
Steve is fabricating the stuffing box...we fit it on Saturday and it looks verrry close.
Rob fabricated the steel plates that the motor mount bolts will attach to
and Alan fabricated our alignment plates. These are used to make sure the engine and shaft are in perfect alignment to avoid shaft vibration. (Yes, pictures will follow when we do the alignment!)
March 10, 2007
Richard came over during the week and finished the name on the sides. For someone who hasn't done much in the way of signage for over 14 years...I guess it's like riding a bike; once you've got it, you don't loose it! It couldn't be better!!!!!
Larry got another coat of varnish on. It looks so smooth it almost hurts your eyes. Another couple coats to go then it's stripes time!
Chief and Stuart have been fine tuning the back cowlings. The right side is done and the left side is almost done. Should get them wrapped up in the next few weeks. Then they'll get ORANGE!
Saturday, Ron came over and we got the engine rails positioned. Once we got the string located, they went right in place. Then we set the engine on them, and with a minimal amount of shimming, the prop shaft went right in. We then located where the stuffing box needs to go and so we can now proceed with fabrication.
March 3, 2007
I go to Whistler on our annual family vacation, and so much gets done when I'm gone, I spend over an HOUR processing all the pictures Larry took! I added 23 new pictures just in a two week period! So, to recap...
THE IDENTITY CRISIS IS OVER!!!!
Richard Rutledge came over and, as promised, put his skill as a sign painter to work and hand painted the name on the sides of the hull. Miss Thriftway has now got her name on! Richard's skill was very apparent as he sat down and very professionally lettered her name. We can't thank you enough Richard! Larry and Chief continue to add coats of varnish to the deck and tail pieces because Don Mock is scheduled to come over around March 23rd to paint on the stripes.
Chief and Larry found a wrinkle finish spray paint that is tougher than nails and got it applied to both the dash and steering wheel. It is perfect to kill the glare! In addition, Chief installed the sponson water pickups and hoses.
Our engine rails came back so now it's time to think about getting the engine set. We had a birthday party for Lars after our work session on Saturday so we just spent the morning getting the engine slung into the engine bay and played with the shaft alignment. This is not going to be as much "fun" as we thought it might be but...it's a HUGE milestone.
February 17, 2007
More varnish was put on. The sides are starting to look like Broyhill Furniture did it. Lars used his waterbug and wet sanded them and that put it over the top...smoooooth.
Finished the tail and trim tab...they got stained. Rob and Alan started making the seat. The seat back will be 5 laminations of 1.5mm Okoume.
Lars & Steve wet sanded the deck to get ready for more Varnish!!!
February 10, 2007
During the week Chief and Lars got two more coats of varnish on the sides, Richard reported he's got the template for the name ready to go and will be getting the paint this week, and Woody finished making the trim tab.
Today, we attached the support pieces onto the tail and fit the rear cowling pieces. Chief and Lars said they'd stain and varnish the tail and trim tab this coming week in addition to getting the final coats on the sides.
While Woody and Lars were making sawdust and shavings, Chief, Scooter and Aldo worked on permanently installing the water distribution block and oil cooler. This allowed the fabrication of the hoses to connect them. Another big step! The engine rails should be back next week so now things are really moving forward FAST!
February 3, 2007
This week Chief and Peter finalized the dash, got it cutout, installed the instruments and attached it to the fiberglass cowling. Next week it'll be wired up. Larry took the engine rails over to cousin Georges shop and they milled them, then sanded then to get ready for welding. Steve worked on the tails trim tab and it should be done this week.
One of the milestones on our list is getting the name hand painted on the sides. One of Steve's customers, Richard Rutledge of Fall City, was a sign painter for 30 years. Richard came over today and looked the boat over and will come over in a couple of weeks to get started! Richard builds wooden boats in his "spare time" and was thrilled to see what we were doing. He can't wait to get started. The next couple of weeks, Chief and Lars will be sanding and applying many coats of varnish to get the sides ready for Richard!
January 27, 2007
During the week, Lars and Chief applied two coats of varnish. That took the chocolate brown color of the raw stain and brought out the red. We compared the sample piece from the original hull with the result and...WE GOT IT!!!!! You can be assured that when you see our boat, it IS as close to the original as you can get!
Also during the week, Steve was able to get the strut and intermediate strut cadmium plated and so we were able to bolt it in place, slide the shaft in and see if the engine fit. So, with the deck sealed up, we papered it, then it was time to introduce the engine to the hull. Once in place, Rob marked where the mounts were, measured the angle (which was really, really close) and we spent the rest of the day fabricating the engine rails.
January 20, 2007
Well...the “Little brown Thriftway” is now REALLY the little Brown Thriftway. After spending most the morning walking around the hull a minimum 12 times, we decided we've puttied, sanded, scraped and fussed enough. It was time to stain! We ate an early lunch then got to it. The entire process only took two hours, but man, you should have seen the number of rags we used! All in all, it came out just as we had hoped. There are a few areas where the hysol and/or epoxy didn't let the stain penetrate as deep, but a light wipe with a damp rag took care of that problem...
Peter came over and laid out the dashboard and helped keep an eye out for problem areas during the staining. He needs the dash on the boat to make sure the steering wheel doesn't interfere with critical gauges and lights, so we'll get that worked on after the stain has dried and Chief and Larry can get a couple coats of varnish applied.
January 6, 2007
Major progress was made today!
Chief had the water tube welded into the strut so we were able to locate and drill the holes in the bottom. The reinforcing plate is 3/4" thick so we wanted to drill that on a drill press. In order to do so, we needed to remove it then we could use Hysol when we re-installed it. That took about three hours. After the holes were drilled, we installed the last two deck pieces. NOW the deck is DONE!!!!
During the past few weeks we've been tweaking the stain color. This last week, Chief applied two coats of varnish and when we compare it to the original piece, we can't tell the difference. So with a few more pieces of wood to attach to the deck left, some more puttying and sanding, we'll be staining before too long.
December 30, 2006
Wind and Christmas...
Steve and Alan weren't able to make it over on Dec 16th because the windstorm that blew through Seattle on the 15th left some "cleanup" to be done. Then, Christmas weekend came and went, so now it's back at it!
Just because Steve and Alan didn't make it over, didn't mean things ground to a halt! Chief, Larry and Rob kept moving forward. Larry got the oil tank, Chief got the flash pans, Rob and Stu came over and they got everything fitted and bolted in. Steve got the strut back from the machinist who made the hole round again (it gets warped during welding) and the welder fixed the cracks we found (he dye checked it and found 6 more tiny ones and fixed those too). This week we located the strut holes then Rob went and milled them along with facing where the bolts go so now we'll get it plated. We needed to add a screw line down the airtrap to just give a little more strength so we added 122 more screws to the deck! After the screws were done, we rolled the boat over so we could work on the strut.
We would like to extend our THANKS and APPRECIATION to Gary Jensen who fabricated the oil tank. Gary's work is outstanding so if you would like to contact Gary, his business is Triad Fabricating Corp - Phone: 425-514-8363
December 9, 2006
Detailing, attaching doublers and getting the dash portion of the cowling ready to attach have been the items we've been working on for the past few weeks. The doublers under the deck curves needed to be built up to 1-1/8" for added strength and to give support for the 1" wide aluminum trim piece that will go around the shear. Larry put the final sizing on the shear so the 1" piece will fit. Chief was assembling all the parts for the dashboard cowling and getting them fitted. Steve finished the main tail section and will be working on the trim tab next. Alan has been sanding up a storm. The whole deck has been detailed (puttied and sanded) and we're just waiting on getting the stain color just right. We got 1 gallon, but the color is not quite right. Steve will be trying to tweak it this week.
November 25, 2006
There were some adjustments made on the tail measurements from the template so Steve brought the tail over to confirm the new ones were right. Well, you just know we couldn't resist putting the cowlings back on. This was the first time we got a chance to see the components all together. It really looks like a hydro now!
After we were done drooling over how she looks, Steve and Larry worked on cutting and installing the doubler pieces under the deck curves. Alan and Stu spent their day applying putty to the joints and screw holes. Chief has been working hard on the dashboard and it is finally at a point where he's happy so he made the attachment brackets. Everything just slips on and fits like a glove. Larry got our prop shaft back, so now we're starting to think seriously about how to get the engine rails done...
Next Saturday is the Museums annual meeting so we'll have a short day.
November 18, 2006
The last deck piece was fit and dry screwed down. This gives us the opportunity
to start fabricating and dry fitting the support pieces for the dashboard and
tail cowlings. We cut and fit the two pieces for the dash and got it set up. Next will be the tail and tail cowl. Steve will work on fabricating the tail over the next few weeks.
Alan and Stu got busy with the putty and filled most of the 900 screw holes in
the deck. By the end of the day, it was hard to tell there were any holes!
During the past week, we were asked about how we were going to “finish”
the boat. We had not yet decided, but it came to light that the original had been stained. Famed hydro photographer Bill Osborne had constructed an EXACT scale of the 1955 Miss Thriftway back in the early 80’s
and had done extensive research in how the boat was constructed. His information came from Ted and Ron
Jones, and Les Staudacher so I guess you can say it was as reliable as you can get! Bill also had in his possession a piece of the deck that came off in the 1956 Gold Cup. He came over today and is letting us
borrow his deck sample. We were quite surprised as to how Red the color was. BUT, if that is what it was, that
is what OURS will be!
November 10, 2006
Steve Greaves brought our Keller speedometer over today. The original boat had
a gold faced Keller, this one is a black faced. The black face will match the
rest of the gauges and will be easier to read so we're happy!
We installed the next two pieces that are next to the engine bay and cockpit.
After they were down, we took the last sheet we have and sized it for the back
right piece. It got drilled and sized, but will not be installed until we have
the strut and other running gear in place. It will be a lot easier to install
that stuff without a deck on it!
November 9, 2006
WE prepped the two pieces that complete the engine well and 3/4 of the cockpit.
