launching a wood runabout for first time

The decks and cockpit offer the chance to show off woodworking skills and a bit of creativity since more of the decision making is left up to the builder. Builders of larger stature may want to opt for the single cockpit design as it offers more generous legroom. The twin arrangement is asking a lot of so short a boat, and some might find it a bit restrictive. The plans include options for a single or twin cockpit. It’s very shallow-V hull is meant for smooth water. The RB14 carves through turns without skidding. Builders working from plans are provided with the option of cutting the transom straight-sided and forgoing the kerfs in the hull sides. The sweet lines of the RB14 are proof that plywood can achieve the look that more traditional techniques provide. They get fastened to the curved edges of the transom and the kerfs are later filled the facets created by the planks will be transformed into smooth curves in the course of sanding and applying ’glass and fairing compound. The sides take on compound curves as they approach the transom-very difficult to achieve using 9mm-thick plywood-so the directions call for cutting parallel kerfs of varying lengths, in effect turning the aft half of the panel into six strakes. Permanent plywood stringers are incorporated into the molds, providing a rigid structure that exhibits little flex when the plywood panels that form the hull are bent around it. Long pieces for the side and bottom have puzzle-piece joints for quick and accurate alignment.Ĭonstruction is of stitch-and-glue plywood, assembled with the hull upside down. Frames have tabs holding their centers which are left in place to give the frame rigidity during the early phase of construction. Each piece is CNC-cut with tabs to hold it in place on the plywood sheet a little work with a thin, flexible pull saw frees them. It includes temporary MDF molds and all of the permanent parts in BS 1088 okoume plywood. Plans are available, but we opted to order the hull kit. The battery and fuel tank (visible here ahead of the foot well) are carried forward to help maintain good trim. She had some hands-on experience helping her older sister, Hannah, build a Jericho Bay Skiff, but when we needed a bit of help we found ample guidance in Bateau’s tutorials, active forum of knowledgeable builders, and the designer himself. My 13-year-old daughter Kyla and I built an RB14 boat for her since “boatbuilding with dad” has become a recent tradition in our family. The tumblehome stern, faux planked decks, and broad covering boards will turn heads at the ramp and get a thumbs-up from motorists on the highway. At only 14′ long, the RB14 will never be mistaken for a restoration of a grand runabout that regularly wins awards at wooden boat shows, but it is no slouch in the looks department. The RB14 would look right at home in a 1950s DIY magazine, and in fact that is exactly where Jacques found some of the inspiration for the design. Kerfs in the aft ends of the side panels make the compound curves at the stern possible. He was an early adopter of CAD, and quickly made the transition to CNC-cut kits so Jacques could spend more time designing boats while the team at the shop manages the business of cutting kits, supplying materials, and supporting backyard builders. Schooled in Belgium in yacht design, he has created a considerable stable of boat designs. Jacques has been building and designing boats for most of his life.

The Runabout 14 (RB14) designed by Jacques Mertens-Goossens of is one such craft. Obtaining a genuine classic isn’t going to be in the cards for everyone, but there is an alternative that blends their style with modern affordable construction and just the right amount of whimsy. There is something magical about the classic styling of decked runabouts that ushers us back to an earlier, more elegant era.

Launching a wood runabout for first time