Messages

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Projects - Glacier Boats of Alaska boat projects / Re: GA28 in Silverton Oregon

« on: November 01, 2020, 01:03:29 PM »

You won’t regret your building a GA, but those who don’t go along for the ride will!
I’m with Nolan, I much prefer Renn’s sawhorses.

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General Discussion about the Great Alaskan / Re: My Official build thread. Ya it’s happening!

« on: March 16, 2019, 12:55:27 PM »

I used David’s microwave trick on a few cold mornings. Worked well, you just need to move faster...

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General Discussion about the Great Alaskan / Re: My Official build thread. Ya it’s happening!

« on: January 27, 2019, 10:38:22 AM »

I can’t cut a straight line longer than a inch.  I used my block plane a lot to shape the inside curves.  Maybe I need to upgrade the old jigsaw.  I think after 30 years of bending nails and pulling wrenches I am seeing the early signs of carpal tunnel.  Makes the hand work more difficult and I get tired quicker than i use to.

Try making your long curves with a skilsaw. You will get smooth consistent curves. A jig saw makes inconsistent curves which require cleaning up with a plane. Don’t plunge cut the curves like you do when cutting your stringers, but rat he still the saw deep enough so it will fully penetrate.

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General Discussion about the Great Alaskan / Re: Tolman vs GA

« on: January 27, 2019, 10:29:25 AM »

The pitch of the hull would be one, the width would be another, the size of the chines yet another. The major thing which differentiates the two would be the stern.
Tolman’s have a straight bottom and sides midship aft, while a GA narrows down at the stern making it much more friendly in following seas. The wide or wider chines give much more lift, while the sharper entry cuts the chop more effectively. The end result of that being less inclined to pound when running in choppy seas.
I have been out in weather I wish I hadn’t been; but never felt in danger, South blow with wind driven swells towering over me. She brought us home,  40 miles, safe, sound and dry. My passenger had big eyes initially, but was completely comfortable by the time we made it back to port.

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General Discussion about the Great Alaskan / Re: My Official build thread. Ya it’s bappening!

« on: December 31, 2018, 01:09:44 PM »

I did both, raised the deck 3 1/2 inches (nominal 2x4)  and raised the sides the same. All you need to do is raise the stringer support 3 1/2 inches.
Because you raise the deck, you either want to raise or drop the splash rail. The reason for that is because depending upon loading; fuel, people, gear Etc. you might want to add fwd scuppers (which I wish I had). I didn’t do that one simple step so in order to add fwd scuppers I have to go right through the center of the splash rail on the fwd scuppers...😢
My wheelhouse is about six inches taller than the callout. I’m 6’4” and not in favor of banging my head. The proportions look normal, and I would do it the same again!

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Projects - Glacier Boats of Alaska boat projects / Re: Outdoor build of GA

« on: December 08, 2018, 02:19:42 PM »

I think the primary object of this venture is to just do it! Boats have been built for centuries under all imaginable conditions. We tend to overthink everything when building a boat, but the key to it all is just to seriously apply ourselves and start. Procrastination is the biggest killer of dreams and the start of mediocrity! You can do this!

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Boat Systems - Electrical, Electronics, Motors, Plumbing & Tankage etc / Re: Radar, depth finder, plot charter

« on: November 12, 2018, 04:45:44 PM »

I went with Raymarine. You really should have them all networked to really get the most benefit out of each unit. Raymarine’s network is real easy to install and has worked flawlessly. I spent more time worrying than actually installing.  Your radio will also work intimately with the network should you choose to go that route. When buddy fishing, you can monitor your friends location every time they key the mike!

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General Discussion about the Great Alaskan / Re: Too fast for old farts?

« on: October 01, 2018, 06:37:26 PM »

I would have to responsive as opposed to squirrelly. Very controllable, I have used her in a wide variety of ocean conditions, including coming in thirty plus miles in a hard South blow. Here in the Northwest, that is one of he most “uncomfortable” and to be avoided weather conditions if at all possible! I would have to say a great platform when jigging or just drifting with the current.
Running across the bar in restricted conditions can make the butt cheeks pucker a bit, but not with my GA, quite the opposite, it gets a little bumpy, but not once have I felt unsafe or has she seemed unresponsive or out of control.

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General Discussion about the Great Alaskan / Re: Too fast for old farts?