We got the word that our speedometer will be delivered by Steve Greaves of
Portage Bay Systems. Steve worked with Keller to pull all the parts necessary
to supply us with an exact replica of the Keller speedometer used in the
November 8, 2006
Chief came up with a good idea, he suggested we NOT put on the right sponson
and get BOTH sides ready to go so we can use the opposite side to clamp the
compound curve while we fit it. So we spent Tuesday getting the right side
ready, and Wednesday prepping the left side and installing them both. WOW! We
think it looks pretty good!!! (We're TRYING to be humble!)
November 6, 2006
The first piece of deck was put on today!!!!
A little more fairing was necessary, but then things were ready! The glue was
mixed around 6:00pm and by 7:00, it was done! While Steve was putting the
finishing touches on the deck piece, Larry was busy doing the final drilling
and polishing of the lifting eyes in the cockpit and got both of them
installed. Chief re-designed the tee connector for the fuel and made the
mounting bracket. More deck tomorrow!
November 5, 2006
Last week Ron was able to make it over and we went over the process for
installing the deck. After he left, Larry made a bracket for the fire bottle
and he and Steve got that installed. During the week Chief mounted the fuel
pump.
This weekend we've been busy, to say the least. This is going to be a pretty
special week! Steve Compton is staying on the Island all week and he, Chief and
Larry will be working on putting the deck on. We spent Saturday, installing the
butt blocks and the rest of the joining pieces for the plywood. We're using
5'x10' Okoume plywood so we minimize the number of joints. Sunday was spent
fairing all the butt blocks. Alan stayed over and worked on getting all the
lifting eyes prepped and ready for final polish and install. In addition, the
battery tray and rails have been made and will be fitted to the boat. We need
to wait to permanently install it until all the fuel and water lines are in
place, in addition to the strut. We've discovered what looks like a crack in
the weld of our new strut so we need to get it checked out. That may delay
getting the engine rails mounted. Updates may be posted later this week so keep
checking back.
October 21, 2006
Steve finished the fairing of the deck battens. Ron couldn't make it over this
weekend, but should be able to next weekend. We're ready to apply some decking!
Steve is also working on the battery tray...it should be ready next week also.
Chief has been working on the dash cowling and just about has it. We'll need to
attach a few more reinforcing battens along side the cockpit combing to lend
support for the pieces that the cowling will attach to. Alan has been detailing
the spoiler. He finished up today. Rob spent most of the day filing on the
shaft log.
October 14, 2006
Shaft log liner was installed. Chief worked on the dashboard and front
cowling piece. Steve & Rob kept
making more sawdust by fairing the deck battens. We’ve invited Ron to come over
next week to help us finalize the battens and give us direction on the best way
to lay the deck! Steve also started
working on the battery mount. Our
idea is to have them (3 each) mounted on a sliding tray system so we old guys
don’t hurt our backs trying to maneuver 100 lb batteries in tight
quarters!
October 6, 2006
Last week the "fall bug"
hit both Steve and Rob, out sick...
Alan was up in Port Angeles helping Jerry and Greg Hopp clinch the ULHRA
National title (UL-1) for the FOURTH year in a row (Fourpete???) Congratulations
to the Hopp Team!
But THIS week, we were all together and got a few things done. Peter came over
and we kept tweaking the engine. Started it up again. After making some
changes, we all came to the conclusion that what it really needs is to be in
the boat and run under load. She's starting really easy and just keeps running.
Chief has just one more little oil leak to take care of and then we'll put her
away for the winter.
Steve and Alan cleaned up the shaft hole and sealed it with epoxy and faired
the deck battens some more. Next week we'll install the liner and get THAT done.
September 23, 2006
IT WORKED!!!!
OK...maybe not as we had hoped the FIRST time, but after "tweaking" a
few things, the engine was starting to run smoother. As Chief stated, this is
the first time all these different parts were working in the same block, so
there are going to be some issues. If you view the video links on the front
page, you'll see that we cranked it up early in the morning and she was loping
pretty good. After multiple starts, plug changes and a carb exchange, the
second video is later in the afternoon and she's sounding a whole lot smoother.
A few oil leaks, learning about some venting, starter and carb issues, overall
we feel pretty good about it! The first time starting and getting warmed up and
NOTHING BROKE!!!!!!!
Back to the hull work next weekend!
September 16, 2006
Last week was spent finishing up the fitting of the cowlings and tail.
Since it was pretty much the same as the week before, I decided to forgo the
update. THIS WEEK HOWEVER...
was spent mounting more hardware, installing the corner blocks in the engine
compartment and cockpit, cutting the bottom ribs to make way for the stuffing
box, and cutting the aluminum insert we will install in the shaft log hole.
Next week will be another MAJOR milestone for Vashon Unlimiteds. After almost
THREE YEARS of waiting, we will start the engine!!!!! Barring any major
disasters, we'll bring the video camera over and make some noise and
smoke!
September 2, 2006
All day was spent working on fitting the parts that define the
“look” of Miss Thriftway, the cockpit, cowlings and tail. By the end of the day, we all felt we
had done what we set out to do and Ted Jones would have given his nod of
approval!
August 26, 2006
Ron Brown re-worked our scavenger oil pump shaft and Steve picked it up during
the week. Chief and Peter will get it installed and THEN, we can get out engine
to fire! (Video will DEFINITELY follow!)
During the races, Steve,, Rob and Alan had an opportunity to see how the worlds
fastest Piston Hydroplane mounted their Allison. In a lengthy conversation with
Mr. Cooper, we have decided to follow his lead and use 1/2"
4"x6" 6061 T6 Aluminum for the engine rails. I've included a photo of
the U-3's rails so you can get an idea of where we're going with ours. The
material was picked up this week so we'll get the configuration marked out
soon.
Since we don't want to ruin our deck, we attached some scrap plywood to the
rear section of the boat so we could start to fit the fiberglass cowling
pieces. We need to get these set in order to finish up the cockpit
configuration. Once that's done we can measure and set the steering, dashboard,
seat, etc...
Like I said last week, things are starting to move quickly. There aren't too
many "big" jobs, just a bunch of 1-2 man projects so we can break up
into smaller groups and work on 3-4 things at the same time. Exciting
times!!!!!
August 20, 2006
Back at it!
Alan was still helping out the Hopps at the quicksilver race this weekend, but
Chief, Larry Rob and Steve got to work and got some decisions made! Rob brought
over some Aluminum and the lifting points were figured out so he, Larry and
Chief shaped and cutout the aluminum for the lifting rings. Meanwhile Steve
brought the deck plywood over and was busy fitting the plywood layers that will
form the deck corners in the engine compartment. We sanded (faired) the battens
a little to see how much work THAT was going to be (start warming up the
shoulders guys!)
August 2, 2006
So, I thought the activity level would slow down! Steve C, Alan and Rob went to
the Gold Cup three weeks ago, and last weekend Steve and Alan helped out Jerry
and Greg Hopp on the UL-1, Mikes Hard Lemonade/Happy Go Lucky at Tri-Cities
(Larry and Karen were busy selling Mikes merchandise!) You'd think Miss
Thriftway would be feeling neglected. Not so! Sometime between their hectic
work schedules, Chief, Larry and Rob have attached the deck battens! With
Seafair this weekend, and car shows and Annual Summer Parties next, it'll be a
few more weeks before the whole crew will be back on the boat. BUT...once
there, things should be flying!
July 1, 2006
So we got delayed a week...TODAY was batten day! We laid all the battens in
place to see where we were at after Ron established the shape and guess what?
We're so close, we decided it was time! Now...where are the screws? I thought
YOU had 'em, no...I thought YOU had 'em, where's Wheeler? Hey Rob, do you know
where the screws are? NO...I thought Compton had them. Uh...you know, I THOUGHT
I brought them over, maybe I didn't. Anyone coming into town next week? Larry?
OK, swing by the Lumberyard and I'll give 'em to you. Darn, can't really put
the battens down then. Hey Chief, grab me a beer, will ya?
Yeah, we're getting closer. One of the things that we WERE going to do was
insert a plywood section where the fuel fill tubes were going to go. Ron nixed
that idea, so we needed to scarf in a section we had cut out for the plywood.
That's what we finished up so next week (after Steve gives Larry the screws)
the battens will go down for real!
FYI...
It's race season and I'm going to be attending the Gold Cup, Tri Cities and
Seattle. Per past years, the activity level will decrease a bit, to start up
hot and heavy in mid August. Chief, Larry, Rob, Alan and Stu will still be
working on things, but vacations and trips will be slowing us all down. I'll
get updates on, as they develop. Have a great Summer!
June 24, 2006
When we left last week, we had in our mind we would start putting the battens
on. During the week Compton talked to Ron Jones about our strut, and mentioned
that's what we were thinking of doing. Ron very diplomatically suggested we
NOT, and get the shear line established FIRST! The invite was issued and Ron,
again, graciously came over and set us straight and established the shear line
for the entire boat! It's really hard to "help" him when all you're
doing is watching a Master working at his craft, but I think we managed to keep
things clear so he could "get 'er done!"...and he did! NOW, we need
to fair the frames so the batten will just lay in place. This way, according to
Ron, we'll have minimal fairing to do.
June 17, 2006
Last week, Rob finished the engine stand and we put our engine on it so Peter
could have the test stand back. Chief finished the new signature wall (if you
visit, you must sign!).
Today, we installed the engine and cockpit combing pieces and cut the foam
we're using for floatation in the bow. Once the floatation was in place, Larry
went to work on dry fitting the center batten because we need to cutout for the
bow cleat and install reinforcement for the bow ornament.
June 3, 2006
Today we spruced up the shop and made the engine well and cockpit combings.
Steve, Larry and Rob worked on shaping the combing pieces, Chief and Alan (with
Rob's help) laid out and painted a graphic on the shop doors. Most of the
painting was done today, but the orange stripes still need to be done. Chief
sez he'll get it done...
Steve and Larry worked on the combings. They got the wood shaped and the
aluminum brackets fabricated. Next up would be the corner "knee"
pieces...
