We started the project in December 2011 and finished/put in water for the first time on August 11, 2012. The plans came from Boat Builders Handbook. Website is www.svensons.com The original Bebop is only 8 feet long. But I modified it and ours is 9 ft. Original plans were for painted plywood but we dressed it up with a rear deck with hatches and wood strips for seams on the front deck and hatches. Since I changed the plans, I changed the name to “Z Boat”. The name Z comes from the two 1973 240Z cars we own and have restored. See attached pictures in the Gallery: http://www.texaschapteraomci.com/gallery/jeff-workmans-z-boat-gallery/
Steering is a 3/4 inch round rod with a boat roller for the cable guide. The handmade steering wheel is made of steel and wood. Deck seams – each piece of wood was routed with 1/8 inch rabbit. Once put together you get a 1/4 inch groove. Grooves filled with Durhams wood filler dyed red with same oil based paint used on sides of boat. The biggest hurdle that had to be overcome in building this project was learning patience with my 3 year old son/partner. But the reward is the memories he and I both will have for the rest of our lifetime and That is what it’s all about. Jeff Workman.