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After making the Big Tortoise, decided to start on a model. The cartopper is really the boat I want. Started with BT to get a cheap boat together this season. Mission Accomplished. After the trials I had with that most simple of builds there is no way I am going to attack the cartopper without models.

Got the plans from Dynamite and had Sir SPeedy copy the relevant sheets. Got two copies to guard against Murphy. Then I cut up one set of copied plans to make templates. Glued these to the flimsy cardboard from a soda 12 pack case and cut them out.

Took some thicker cardboard and cut model parts which were fastened with painter's tape - lots of it. This is the first draft of the model I want to build, a sailing version of cartopper. Plan on taking all winter to do this. We cut the frames, transom, center deck, bilge panels, side panels, and bottom panel from templates. Frames were cut down crudely without regard for accuracy, bow seat was likewise fabricated.

Here is the rough draft of the wooden model I hope to make:

Note that the Mary Margaret makes a fine back porch sideboard when she's not pondhopping.

Hi Doug,

Well, that didn't take long! Congrats again on the BT. Good job...

As for the model... Good start...

* I used the same type of cardboard. It worked well.
- http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/stoutcat/Boat%20models/Deadrise_P1010003.jpg
- http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/stoutcat/Boat%20models/Height_P1010004.jpg
- http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/stoutcat/Boat%20models/CarTopperandDiablo002_resized.jpg
* As you build the model, so you'll build the real boat... You'll find that a small gap here or a small gap there won't make the world explode. The things to pay attention to include:
- The angles that the frames hit the panels
- The lines are symmetric... Get the sheer, rocker, and deadrise right
- Make sure the hull sweeps smooth... No twists, bumps, or valleys
- The build stays true to the centerline
You get the idea...

Keep us posted...

Alan

Thanks Alan,

I was going to burn the cardboard, but a friend talked me into mummifying it with the tape so she can play with making a cardboard model stand, and maybe some color schemes. Remember how you were telling me about making duplicate instead of mirror sides with the teal? I did one better with the cardboard. Duplicate sides and bilge panels..... using painted side of cardboard as "good" exterior side.

So that's one trip to the moaning chair saved already. The only models I have done were a couple of plastic kits as a pre-teen back before t.v.s' had remote controls on them. They didn't turn out that well, so determined to take my time with this one, doing it more than once if necessary. I'll be posting pics as I go...

Hi Doug,

If I'd only listened to Dynamite 30 years ago... In his "Instant Boats" he talked about models, and of course I ignored the advice. How much time, money, and frustration that cost me I will never know.

You're doing the smart thing in building a model. Build 2, 3, 5, 10 CarTopper models! Whatever it takes to fix the build in your head.

Alan

well, have gone as far as i am going to with the cardboard mock up of the model of the cartopper. whew!!! That's a long ways to go... Added all major components to paper tiger except centerboard ( punked out when it came time to melt make believe lead ) oarlocks, thumb cleats, rigging.

Oars, mast, sprit, sail, rowing seat, and skeg are not to exact scale, roughed out by eyeball. Without further pontification it is my pleasure to present the S.S. Soda Box in all her glory. She is definitely trashcan worthy...







Due to inaccuracies caused by my lack of dexterity with tracing and such, have penciled out all major parts on some thin stock and will cut them oversize, using sandpaper and mini plane to correct. Will post more pics when I get them cut out.

You know Alan, at age 48 I have had an enlightenment of sorts. Finally realized how much I don't know! Somebody has been around as long as Dynamite and still has their wits about them, well I tend to pay better attention to them than I would have ten years ago. I am going to take all winter if'n that's what it takes.

Here we see the S.S. Soda Box on a beam reach and apparent imminent collision course with her replacement. The side panels, bilge panels, bottom, transom, frames, and stem of the first attempt at a wooden model.



The cutting was difficult for me. I deliberately used thick stock that was laying about in inventory ( 3ply 1/8) but still had lots of splintering and had to resort to a keyhole saw. My lines aren't as bad as they would have been with the cordless jigsaw, but still pretty horrid. We will test the healing effects of the mini block plane and sandpaper on this one for sure.

Since I haven't caught Dynamite wrong yet, might have to mill some thin stock as previously discussed and recommended by H.H. himself.

The good news is that I am giving myself till tax day 010 to get this model right..... and unlimited attempts.

Well, I will probably finish the cartopper model when the weather slows my pondhopping down. Looks like it won't be the next build.

Probably going outside the Instant Boat family but staying with a close relative. Going to review plans next month. Will model both this winter and make a decision by Valentine's day.

For two up sailing and not trailer, and auxiliary by oar or small motor, the choices are pretty limited. What's holding me up on the cartopper is a passenger always wants to go out with me, and PCB himself says you really can't trim the car topper to row two up. Wouldn't make me blink with a few years recent rowing under my belt, but I'm still hopping the oarlocks and having trouble tracking in the re-learning curve.