Next weekend is the opening of the Unlimited Lights at Lake Sammamish (Tastin'
and Racin'). We'll be down there (just like last year) so next week will be a
bye week!
May 27, 2006
Per plan...masking and spraying the final interior coats were the order of the
day.
The product used was Sherwin Williams "Polane". Polane is a catalyzed
Poly urethane that is used by the marine trade to seal the inside of cargo holds.
Again, we rely on the expertise of those who have been doing this a long time
and this is the product Dixon Smith used on his '62 Bardahl.
May 20, 2006
The bottom is 95% DONE! We've done all we can do up to this point. We're
waiting for Ron Jones to finish our strut, we'll get our stuffing box, get our
shaft bearing insert made, THEN the bottom should be complete. (Is it really
EVER complete!?) Next week we'll mask her off and shoot the final seal coats
on. Then, get busy and install the systems.
May 13, 2006
Same ol' stuff this week...polish, polish and more polish. We continue to work
on finishing up the bottom. Steve brought the aluminum tube that will line the
shaft hole. It went in like a glove. Chief and Rob worked on finalizing the
design of the stuffing box.
May 6, 2006
Polish, polish, polish was the task for today. Steve and Larry worked on the
front section, Stuart was obsessed with the transom, and Chief was working on
the rear non-trips. We still need one more work day to finish it up, but that's
well within the range of reality.
Rob spent most of his time welding up a roll around engine stand for when our
engine is out of the boat and not on the test stand (like it is right now).
Most of the basic welding is done, just a few minor items to finish it up.
April 29, 2006
We got Ron to come over so we could punch the hole. After doing some basic
layout from his plans, then doing some geometry to calculate the proper angle,
it was time to do some drillin'! Our thanks to Jim Harvey who lent us his 193?
"Monster" drill. This sucker weighted a ton, but had such torque it
just ate up the hole...just like we needed! Of course, we can't forget to thank
our "Cuz'" George Compton. George lent us his "worlds longest
hole saw" that did the job!!!! All this took most of the morning and into
the early afternoon. We finished the day up by starting to polish the bottom
and sponsons.
To do list while upside down:
Finish polishing
Attach skid fin
Attach primaries
Install shaft tube
Install reinforcing plate around hole
April 22, 2006
Busy day! Chief spent the week drilling more holes in the boat! One goal we had
was to minimize the number of hoses that would lie in the bottom. We want to
run as many as we can in a conduit so Chief spent the week figuring out and
cutting and fitting everything (?) we're going to need. After we were shown all
his hard work, it was time to get "rolling". We're ready to put the
final seal coat on the interior, so we now need to drill the shaft hole,
install the skid fin and primaries and put the final polish on the bottom...so
back on her top she went.
April 15, 2006
Sand, sand and more sand. We got it 99.5% sanded (Chief would never be happy
unless it looked like furniture)...Chief says he'll put the finishing touches
on during the week so next week we'll roll her over.
This week, in addition to the sanding, we drilled some more holes and fit some
ABS "conduit" so our hoses are supported and won't chafe. The deck
battens have been finished so they are ready to install when all the systems
are prepped. During this next week, Steve will have the skid fin and primaries
anodized.
April 8, 2006
During the week we discussed, and decided, we wanted to get the perimeter
planed down close to where it's going to be. Between the hand planes and the
power plane, we got it really close. Steve had to bring the battens over so we
could get out reference points. He's almost got them all sealed up and ready to
go. Our plan is to finish sanding the interior, then roll her back upside down.
We can then drill the shaft hole, mount the skid fin and primaries and put a
final polish on the bottom.
April 1, 2006
Did a lot of sanding on the interior getting ready for the final seal coat. We
mounted the skid fin to make sure everything fits and got the bolt lengths figured
out to be sure we have enough. Chief, Larry and Rob located and drilled the
thru-hull holes for the water intake and discharge brackets.
March 24, 2006
Larry got back earlier in the week with our "new" parts. Chief and
Larry have been stripping the old paint off and getting them ready for the
second engine. They have also been re-arranging the shop again! Chief reports
that things are better organized so we can bring our engine to the boat shop.
The significance here is that this will be the FIRST time that the engine and
hull have been together in the same shop!
This weekend, the
March 18, 2006
We final fit the remaining battens, then removed them all. Chief and Steve
tested removing the oil cooler (the largest component next to the engine) with
all the battens in place and we've got plenty of room to do so. Steve will put
the roundover on the corners of the battens and seal them. THEN...all the
batten will be run through a thickness sander so they will all be the same
size. This should make fairing the deck easier.
Last week Chief and Rob put the skid fin on the milling machine and got it to
the final profile. Steve will polish it and get it, along with the primaries,
anodized.
March 11, 2006
Just a really long day dry fitting the deck battens. While Steve & Larry
worked on the battens, Chief and Alan were busy stripping the paint off some
engine parts, preparing them to be used on the second engine. During the week
Peter came over to the shop and he, Larry and Chief went through all of our
parts to determine what is needed to complete the assembly of our second
engine. With list in hand, Larry is going to
Rob has been putting in a lot of OT at work, so he hasn't been able to be at
the Saturday sessions. BUT...he finished up the water pickups and WOW! are they
pretty!
Ron Brown finished the parts we needed for the main engine. When Larry gets
back, we'll move the engine into the boat shop and get ready to start it up!
March 4, 2006
During Steve's "break", Chief, Larry, Rob and Alan were busy and
"got 'er done!"
So we tilted it to see how everything set. All looked good so we lifted the hull
off, pulled the trailer out and set her on
February 11, 2006
More Trailer work. Gott'er almost done!!!! (Chief sez he'll "Git 'er
done!")
Cut the bunks to the correct shape, drilled more holes, Chief picked out the
stain for the sides...Rob cut and re-welded the steel frame and attached the
hold down brackets. We put some parts in to see how they will fit, Chief and Alan
stripped the oil cooler it's pretty much ready to go. Larry and Chief are
finalizing the oil tank configuration to send to Gary Jensen for fabrication.
Moving forward!
There won't be any updates for the next 2 weeks...Steve's going on the family's
annual Whistler vacation...see ya March 4th!
February 4, 2006
Today we needed to get the trailer right! Corky Peterson, the person who built
our trailer, came over and we discussed what his design was and how he wants to
see us do our modification. Pretty simple, just a lot of work! This gave us the
opportunity to give Larry’s gantries a workout! Larry and Karen are in
January 28, 2006
During the week, we discussed about getting Ron Jones Sr. to come over and help
locate where the shaft hole is going to go, so we put off working on the trailer.
We mocked up an engine block with an accessory housing and gearbox so we could
lower it into the hull and see how things were going to fit. Steve made up the
deck battens and got most of them marked out so we can finish rout a round over
corner on them and will put a seal coat on. Rob and Chief worked on finishing
up the water pickups and brackets, Larry did the engine mock up and re-arranged
the shop so we can move around easier.
January 21, 2006
We applied a seal coat of epoxy on the interior today. Lots and lots of square
footage to do. This SHOULD keep her pretty clean and make it easier for
cleanup. We'll get her off the trailer and roll her back over then shoot
multiple coats of an epoxy paint to really do it right. As you may notice in
one of the photos, the trailer bunks need to be adjusted. That's what is on the
list for next week. This is so we can get the boat off the trailer and onto
January 14, 2006
Today was spent settling into our "new" location. For 3 years we were
familiar with Rob's shop but now it's time to get things set at Larry's. First
thing is to check out the parts of the boat that we haven't been able to see
very well and see what needs to be done. The most obvious was to sand all the
glue drips and put a seal coat of epoxy on EVERYTHING so things don't get all
messed up. We didn't put this much effort into Miss Thriftway to have her look
"messy"! Larry and Chief have worked on her during the week and today
Rob, Alan and Stuart came over and there was a whole lot of sandin' goin' on!
Next week we'll put another "to do" list together so we can get our
direction defined.
January 7, 2006
Steve Payne, Larry Fuller,
December 31, 2005
It was a short one (we left around 12:30), but a very exciting day! Two main
events took place. First, we finished the spoiler Alan has been working
on...the aluminum was attached. Second, we removed the assembly fixture and set
Miss Thriftway onto Dixon Smiths roll around dolly’s. This will allow us
to roll her 6-8 feet towards the door before we have to lift her. To actually
MOVE the hull for the first time is a milestone for all of us!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
December 24, 2005
Merry Christmas everyone!
JANUARY 7th...ROLL OVER DAY!!!!!!!!
Chief and Rob worked on the boat today, Steve is putting the finishing touches
on the trailer bunks and getting the primaries polished and anodized. We wanted
to be sure our plans for lifting the front were going to work so Rob finished
fabricating everything we needed to make a test lift. Chief reported that all went
according to plan! Stuart is going to have a New Years blowout, so we're all
going to "rest" up for the 7th...we'll take a break to make sure we
haven't forgotten anything and spend next weekend finalizing the procedure.
December 17, 2005
Things are still moving forward towards making the big move to Larry's shop.
Steve Compton is making and installing the bunks on the trailer (YEA!!! Back to
working with WOOD!), Alan has fabricated the aluminum for the spoiler, Rob has
fabricated both the front and rear roll over fixtures, Chief is painting them,
and Larry is finishing up his restoration of a 1955 GMC one-ton flatbed to
clear his shop. With Christmas next week, we are looking at one more week of
prep work (New Years eve) then we'll be starting 2006 off by making the move
(providing the weather cooperates!)
December 3, 2005
We put the finishing touches (filing) on both primaries and have decided to
have them clear anodized to retard corrosion. We're going to follow Dixons
suggestion and not permanently install them until we've run the boat a few
times to be sure we don't need to make some minor adjustments. There are over
120 screws in each primary, so we're pretty sure they won't come off!
Alan was finally able to see the fruits of his labor...we put the plywood on
the spoiler. Now Rob can do the final fabricating for the roll over jigs.