« on: September 23, 2018, 09:34:23 AM »

I built mine for offshore and cruising. You are right, she will get up and move when asked to do so. Frankly, I have been out many times when twelve knots was all I could do granted current conditions. I have also been out on days when running offshore and conditions were good enough to do 24 plus knots. Then there are weekends where we just play in the bay, crabbing on an incoming tide at four or five knots. The boat will cruise on plane down to around twelve or thirteen giving you optimal mileage.  I am running a 225 on mine with a 17 inch prop. I am planning on upgrading the prop to a 21 inch for better cruising mileage. Right now, with fresh fuel onboard, I get 3 1/2 miles per gallon cruising out as fast as conditions allow, trolling for four or five hours then cruising in as fast as conditions allow.
So, if you want a boat without the potential to go fast when you want or need to the GA isn’t for you. Going fast isn’t a bad thing, it is something to have in your tool box when you need it! Being stuck at ten or twelve knots, day in and day out, severely limits the use of your boat.

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Projects - Glacier Boats of Alaska boat projects / Re: Bob from Olympia, 28 GA build

« on: September 09, 2018, 11:02:30 AM »

Brian,
I like that support, I am going to use that.  Off to the shop going to get windshield panels and roof mockup done.

I been thinking (haha) I plan on using 1/2" for the windshield panels rather than 1/4" with 1/4" doubler, might be easier for me.

Bob

I used 1/2 inch for mine. Worked great!

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General Discussion about the Great Alaskan / Took some kids I went to school with fishing (tongue in cheek)

« on: August 16, 2018, 08:44:21 AM »

Here in the NW, we are known for rough water. Calm days are far and few  between. On the few good days, I can get up to thirty knots, on the bad days I can get up to 12 or 13. The only pounding I have experienced is when I hit that occational big swell and get airborne, pounding my nuts into my throat. Cuts right through wind chop up to three or four foot without a problem.
Went out yesterday in less than fun conditions, heavy fog and four foot wind chop on top of five foot 8 second swells. We averaged right at 17 knots, but coming in, with the wind at our backs I was running 24 knots. I had three aboard plus myself so just the passengers were around a thousand pounds, not counting ice and gear. She is a dream to handle in rough water.
One of the guys fishing has had numerous bouts with cancer, the latest are three spots on his lungs. He lost half his foot five years ago and that poop keeps coming back to haunt him. He told me that this trip was on his bucket list and that it was the most fun he had had on any fishing trip!
I have known him since the second grade, and it is hard to watch him fight the battle! One of the others I have known since before school, growing up on the high desert of Oregon.

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General Discussion about the Great Alaskan / Took some of the kids (tongue in cheek) fishing Tuesday

« on: August 16, 2018, 08:38:12 AM »

Here in the NW, we are known for rough water. Calm days are far and few  between. On the few good days, I can get up to thirty knots, on the bad days I can get up to 12 or 13. The only pounding I have experienced is when I hit that occational big swell and get airborne, pounding my nutty into my throat. Cuts right through wind chop up to three or four foot without a problem.
Went out yesterday in less than fun conditions, heavy fog and four foot wind chop on top of five foot 8 second five foot swells. We averaged right at 17 knots, but coming in, with the wind at our backs I was running 24 knots. I had three aboard plus myself so just the passengers were around a thousand pounds, not counting ice and gear. She is a dream to handle in rough water.
One of the guys fishing has had numerous bouts with cancer, the latest are three spots on his lungs. He lost half his foot five years ago and that poop keeps coming back to haunt him. He told me that this trip was on his bucket list and that it was the most fun he had had on any fishing trip!
I have known him since the second grade, and it is hard to watch him fight the battle! One of the others I have known since before school, growing up on the high desert of Oregon.

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Projects - Glacier Boats of Alaska boat projects / Re: Bob from Olympia, 28 GA build

« on: June 21, 2018, 06:34:51 PM »

Looks good! This is the stage where it seems ninety percent of the work is. Not really, but it sure seems that way! This phase is probably the most important, because you determine how everything that goes below deck will fit and still give you the ability to change and upgrade your wiring and hoses.
It seems to go on forever, but you are almost there! Keep at it and soon it is Big Blue!

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General Discussion about the Great Alaskan / Re: A house for my GA

« on: June 16, 2018, 08:24:31 AM »

We live in Veneta, Or. Just west of Eugene.  We like to fish at crescent lake.  The limits are low,  but the scenery is great and the water is crystal clear

When you limit at Crescent, head down to Odell and do it again. Makes for an exceptional day...

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Projects - Glacier Boats of Alaska boat projects / Re: Bob from Olympia, 28 GA build

« on: June 16, 2018, 08:17:35 AM »

RBOB,
I used 1/2 inch marine ply for the deck over the anchor well. And it is more than adequate. The cuddy roof is 1/4” and it gives a bit. I think if I were to do it again I would possibly go 3/8 for the cuddy roof. You don’t get up on the cuddy a lot, or maybe that is just me. But after adding the railing I am sure that will change...sneaking up on albies and casting jigs is in my future!