Construction

Tools for building a sewn dinghy

Remarkably few tools are needed. The essential ones are as follows:

1. A 3m metric tape

2. A straight-edge

3. A wooden spline - ie a bendy wooden batten 1.5m long x 6mm square.
Using this togther with thin panels pins will ensure fair lines when marking out the panels.

4. A double toothed pruning saw. This works on the pull stroke and once the technique is mastered cuts beautifully, even the tightest curves. A jig-saw doesn't do such a good job as it can wander very easily.

5. A drill (hand or electric) with 3mm and 6mm twist drills.

6. Lace threading tool (explained in the HT drawings) together with 3 stainless steel meat skewers

7. Coarse and medium sandpaper

8. A stanely knife - pencils - ballpoint - hammer

The above list is the bare minimum but a fully equipped workshop may speed things up though not by much.

Tools such as clamps are handy, but a few 3mm bolts plus washers can do the same job. The resultant holes are easily and quickly filled using bamboo skewers together with epoxy glue. With sewn construction there are alot of holes and the act of drilling yet another hole will soon become second nature.

System of sewing together

The system of sewing parts togther soon reveals itself as being a particulary easy and strong way of constructing. It also confers on the finished article extreme longevity and toughness. Even items such as inspection ports can be sewn in place. There is no need for a backing (as in required for fastening with screw or bolts) and the job is simplified. When attaching cleats and fittings using this system, slightly larger holes will allow for second and third passes of the lacing. The main thing when carrying out the lacing is to tension each pass so that the fastening is pre-tensioned resulting in a very secure job. The use of a lace threading tool (DWG HT10) makes the job speedy and satisfying, with the added bonus that sewing is alot more economical than using screws and bolts etc.

Methods and supplementary drawings

A set of plans will include supplementary drawings relevant to your chosen dinghy. These drawings come with detailed instructions and know how, to help you along the way. There are invaluable tips on zig zag splicing, hinge threading, information on the use of epoxy, flooring, the design of an autobung, rollocks - as well as sailing related features; daggerboard, mast, mainsail and seat arrangements etc. It is unusual to acquire all this knowlegde in purchasing a set of plans. Julian has gone to great lengths to impart his decades of experience for those who wish to build his dinhgies, ensuring they are built well and has recored all this knowledge with great attention to detail.