Larry came over briefly then decided he'd better get back and work on the 1955
1 ton flat bed he's been restoring 'cause now the pressure's on!
November 19, 2005
We got the left side recovery on today along with permanently attaching the
spoiler ribs Alan and Stuart have been working so hard on. The left primary was
roughed out enough to locate and drill the pilot holes. All we have left to do
is finish filing the inner non-trip and recovery piece. Rob needs to finish
fabricating and weld up the roll over brackets.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
November 12, 2005
Two more items checked off and moved to the ...DONE! side! We fabricated
and installed the inner non-trip today along with installing the reinforcing
angle at the sponson transom. Alan was busy getting the final coat of epoxy on
the spoiler pieces and since most of the work is done on the interior portion
of the sponsons, we can now get the spoiler permanently installed. We need to
have it in place so Rob can fabricate the front roll over device around it.
Dixon Smith has generously agreed to let us use his low-boy dolly so we don't
have pressure to build one in order to move the boat.
November 5, 2005
We got the aluminum finished and installed on the left air trap so two more
items are now marked "DONE!" Chief and Rob worked on the left primary
while Alan and Stu did the final prep on the spoiler pieces. We have not
installed the spoiler yet 'cause it will be in the way as we are finishing up
the aluminum skin on the sponsons.
Today, Alan brought his son Layne over. During the course of keeping Layne from
being too bored, Layne was making a name plate for his room. The chisel slipped
and...well, you may be able to guess, but Layne has now learned the lesson of
keeping your fingers out of the way. After we cleaned up the wound, Rob took
Layne and Alan over the Vashon General where Layne is now the recipient of 8
stitches...thus, his new nickname of "Stitch".
October 29, 2005
The general consensus is...WE DON'T LIKE ALUMINUM!!!!
It takes sooooooo much time to make it perfect AND...it NEEDS to be perfect!
This is the skin, the armor, the final pieces. Everything we've done up to this
point is covered with aluminum. I guess we're running out of patience, but
we're just so anxious to get her rolled over. Oh well...
The bottom line on this report is that we were not able to mark
"DONE!" on anything this week. Just more head scratching and prep
work on the left side. (heavy sigh) However, during the week Chief and Rob got
together and put a seal coat of varnish on the sides and sponson transom so
last thing we did today was sand and apply a second coat.
October 22, 2005
The right sponson is done! We attached the reinforcing angle on the sponson
transom, and prepped the primary to where it will be glued and screwed first
thing next week! The left side, where the skid fin attaches, is still giving us
a brain drain, but we think we've got it figured out and should be able to start
making some major advancement.
October 8, 2005
We had the full crew today. The recovery on the right sponson was fabricated
and installed. The reinforcing angle for the left side was finished up
(countersunk and fitted) then the boat was drilled. The left side air trap
pieces were finished (countersunk) and final fitted.
It's hard to believe it's been two years since we took the assembly table down
and started to assemble Miss Thriftway. I guess this just goes to show how much
work it takes to put one of these boats together. We were talking yesterday
about how much MORE appreciation we have towards these machines. Nothing is
easy...every part is custom. One of the common questions is, "When will
you be done?" One of the consistent answers we've given is,
"Well...we're ahead of schedule!" meaning there is NO schedule and
she'll be done about a month after she's done...Of course, we're very anxious
to see her in the water, but it's more important that she's done right! With
all that being said, we're taking a bye next week due to multiple reasons so
we'll see ya on October 22nd.
October 1, 2005
Dynamic! That's a real good word for hydroplaning. Family issues came up that
prevented Chief, Steve and Larry from heading over to
September 24, 2005
Everyone was back and we got two items moved to the "...DONE!"
side of the list! The right side air trap and angle reinforcement pieces were
installed. Larry and Steve started prepping the left side air trap pieces. MOTS
(More of the same)
Next weekend is the Museums annual
September 17, 2005
Rob and Alan are in
After the steel unload, we all went over to Robs to do MORE aluminum. During
the week, Chief went over to the
We can hardly wait for the aluminum portion of this to be done!!!!!
September 10, 2005
Larry is in
So...here's what we did:
Right air trap pieces were completed, then we fitted the angle aluminum that
attaches the bottom to the air trap. Both items will be glued at the same time
and we hope to have them done next week.
The "to do" list was modified yesterday as we discussed getting the
hull over to Larry's shop. We've decided that the spoiler can be put on over
there so that's just one less item that needs addressing before the move.
September 3, 2005
Left Secondary was applied and the right side air trap pieces were fitted,
marked and pilot drilled. Our countersink wasn't working too well so we weren't
able to finish until next week.
August 27, 2005
Hysol was mixed! Aluminum was applied!
We also got the left secondary fitted and the screw layout done. The aluminum
that will go on the air traps was polished and will be the next to get prepped
after the left secondary is installed.
Chief discovered a broken bolt on one of the sponson battens near the sponson
transom and was concerned that because of the pounding it would take, we needed
to "beef it up". He spent the day making support pieces from angle
aluminum, fitting and installing them. (see photo in the "
August 20, 2005
Reports from Vashon this weekend are that Chief, Scooter, Lars and Aldo made
some headway!
Chief reports that the drilling on the right secondary was done, the drilling
on the left non-trip was done, the plywood was installed on the bow AND the
plywood pieces on the spoiler were completed and the supports removed and
readied for hysol. No glue was mixed this week, but from the sounds of it, next
week you'd better not wear your good clothes!
August 5, 2005
Pictures of the Turbine Miss Thriftway
July 23, 2005
Well, this will be the last update for a while...time to go and watch some
racing! Tri-Cities is next weekend followed by Seafair, then Chiefs annual auto
show over on Vashon the weekend after Seafair and Larry's picnic the next day.
It's possible we will be back in three weeks, but we're planning on August 27th
at the earliest!
With all the aluminum pieces being cut out, we started with the non-trip on the
right sponson. We got it applied, and then fitted the right secondary. Man,
this aluminum is going to be a slow process! We thought it took a while to get
the plywood to fit just right! That was FAST compared to the aluminum.
Larry built his garage extension during the week and Steve delivered the
material for Larry's garage doors. By the time we were done with the aluminum
on the boat, Larry had assembled both doors and was putting the track system
together. He'll probably have the doors up by end of Sunday.
July 16, 2005
Between last week and yesterday, we got all the aluminum pieces cut out and now
we're starting the slow process of fitting and installing them. Alan put the
final fairing on the spoiler so it's getting close to be skinned.
Also...Larry figured out he can put a 14' extension on his garage and we could
put the boat and trailer inside for the winter time! All in all, it's going to
be pretty simple and when we were done at Robs, we all went over and installed
the steel truss so he can put on the extension. Last thing he said as we were
leaving was "I'll have the roof on by tomorrow night!" Knowing Larry,
that will be the LEAST that will be done!
July 2, 2005
We had Ron come over today to take the measurements for cutting the shaft hole
in the bottom! Over the next few weeks Ron will supply us a drawing to make the
guides for keeping the hole saw at the correct angle. We also completed the
final size and shape for the skid fin.
After Ron left, we went back to getting components onto the boat. We all worked
on making a template for the bottom shape. We'll use it to cut the aluminum
piece for the inside of the air trap, AND for the bunks on the trailer. Alan
started the final fairing of the spoiler, Chief installed the bolts to hold the
outside chine solid on the right sponson, then applied a seal coat of epoxy.
Steve and Larry skinned the left sponson.
June 26, 2005
OK! OK! OK!!!!
I guess I didn't realize how much the updates were being missed by all of you!
Yesterday, I was told to get an update done so the guys quit getting calls...so
here you go!
For the past two weeks we've been finishing up the sponsons. Last week we did
the final fairing on the right sponson, cut and fit the battens for the primary
running surface, and glued the outer battens in place. On the left side, we got
all the plywood pieces cut out, lap joints prepped and did the rough sand on
the battens up front. This week, we attached the rest of the right primary
battens, attached the entire left side primaries and planed the inside of the
left sponson to "soften" it so it won't catch in the turns.
Alan setup the spoiler pieces so they can be faired right on the boat. He
installed a piece of 1/8 door skin to protect the aluminum and now we can gouge
without hurting the bottom.
The engine was taken over to Ron Browns shop to have a drive shaft that runs
the oil scavenger pump fabricated. Since we have two engines and gear boxes, we
are making both sets identical so everything will be interchangeable. Altho we
hope the situation will not come up, we want to be ready to do an engine swap
in the pits so we don't disappoint the fans who come out to watch us run (not
to mention US!)
June 11, 2005
Tastin' 'n Racin' was held at
June 5, 2005
May 28, 2005
We're at a point where there's a lot of work, but it doesn't show. For that
reason, all the photos I took this week look like the same ones from the
previous two weeks so I didn't add any more this week. What we did was:
finish fitting the plywood skin for the right sponson, but then
needed to take it off so we could clamp on more battens (another clamp farm
pic?...not again!). Larry and Rob faired the left sponson so now it's ready for
plywood fitting. We need to transfer the shape over the .080 aluminum that will
be the final skin. We need to locate the screw pattern so it looks good when
we're done...just more fussin' and fittin' but it's getting there!
May 21, 2005
Larry, Chief, Rob and Stu finished the back cowl components for the three boats
and laid up the first dash component Friday night. Larry will pop it out of the
mold on Sunday and between next Wednesday and Friday nights everything should
be done!
Saturday was another good day on the hull as we put the finishing touches on
the battens and chines for the right sponson. We fitted and scarfed the plywood
for the non-trip so it can be applied. The last batten layer for the left side
front primary was attached and the first layer of the back primary was cut,
fitted and glued on. (see the photos with the "clamp farm")
May 14, 2005
When we put the battens on the right sponson non-trip, we decided to laminate
them because of the compound bend...it was just going to be easier for a bunch
of old guys! Well, it turned out that the additional strength the laminating
process gave us was so much better than a solid piece, we decided to do ALL the
battens that way. Of course this means an additional step for each batten,
slowing the process, but in the long run we KNOW we'll have a better product.