Good News,the thick stock will make a rudimentary model, got to get the table saw out and mill something between 1/16 and 3/32....... . That will make more refined models methinks.

Hi Doug,

Just a quick thought... You wrote,



Earlier, I think you mentioned the 3 ply 1/8" stock as "thick stock"...

Ummm... Are you thinking about trying to place the 1/8" against the rip fence and rip down to 1/16 or 3/32 thickness? If so, I'd do it with a hand plane instead, or securely temp glue the 1/8" to more substantial stuff. Really thin stock tends to chatter, shatter, and kick. My $.02.

Alan

Hi Alan,

No, I am not going to try and rip that "shredded wheat" 1/8. For once I am going to listen to Dynamite and give it a go ripping some boards I have on hand. The cut ends of my pig iron like 2x4 seat support boards will be first up. I have to have weather, inspiration, and helper sticks.....

Hi Doug,

Yeah, I figured that you were doing something sensible... But I just wanted to be sure. In the past I've tried to rip really narrow stock, and gotten in some trouble. I know it can be done, but I'm a bit gun shy around power tools. (I owned my first table saw when I was 13, and still have yet to be really bitten by one. I may not be as fast as others, but I still have all my fingers ).

Alan

I second that emotion. I actually unplug mine to make any adjustments and in between cuts. If Mrs. Doug comes out to talk to me she knows to keep her distance until any monsters are unplugged from their power source. I even take the batteries out of my cordless saws between cuts unless i am all alone in the backyard boatyard.

Hi Doug,

My goodness! I turn my back and you go and build a neat model!

I do like the way the model turned out. Sure beats staring at a set of plans!

You do good work...actual building a boat or a model.

Thanks Bill,

That model was priceless. Have gotten very non excited about the wooden version for now. Between the model and reading "Boats with an Open Mind", Mike Monies' account of the 09 TX200, and Jackie M's Duckworks article, it's clear the cartopper is not the boat I want to re-learn sailing in.

struggling with the wood has given me a strong reality check. My skills aren't there yet.

Mike has forgotten more about sailing than I will learn in this life and the car topper really tested him. Granted, I am going to be learning on sheltered water. Still Bolger's and Monies' writing make it pretty clear. The cartopper is a beautiful boat that is good for one up rowing, and one up sailing under a steady hand in calm waters.

My options look like a Brick ( 4x8 high sided thing, not the BT), a modified brick like yours, or another design. Am leaning towards the piccup squared. It's not much harder to build than the BT, just a few butts and a curve in the sides. it will carry two sailing or rowing better than the cartopper, and easier to camp in. Leeboards mean no holes through the hull.

If I were a lesser man ( in terms of sheer volume) the teal would be attractive. Really don't want to trailer a boat yet. If I was going that route, a junebug would be a candidate. Still have chines though.

Bolger mentioned Michalak as somebody he went to when he was over his head. That's a pretty strong endorsement. Also, one of the Moffit boys put a piccup squared to good use in the wet/dry run of the OBX-130. He rigged it as a cat yawl.

I could make a sail for the BT, but the low sides and lack of real estate for flotation give me pause. I really like the BT as she is. My little pondhopping rowing machine.

Pretty sure I can sail the brick with it's unstayed mast without regard to capsizing. Especially in the waters I have in mind.

CSB wants fifty bucks for brick plans, that ain't gonna happen. Besides, I will want to row as often as sail. Only Andrew Linns modified box boat seems to be a good rower in all the 4x8's i have studied. The slope on the sides of the Salem Electron put those oars a bit closer to the water than they would be on brick built to plans.

An 11' pram would be easier to put on top the car than an 8' brick with my sedan. A truck or minivan would be a different scenario.

On balance, have to say building a model was the best thing to do. There was a temptation to dive right in with maybe a month of building weather left.. Even the little cardboard mock up of the BT I did before drawing the lines on plywood saved me some grief..

Not going to throw those cartopper plans away. Still really love those lines. Just not the next build.

Hi Doug,

Read and re-read your last post... But I still have a question... Is it your sailing skills that you feel need polishing, or is it your boat-building skills as well?

Alan

Hi Alan,

It's both actually. Haven't sailed for 31 years. Only had a few seasons, and never like a whole summer of nothing but sailing.

As far as the build, my next one needs to be a bit simpler than the car topper. Those lines are very alluring, but the details of the centerboard, case, etc worry me a bit. More comfortable with a leeboard, much easier to move it than a hole in the hull.

Still not throwing away those plans, my model pieces, my plan to make a few more models after the weather keeps me off the water. Just pretty certain the car topper isn't the next build. With another build or two under my belt, a season of sailing, it's going to be hard not to build it.

Like you said, those lines are stunning. Our house guest has taken over the paper model. She doesn't get excited about too many boats.