So...we put the final layer on the right primary and the first layer on the
left primary. We were also able to cut and fit the battens and plywood for the
right running surface. Alan continues his work on the spoiler, fussing and
fitting. He cut some holes in the mahogany to try to lighten it. We are trying
to keep the front as light as possible so there is more weight on the prop.
(suggestion by Ron Jones, Sr.)
During the past three weeks, the crew has gotten together over at Larry’s
shop and laid up the cowlings. We are making three sets, one for us, one for
Alan (Miss Wahoo) and one for
April 30, 2005
Lots and lots of detail/prep work done on the left sponson to get it ready for
the battens. After Ron finished fairing in the chines last week, we needed to
come back and do the final routing to get the frames at the correct angles
based on the chines. Larry and Steve worked on that. One of the things that
needed to be applied were the cleats for the battens to land on. We got all the
cleats in place for the non-trip and the step block (a.k.a the
Alan got busy and was like a man possessed! Steve brought the wood over for the
spoiler and Alan just dove in and laid out a grid, took the measurements and
cut out the ribs for it. At the rate he's going, he'll have the spoiler done
before we get the sponsons done!
Chief wasn't just sitting around either! When he realized we're going to be
able to have the spoiler dimensions, he grabbed some aluminum pieces we had to
make the backer plates for the roll-over jig and fitted it to the airtrap.
April 23, 2005
Very exciting day today! Ron finished shaping the left sponson, designed and
made the templates for the spoiler and guided us on the sponson planking
technique so we can move forward and finish up.
April 16, 2005
Progress...
We really have made some. The right sponson is just about battened up (?) and
will be ready for plywood by next week. During last week Chief, Larry and Rob
attached the two main chines on the left sponson so when Ron arrived, we were
ready for him to fair them so we could attach the remaining two chines. We are
now starting to think about the front spoiler, strut and yes, even the shaft
hole.
March 19, 2005
So...have you ever heard the saying "it takes a little longer to do things
right"? When Ron arrived, he spent the first 15 minutes just looking at
the sponson we've been working on. Something didn't set right with him, and he
couldn't understand what it was until..aha! One of the chines didn't land where
he though it should. For the next hour we reviewed his plans versus our
dimensions, and discovered that some of our work went in the wrong direction!
(Should we REALLY be admitting this?!) Oh well, at least we had the good sense
to bring in the man who would know! The rest of the day was spent remaking and
installing the chine we THOUGHT we just needed to drop in, glue and screw
before we put the battens on. After the chine was set, THEN Ron was able to do
the final fairing so we could install the battens. While it was a little
frustrating not getting as far as we thought, it was sure nice to know that the
right sponson was now correct! Live and learn!
March 12, 2005
More right sponson work today. Ron came over and put his magic touch on the
chines and made them all come together just where we needed them so the lines
will be correct. After watching him eyeball the lines, it becomes clear that
you are really watching a master performing his craft! We would have had ALL
the chines in place and faired today if one of them hadn't split! Oh
well...this is really the first piece we've had to re-do because of
failure...not bad! We also routed where the battens will go and should be able
to get them all in place next week! Get ready left side, here we come!
March 5, 2005
No broken bones for Steve, no sunburn for Larry, the Chief made it back from
Daytona and poor Rob got sick and couldn't go to
February 12, 2005
We finished up the prep on the next two sheets and got them glued and screwed
down. We started working on the layout for the last two...they should go pretty
fast since they only cover 4-1/2' of the bow! Before we can get them down
however, we need to get the bow shelf doublers from Lou. He said we should be
able to have them next Saturday.
Chief and Steve are going to be gone next week...Chief to the Daytona 500 and
Steve to Whistler for his annual family ski week. Larry, Rob and Alan plan to
finish up the front pieces so when we get back we can rock and roll! The
following week, Feb 26th, Steve will still be gone, Larry's going to be in Cabo
San Lucas, Rob's going to be in
January 29, 2005
Finished the transom...routed off the excess bottom, filed, sanded and sealed
the edge.
Installed the butt blocks and prepped the next two 12' sheets for install next
week.
January 22, 2005
Today was the day that we've been waiting for since November (when we laminated
the aluminum skin to the plywood)...we attached two of the six bottom pieces to
the boat! One sheet had 252 screws, the other had 348 so 600 holes had to be
located, piloted, drilled out, countersunk, transferred to the boat, pilot the
batten, THEN you could put in the screw (but only AFTER you had mixed and
spread the glue). The adhesive mix was quite interesting too! We use 3
different adhesives to stick the bottom down. West Systems epoxy is used on the
keel, Hysol is used where the plywood is extending past the transom at the
extension angle, and Weldwood Plastic Resin is used on the White Oak...to be
continued!
January 16, 2005
We actually worked today, SUNDAY! Yesterday, our enginemeister, Peter Orton,
left the single life and entered a new era...marriage! He and Susan tied the
knot and, of course, we couldn't let him leave his 61 years of bachelorhood
without a proper farewell! So during the reception, the team decided we could
work on Sunday which is the first time in TWO YEARS we have done that!
So what did we do? We continued to prepare the back two bottom pieces for final
attachment. The holes were drilled, and countersunk...the alignment was
checked, holes that needed to be tapped were tapped and overall, the fussing
and fitting was checked, double checked and tripled checked. When we left
today, it was decided that next week would most likely be it! We'll be a-mixin'
some glue!!!!
January 1, 2005
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
We got all the bottom pieces over to the shop today and laid them out on the
boat. WOW! Are they shiny! AND...that's not the final polish. We were going to
dry fit everything first, but after trying, it was decided that there were too
many pieces to arrange, so we've changed our plan of attack and are going to
work from the transom towards the bow. We final cut the back two pieces that
were already drilled and will attach them in the next couple of weeks. THEN, we
can work on the next four!
December 19, 2004
As you know, things happen. Last Saturday (Dec 11th), we decided to help the
Museum out by trekking up to
However, YESTERDAY (Dec 18th) we DID make some headway 'cause Chief, Larry,
Steve and Alan got together over at Harold, Art and Eric Foss' place and got
the last 3 bottom pieces pressed up. As of this writing, they are still in the
press being kept nice and FLAT! We'll pick them up tomorrow, trim them out to
get them ready to go. Meanwhile back on Vashon, Rob and Lou got together and
worked on finishing up the computer program for the bow shelf doubler. We made
the pieces earlier in the year, but Lou hadn't quite finished the tweaks to put
them on the CNC. Since the bottom pieces will be installed soon, we're going to
need the doublers in place to finish the bow.
Since Christmas is next Saturday, we won't get back to it until New Years day
(providing the hangovers are minimal!)
December 4, 2004
We got the two bottom pieces fitted and drilled. After some discussion, we
decided it would be best if we got all 6 pieces of the bottom fitted before we
started final attachment. This follows the same philosophy that we've used all
along. Next week we'll get the rest of the pieces glued up at Foss Furniture
then get them fitted.
Sorry to say that I forgot my camera this week so there are no new photos...
November 27, 2004
The Vashon boys came over to the mainland today and we got to press up two of
the six bottom panels at Foss Furniture in Ballard. Thanks to Harold, Eric and
Art Foss for the use of their 5'x12' press! It sure makes a better job, and
assures the bond is right! Afterwards, we trekked over to
The main thing we wanted to see was the systems
November 20, 2004
The press we were going to use to attach the aluminum to the plywood for the
bottom has a broken hydraulic hose and is in the process of being repaired.
So...we decided it was a good time to mix up a bunch of West System epoxy and
finish putting the seal coats on the inside area. We also cut the hole in the
transom where the steering linkage will be coming through to attach to the
rudder.
November 13, 2004
Rob and Alan finished installing all the glue blocks so the air trap section is
water tight. Chief and Steve installed the rudder to locate where we need to
drill the hole for the steering linkage.
November 6, 2004
Preparation continues for installing the bottom. This weekend we (Larry)
sanded, while Chief checked, the high spots to get it ready for the skin. Alan
and Rob worked on installing glue blocks inside the sponsons/airtrap to make
the seal that will keep the water out when the sponsons are wet.
October 31, 2004
THE SIDES ARE ON!
THE RUDDER IS HERE!
Check out the new pics in the hull section. BOTH sides were installed and the
rudder we had Ron Brown re-work for us was finished. All the reinforcing
aluminum holding the rudder on was final fitted, so the Chief is putting the
final coat of sealant on them so they can be installed. Our next step...the
bottom. Ron Jones told us to "lock" the hull together by installing
the bottom BEFORE we start working on the final fit of the sponsons. So, stay
tuned...the BOTTOM is next!!!
October 23, 2004
During the course of checking all the battens so we could put on the sides, we
discovered we needed to do a little more planing, sanding and fitting. We also
discovered a few voids that needed to be filled so water doesn't settle in and
cause problems down the road. After we did the final fit, it was lunch time so
by the time we got back from lunch, we were running out of time for the glue-up
so we'll get to do that first thing next week (I hope).
October 17, 2004
We cut out and fit the plywood for the sides, sealed the battens in the area we
won't be able to reach once the sides are on, Rob planed the bow sheer to final
angle and we are getting closer to finishing the bottom sheets. Once all these
components are on, we'll need to mock up the engine/gearbox locations so we can
start to think about using George Compton’s worlds longest hole saw to
cut the shaft hole.
October 10, 2004
WHAT THE HECK HAPPENED?
I thought we were ready to get going and the next thing you know, BAM! This
piece didn't work, that measurement was wrong, (scratch head and look puzzled)
add a spruce shim piece to build it up just to plane it down...man, how
frustrating! Let's go work on the trailer!!!! Unlike last year, it appeared
some plugs were fouled in the VU (Vashon Unlimiteds) machine, but I'm happy to
NOW report, we're getting back on track and working on the
(P.S. the trailer is now 100% DONE and is being stored over at
Last weekend we were over in Chelan where our engine guru, Peter Orton, decided
it was time for him to abandon his bachelor status and join the land of the
committed. He proposed to Susan Echols while taking her for a ride in the Miss
Burien. Steve Compton had taken his boat over to use as a patrol boat (actually
he wanted to watch from inside the race course!) and was able to witness the
magic moment along with his wife Mary and Larry’s wife, Karen. So
now...on to the update!
Last week, Steve C scarfed together to make 2 pieces of 30' white oak for the
inner sheer clamp. These pieces run the full length of the boat where the side
meets the deck. They fit into notches that needed to be cleaned up so that took
most of the morning, but by lunch one piece was complete and the other was
ready for final fitting. At the end of the day, both pieces were glued, screwed
and bolted into place. Next step, the sides! We're going to invite Ron over
next week to help us clear up a design issue we ran up against that has got us
stymied!
Sorry there are not any photos this week, I forgot my camera.
September 4, 2004
WE'RE BAAAAAAACK!
Well, after a very busy summer, we've started right were we left off. Ron Jones
Sr. was invited over so we could finalize the CORRECT angle of attack on the
sponsons as well as getting our heads back into the project! We also had taken
delivery of the special order screws (100 degree angle on the heads) and got
those installed in the non-trip. We got the left non-trip trimmed out and will
drill, countersink and install the screws in that one next week. We'll also
continue to work on putting the initial polish on the bottom aluminum as we
work towards getting the bottom ready for install. Next item tho, the air trap
sides on the back half of the boat!
SUMMER 2004
Gold Cup 2004 Report and Photos
May 22, 2004
As you may have guessed from the lack of updates, there has not been a lot of
forward movement on the hull recently. On May 7th Ron Jones came over to give
us some insight on the sponson chines. We were close but not exactly where we
needed to be, so he gave us another drawing to help us out. Other projects have
occupied our time, including helping get the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum ready for
the Grand Opening next Saturday (May 29th). Larry has finished constructing our
test trailer for the Allison and mounted it onto the trailer. We will be
displaying it at the Museums opening. Today, Steve and Alan spent the day at
Compton Lumber getting the 6 bottom panels ready so we can laminate the
aluminum to the plywood over the next few weeks while we anticipate the arrival
of our custom screws that will fasten the bottom on. Rob reported that one of
the non-trips got glued into place. When the screws arrive, we'll get them installed!
Next week we'll be at the Museums opening so we'll take a break.
May 1, 2004
The left side mock ups did not fit the way we anticipated so we're going to
finish the right side first, make angle templates and transfer them to the left
side to see where we are off. SO...While Chief and Alan were outside detailing
the moulds for the cockpit and cowlings (they keep finding tiny pin holes that
need to be filled and sanded), Rob and Steve drilled and bolted two of the four
right side chines into place. Long and slow process, but we can guarantee you
that they will NOT be coming loose!
April 24, 2004
The White Oak sponson chines were final fitted for the right side today. We
mocked up from the drawings some pieces out of Pine, then we used Bondo to
mould the actual form at the frames so when we cut out the White Oak pieces,
they fit perfect! We spent some time and made small wedges to fill in all of
the gaps we could find so there would be no pockets where water could work
their way in and do future damage. We then took the pine mock-ups and set them
up for the left sponson.
Chief and Alan found a few more defects that needed attention on the cowling
moulds so they fixed those. Sometime this week Rob will coat the inside with
West Epoxy to smooth it out and soon we'll work on laying up the cowlings!
April 10, 2004
Larry has been working on cleaning up the plugs (forms) for the fiberglass
cowlings so we could lay up the cowls. Steve C is on vacation with his family
in Fort Lauderdale this week so we're going to work on laying up the cowling
pieces...it ALL needs to get done!
April 3, 2004
Today we made some major headway! Chief, Alan and Lloyd got 4 drain holes
located and drilled in the transom, Steve and Rob mocked up the sponson chines
out of pine and moulded some of the gaps for fill in later, then the whole crew
worked on marking and trimming BOTH non-trip chines. We've decided to go with
some special screws that will need to be fabricated so we're going to work on
that this week. We'd like to express our appreciation to Harold, Art and Eric
Foss of Foss Furniture -
March 27, 2004
SATURDAY HULL SESSION:
Between last Saturday and today, the aluminum pieces for the transom/rudder
attachments were fabricated and appropriate shims were made. Today we attached
the battens for the right non-trip, and attached a "support" piece
under where we will locate the trailer bunk. The bunk will support the back of
the boat when it's up on tilt and this piece will keep the skin from becoming
"wrinkled" which is common among the older hulls. Next, we all turned
our attention to mixing glue and installing the angle aluminum pieces that
attach the engine stringer to the transom and rudder bracket. By the end of the
day we were able to drop the rudder in place and see where the steering arm was
going to be. We had fear the bracket was too tall and the steering arm was
going to be above the deck...not the case! (photos attached in the hull
section!)
March 13, 2004
FRIDAY NIGHT ENGINE SESSION:
The Friday Night engine sessions have all but come to an end so until we need
to re-activate them, this will be the last report. As stated below in the Feb
28th report, the engine is complete and the next step is to fabricate a test
stand. The plan is to build a trailer that can be transported to various shops
for use. It will contain a fuel cell, an oil tank, batteries, and an ignition
console. The trailer will be versatile to accommodate Allisons and Rolls. When
we test fire our Allison, I will post a clip in the Engine section.
SATURDAY HULL SESSION:
The past few weeks have been spent fine tuning the non-trip chines and making
templates for the sponson chines. Today we attached the battens for the
non-trip chines and laid out the screw pattern for the non-trip skin. During
the week we will drill, countersink the plywood, drill and dimple the aluminum
skin then get them pressed together so we can skin the non-trip area.
February 28, 2004
FRIDAY NIGHT ENGINE SESSION:
Peter sent me an email stating that with a few minor details, the engine is
DONE! The next step is to build a test trailer and fire it off!
SATURDAY HULL SESSION:
February 22, 2004
FRIDAY NIGHT ENGINE SESSION:
Spark plug wires completed
SATURDAY HULL SESSION:
Steve C was still in Whistler sliding down the white stuff, the rest of the
crew got together and alignment of the rudder brackets was discussed...a few
issues arose and we'll need to call Ron Jones to get some info.
February 14, 2004
FRIDAY NIGHT ENGINE SESSION:
SATURDAY HULL SESSION:
Friday the 13th found the crew getting hit with illness. Both Chief and Rob
were down for the count, Larry had some items he could work on at his own shop
and Steve C was getting ready for a week in Whistler. BOTH the Engine night and
the Saturday work party was cancelled!
February 7, 2004
FRIDAY NIGHT ENGINE SESSION:
This engine thing is getting more and more exciting! Every session now is
finalizing different areas and Larry seems to think they're going be running
out of things by mid-March. Last Friday, they installed the distributor and
magneto, and got it timed. We're waiting on the return of our carburetor and
need to finish up the gear box. All the parts are coming together nicely and
even Peter is getting anxious now that it's getting close!
SATURDAY HULL SESSION:
Fuss, fuss, fiddle fiddle...that seems to be routine now. The bow shelf
doublers (where the sponson sheers attach) was solidly in place, so it was time
to align and attach the sponson sheers. This is a real cool step because this
is where the front starts to take shape! Larry, Alan and Chief worked on that
while Rob and Steve shaped the all important non-trip/side/bottom intersection.
We were having all kinds of fun eye-balling the line, shaving a few more
strokes, going back and eye-balling it again. Larry had been involved with that
portion on the Museums 1967 Budweiser and had some great insight as to how to
get to look the way we wanted. Next week, the battens should be attached and
the plywood/alum piece will be fabricated...more layers of the sponson sheer
will be added (total thickness of 1-1/4") ... things are slowly coming
together!
January 31, 2004
FRIDAY NIGHT ENGINE SESSION:
Larry reports that more and more items are getting added. The valves were
adjusted and we're missing just one part or the distributors would have been
installed and the banks would have been timed.
SATURDAY HULL SESSION:
Lou got us the sponson doublers where the sheer chine gets attached so after
the glue dries we can start to attach the sheer for real! After Steve &
Larry got them fitted and clamped, we all turned our attention to the non-trip
chines at the back. After making a mock-up piece, Rob cut the Oak and it fit
perfect...drilling, gluing and bolting took up the rest of the day. Steve's son
Eric, and his cousin Dixon Schwenk came over to get their hands in on the
action. Eric has spent the last two weeks sanding the epoxy sealing coats on
the frames so today he got to put the next coat on.
January 24, 2004
FRIDAY NIGHT ENGINE SESSION:
SATURDAY HULL SESSION:
Over the past two weekends we've been trying to figure out how all the sponson
chines meet. It's one thing to see one all put together and say " Yeah...?
of course, see...that piece goes there, and that one overlaps and you just put
the aluminum over there..." then go ahead and try it! Last week Ron Jones
Sr came over and we went over how it should be done, and today we started to
make some mock-up pieces and now things are starting to become clearer! Chief
and Alan spent both weekends making noise at the other end of the boat. They
fitted and shimmed the aluminum angle brackets that attach the transom and
rudder to the engine stringers. They got that completed...next week it's Hysol
and bolts. Lou has been working on the bow shelf doubler. We discovered the bow
shelf shape was slightly off so he made a correction template and we trimmed it
to the correct arc. Eric Compton (Steve's 14 year old son) came over and spent
the day sanding some of the epoxy coating so we can apply more coats around the
fuel tanks and bottoms of the ribs.
January 10, 2004
FRIDAY NIGHT ENGINE SESSION:
Chief painted the tachometer generator and did some touch-up painting on the
banks (they got dinged during installation). Larry & Larry Vanderhoefs
safety wired the intake manifolds and installed the distributor and wire looms.
SATURDAY HULL SESSION:
We glued the inside sponson piece in place on both sides. Alan & Chief
formed and fitted the aluminum angle supports where the transom will be
attached to the engine stringer. (The left side support is where the rudder
bolts to!) Rob & Larry faired the notches for the sponson chines and got
them ready to attach. Then we turned our attention to sealing the bottom of the
ribs with thinned West Systems epoxy. Once the bottom goes on it will be almost
impossible to reach that area so NOW is the time to do it.
January 3, 2004
FRIDAY NIGHT ENGINE SESSION:
Larry installed the intake manifold. The manifold consists of 3 pieces on each
side (6 total).
SATURDAY HULL SESSION:
Chief got the West System epoxy out and proceeded to coat the area next to the
fuel tanks that will not be accessible once we start installing side battens.
(I think he did a pretty good job of coating HIMSELF too!) Steve and Larry
shaped and installed the oak piece that becomes the inside sponson piece. It
has about a 16" curve in it so Steve steam bent it a few months back...IT
FIT! While everyone was doing these other things, Alan was busy at the sander
detailing over FOUR HUNDRED 1-3/4" long oak blocks that were applied to
give additional support to the bottom battens. With timing being everything, we
were all done at the same time and teamed up on getting the blocks installed!
December 14, 2003
FRIDAY NIGHT ENGINE SESSION:
Take last week, add a few refinements and you've got BOTH banks mounted on the
block! Steve Sorensen sent another 43 pictures over. See his gallery on the Engine
section.
SATURDAY HULL SESSION:
We got a nice surprise visit from Ron Jones Sr today. He came over to see how
we were doing and was pleasantly surprised how far we were! We took advantage
of the situation and peppered the poor man with question after question, but I
think he knows that's going to happen when he shows up like that. He saw a few
things we needed to attend to, and made a few suggestions on how to beef up
certain areas that had proved to be weak points. What a phenomenal opportunity
we have to have the Master advise us, and to have the Museum available to look
at other boats to see how they were constructed. Oh yeah...what did we do on
Saturday? Answer: bottom battens! Boy, do they a lot of time to get just right!
Rob told me he's having trouble leaving the boat alone during the week now.
He's always wanting to "tinker" and do just one more thing before he
hits the sack!
December 6, 2003
FRIDAY NIGHT ENGINE SESSION:
MAJOR STEP!!!!
One bank was completely installed last night! Sliding six cylinders 1/8"
at a time was a verrry slow process but it didn't matter how long it took, it
just needed to go on RIGHT...AND IT DID!!! Peter says the second one should be
a little easier...next week!
SATURDAY HULL SESSION:
With the Hydroplane & Raceboat Museums Annual Meeting tonight, we knew
today would not be of the high production type, but we managed to fit and dry
attach a number of bottom battens. The .063 (1/16") aluminum skin for the
bottom and non-trips was brought over and stored.
November 29, 2003
FRIDAY NIGHT ENGINE SESSION:
Rings were fitted, measurements were taken and Peter has said it's time to
mount the banks! Next Friday night there will be a crowd to say the least.
Check next weeks update for the pictures!!!!! (More pictures from Steve
Sorensen - click here)
SATURDAY HULL SESSION:
Transom was attached, keel was bolted down, entire hull was detailed to get
ready for its first sealing coat of epoxy. With all the handling the components
have had over the past eleven months, the finger prints, and little grease
marks needed to be removed, then sanded. Next step will be attaching the
battens, coat the impossible to reach areas after the skin is on, then the
bottom and sponson skins.
November 22, 2003
FRIDAY NIGHT ENGINE SESSION:
Final touches were put on the banks (rest of the valves, cam, rocker arms, etc
were installed) and the new rings were installed on the new pistons!
See new photo gallery from Steve Sorensen - click here
SATURDAY HULL SESSION:
Bow shelf, White Oak sponson bottom pieces and keel were glued and bolted into
place. Fuel Tank mounts were finalized (we didn't have the correct bolts or
they would have been in today!) and the transom notches (for battens) were
finished. Pretty soon it'll be batten time!
November 15, 2003
FRIDAY NIGHT ENGINE SESSION:
The banks are back and they are good as new! Peter had the white glove test
done and everything passed with flying colors. One of the banks had the valves
re-installed and next week the second bank will be done.
SATURDAY HULL SESSION:
Today we glued and bolted the frames to the engine stringers, hysoled and
bolted the aluminum supports we made last weekend, and glued and screwed the
airtrap in place. IT IS NOW A REAL HYDROPLANE! There's no turning back now!
November 8, 2003
The guys took Friday night off this week. We're still waiting for the banks,
and the spark plug wire didn't arrive.
When Ron was over a couple of weeks ago, he suggested we beef up the frames
around the engine compartment with some aluminum angle. We got some
2-1/4"X5-1/4", cut and installed around the four frames in the engine
well. After that, we dislodged two frames and set the fuel tanks in place. We
got the transom notched for the deck battens and top/bottom ribs glued into
place.
November 1, 2003
FRIDAY NIGHT ENGINE SESSION:
The final tolerances on the gear box were checked and Larry is still waiting
for the banks to be returned. It's safe to say the engine will be ready long
before the hull! (see new photos Peter sent over)
SATURDAY HULL SESSION:
I think today is the day we were told about by Ron Jones Sr. He told us back in
January when we picked up the plans from him that there will be a day where the
reality of building the boat will hit you. After we got the hull partly set on
the assembly frame last weekend, we left hoping we would be able to have the
back part of the boat bolted in place by today. WE DID THE WHOLE BOAT! As of
this report, the frames and main components of the Miss Thriftway are
assembled. We are still sticking with our philosophy of dry fitting everything
FIRST, so there was no glue applied, but once that was done we checked all
measurements and everything is in perfect alignment...we're going to mix glue
next weekend in addition to applying the transom.
October 24-25, 2003
THE PISTONS ARRIVED! After reviewing the 36 pistons we own, we decided that the
tolerance difference was too much so we decided to have new ones forged. They
are all PERFECT! (not to mention shiny bright). Peter reports that NOW it's
time to finish up. Larry will be taking the banks in on Tuesday to have them
honed then it's time for final assembly! All 24 spark plug wires have been
replaced and the started has been mounted.
We built the assembly frame for the hull Saturday morning, and finished it up
just at lunch time! Rob made his special pancakes for extra energy, so after
lunch we set the parts on the frame for the first time...UP SIDE DOWN. This is
the first time it's been up side down so now it's for real. Time to drill, bolt
and glue!
October 17-18, 2003
Peter Orton reports:
THE DISTRIBUTOR WIRING IS COMING ALONG, EACH WIRE IS CUT TO THE RIGHT LENGTH
AND A SPECIAL COPPER END IS SQUEEZED ON,STEVE HOLDS UP THE DFLN MAGNETO THAT WE
ARE USING. DANE(OBERTO CREW CHIEF AND DRIVER) AND ROB START TO FIT THE GEAR BOX
TOGETHER, THIS GEAR BOX WILL INCREASE THE PROPELLER SHAFT RPM TO THREE TIMES
THAT OF THE CRANKSHAFT, OR TO ABOUT 9000 RPM @ 3000 ENGINE RPM, THE SHAFT WHICH
GOES BETWEEN THE DRIVERS LEGS WILL BE PUSHING THE "MISS THRIFTWAY"
ALONG AT 120 MILES PER HOUR (see new photos in the Engine section)
Saturday brought Ron Jones Sr. over, along with little Madison, and we checked,
double checked, asked a lot of questions, got some direction and finally the
nod of approval that we were waiting for. We are heading towards PUTTING A BOAT
TOGETHER!!!! SO...with massive enthusiasm, we disassembled the hull, spread it
out in the driveway for an "exploded" view (see THAT photo in the
hull section), took the table down (FINALLY!!!!) and cleaned up the floor to
get ready for next week when we'll install the assembly jig!
October 10-11, 2003
Engine night (Friday) ALMOST finished up the distributor & wiring...we were
10' too short! There was SUPPOSE to be enough, but you know how that goes!
Saturday was a long, productive day. We now have ALL of the frames glued,
screwed and bolted. We were hoping Ron Jones could come over and give us some
guidance on some issues we have, but he was out of town. We hope he can find
some time next weekend to come over so we can move forward. The hull is still
up on the table so until next week...
September 28, 2003
Friday night engine sessions have re-started and Peter sent some photos of the
distributor rewired...see them in the Engine section. We decided to have new
pistons forged and they should be here in a few weeks...complete with rings!
Once here, the engine will be 99% complete.
Saturday found a whole group over at Robs shop to do the dry assembly. This was
the first time ALL of the actual components were assembled together. After some
final filing, tweaking and fitting, the main skeleton of the hull was clamped
together to see how the lines fell...IT ALL FIT TOGETHER IN ABOUT 2 HOURS! Due
to Lou "No faring" Fezio's effort on the computer and CNC machine, it
was like putting a kit boat together. Chief gave us the OK to plan to
disassemble the table and set up the assembly jig on Saturday, October 11th!
Now the fun will begin!!!!
(12 new
Next weekend we are all going over to Lake Chelan with the Hydroplane and
September 21, 2003
The last large component is complete! The keel was laminated into one 30 foot
long piece, and on Sunday, Rob cut it out! Chief has gotten the rudder bracket
and determined what support angle we need. Next week we will be doing a dry
assembly of the entire boat before we take the table down and set up the
assembly jig...check next week for photos!!!
September 14, 2003
During the week Rob filled in the gaps in the aluminum joints on the engine
stringers with Hysol so Chief, Larry and Stu detailed them out and got the
final polish done. They were moved next door with the air traps so now....
Lou and Steve cut the bow piece and glued the bottom battens into 32' lengths
while Chief and Larry drilled and applied the aircraft bolts into the corners
of the rear frames. Next week will be lamination of the keel (30' long) and
then...the table REALLY will come down so the assembly jig can be placed!
September 6, 2003
We were unable to do any Thriftway work 'cause, as crew members of the Museums
1967 Miss Budweiser, we had to ready the boat for running on
August 31, 2003
Polished up the aluminum on the engine stringers. Larry, Stu, Peter and Alan
really got them mirror-like! (see photos in the hull section) Lou and Rob got
the pattern for the bow piece cut out and the angles cut on the battens for
scaring, Steve C got more frames trimmed.
August 24, 2003
The second (left side) Engine stringer was glued up yesterday. Discussion took
place about what we need to do before we take the table apart. We may scarf the
battens together next weekend and we need to do the finish routing of the frame
supports on all of the front frames.
August 16, 2003
Hi there!!!
It's time we started working on the boat again!!! It's really been busy, busy,
busy... We took the weekend of the 4th off, then the next thing you know NOBODY
was around so we just enjoyed the sun, summer,
I would just like to take a moment to thank all of you for the kind words about
the web site and our project. We knew WE were excited about it, but it's really
cool to have had so many people comment to me, and the other team members, how
much everyone is looking forward to seeing Miss Thriftway on the water!
July 2, 2003
Well, things are going to slow down here for the next 5-6 weeks. Larry is the
Crew Chief and driver for the Museums 1967 Miss Budweiser and it's going back
to
June 30, 2003
Engine stringer plywood and aluminum was cut out and ready to glue.
Piston rings arrived!
Last Wednesday, the whole crew went to Jim Harvey’s shop to help put the
finishing touches on the U-2 Miss Trendwest. There were 12 people doing various
things like installing the instrument panel, vacuuming the access ports and
putting the hatch covers on, honing the rudder bushings to make it fit juuuuust
right!, fitting the cowling, etc etc etc. We put the boat on the trailer around
10:45PM and I understand it finally got out of
June 21, 2003
During the week, George Compton approached us and asked if we could help him
install his air traps on the Thriftway TOO. His method is a bit different from
ours so we said "SURE!" Chief, Larry, Steve and Alan went down to
Georges shop and spent the day fitting and installing his air traps. (see the
new pictures in the Thriftway TOO section) Steve's brother, Dave Compton, came
down and gave us a hand - How many people DOES it take to install a 32' long,
36" wide and only 1/2" thick airtrap!? You need lots of hands to be
sure it doesn't break!
P.S. Steve & Dave Compton are not related to George, it's just a very cool
coincidence we have the same last name!
June 14, 2003
The air traps got the finishing touches, and now we turned our attention to the
engine stringers...we need to add 6mm Okoume plywood to one side then skin it
with 1/8" 6061 T-6 Aluminum to give it additional strength. Lou had made
another template so all we need to do is route it, but we wanted to check out
how the fuel tanks fit first...thinking that would not take too much time, we
set the appropriate frames up and guess what!? (see hull photos section) 3
hours later, after multiple tank configurations, we finally put the engine
stringers on the table. It had gotten so late, we decided to tackle it next
time.
June 7, 2003
Tastin' & Racin' at Lake Sammamish this weekend along with Rob moving kept
activity to a minimum...between Chief, Rob and Larry, the second air trap got
glued up and that was just about it!
May 31, 2003
Larry says he's still waiting for piston rings before the banks can be installed.
More parts were cleaned and painted last Friday so hopefully the parts will
come next week.
Today we got the air trap plywood from Lou. We indexed it and got both of them
to line up perfectly! Since they were going to take up the whole table, we glued
up 3 more frames before we set up and glued the air traps. Unfortunately, the
are so big we can only do one at a time...
Ron Jones brought our fuel tanks today!!! Big step because we can't even START
thinking about assembling the hull without the fuel tanks...Check that off the
list!
May 25, 2003
Not a lot to report this week other than the Supercharger was bolted onto the
block on Friday!!! Larry told me he's still waiting on a couple of pistons
we're having ground, so that MAY be next weeks report...
We have all of the parts necessary to be sure all the frames line up now, so we
got serious and glued six of the back frames yesterday (12-17). Lou took the
12mm Okoume plywood so he can cut the airtraps. Next week we'll scarf the
airtraps together and finalize the plywood that skins the engine stringers.
While our motto is "We're ahead of schedule"...we really ARE!
May 17, 2003
The "Chief" is off watching car racing back East so we had a light
crew this week. Lou had cut out a template for the air trap to see how
everything lined up and it looks like we need to tweak a few measurements...Lou
and Rob will be working on that this week and we'll check it next week. I
couldn't help it, I took some pics but PLEASE don't think we're REALLY going to
make the air trap out of Wafer wood...IT'S JUST A TEMPLATE!!!!
The second bank is done and the supercharger is ready to go...see the photos in
the "Engine" section. Next step will be to build a stand and system
where we can fire her up!
May 10, 2003
The most exciting news this week is the fact BOTH banks were finished AND they
put the crank and rods in the engine! Larry told me that they are but a few
more sessions away before the engine will be complete!
ALL FRAMES ARE COMPLETE! AND...we were able to get the engine stringers cut
out. Lou will cut out the templates for the air trap this week and we'll do a
dry run next weekend. If all goes well, he'll cut out the actual pieces and
we'll start the final assembly! Up to this point we've just been cutting the parts
out and assembling them with screws in case there were problems...thankfully,
all went smooth!
May 3, 2003
Last night, the engine crew put the finishing touches on one of the banks and
was able to pressure test. Larry reported there were NO LEAKS!!!! Both banks
will most likely be ready to go by the end of this week. It looks like the
"good" engine will be wrapped up very soon! Now they can start on the
"backup"!
We assembled a few more frames today. As we are getting closer to finishing
them ALL, we want to be sure the "lines" are falling into place.
After completing frames 4 thru transom, we spaced them out on the table and
started checking the alignments (see the photos on the "
April 26, 2003
We tackled the toughest frames today...the sponsons! So many pieces of wood and
so little time (Chief Payne,
April 19, 2003
Since none of us have built a boat from scratch before, certain design
questions come up and in order to keep with the desire to make this boat as
close to the original as possible, we scratch our heads until we finally come
to the conclusion... WE NEED TO CALL RON! So, we did. Ron Jones Sr came over to
the shop today and once again, cleared up the confusion, and got us going in
the right direction again! At this point, 10 frames are constructed (from the
sponson transom to the transom) and the material for the front section is now
waiting to be assembled. The engine stringers are laminated up and will be
taken to the shop next weekend, the air trap plywood will be started and Lou
and Rob will be working on the plywood forms for the front section...slooooowly
but surely, we're plugging along.
March 29, 2003
More deck ribs...more frames...engine stringers (inner longitudinals if you
want to be technical!) ...more sawdust...more smiles!
March 22, 2003
Well...it has really started. We made the first frames today! (See the
"Chief" posing on the photos page for the hull!) Lou brought the
plywood over and then next thing you knew, people were measuring and laying
out, saws were cutting, drills were going and glue was being mixed. As all of
us were busy doing something, it was hard to take in the whole process, but I'd
bet it looked like a frenzy! Before we left, two more deck ribs were put into
the gluing jig, that will make 10 so only 7 more to go! Steve Compton is going
to start pulling the engine stringer material together.
Last night, the engine crew installed the bank studs in the block. No easy task
as you need to heat each one up with two torches and really crank on them to
get them set!
March 15, 2003
NEW PHOTOS ON THE
NEW STORY ON THE ENGINE PAGE!
Yup, I'm back from vacation so it's time to get more stuff on the website! The
crew has been busy over the past few weeks getting ready to start assembling
the frames. Rob & Lou have finalized the specs for the CNC router and today
Larry and Steve C went over the samples (comparing them to the plans) and gave
Lou the go ahead (and plywood) to start making sawdust! In the meantime, four
deck ribs have been glued up and sized with two more in the clamps before we
left today. All the bottom ribs have been completed so next week might see some
actual frames put together.
March 14, 2003
The crank was set in, tightened and plastiguaged out to .004! Larry reports
that they then put it back with a film of grease and it turned with a twist of
the wrist! EVERYONE WAS SMILING!!!! Peter heaved a sigh and said "Now
THAT'S what we wanted!" Things are going to get serious at the engine shop
here real soon as our beautiful V-12 Allison will start being put together for
real.
February 22, 2003
Steve C brought the Oak & Spruce for the frame gussets and deck ribs along
with a few of the laminated bottom ribs. During the past week, Rob & Steve
P were trying to figure out the deck rib arches/forms/shapes and it became
clear we needed some clarification from the Master himself. Ron Jones agreed to
cross the water and go over some of our questions (oh...THAT's how it suppose
to work!) We spent most of the day getting notes on plans and showing Ron how
we're going to proceed (you know, to get his blessing, etc...) To have Ron's
input is so invaluable!
Rob and Lou are going to be ready to cut the frames out on the CNC router next
weekend, Steve C should have most of the bottom ribs ready, Rob will be laying
up some deck ribs over the next few weeks...
"Chief" Payne received the replacement main bearing for the engine,
so next week could see some nuts and bolts starting to be tightened and parts
being assembled.
IT'S GETTING CLOSER!!!!!
February 15, 2003
HOORAY!!! We got started on cutting frame parts out for the hull!!!!
A special thanks to Jon Steen for coming over and helping us understand the
correct way to do the layout! You know how sometimes when you think something
is more complicated than it really is? Well, Jon straightened us out in that
area and got us started in the right direction! Thanks Jon! Check out the photo
section on the "
Stuart spent his time brightening up our day. He installed 3 - 500 watt halogen
lights in Rob's shop so we can now see MUCH better without a lot of shadow
lines. VERY important when you're trying to stay within 30/1000th!!!
February 14, 2003
Another successful engine night at the Fullers!. Parts are getting the final
cleaning and polishing and pretty soon you'll need sunglasses in order to enter
Larry’s shop! Supercharger is coming together and the main bearings have
arrived!
February 1, 2003
Lumber list made, construction method discussed.
January 24, 2003
Final measurements taken on "good" engine, getting ready for
assembly!
January 20, 2003
Met with Ron Jones to go over and take delivery on Plans!
January 18, 2003
Layout table constructed at
Summer 2002
Located and purchased 1 Allison V-12 and the V-24 that was originally in the
Scooter Too.
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