Flapdoodle Dinghy

What is in the Plans?

WheelYou will receive plans in 2 files: 3 megabyte zipped HTML file by e-mail that have:

Anchor Very detailed instructions in easy to follow sections.
Anchor Color keys give hints and caution notices:  Hint   Option   Caution   Careful
Anchor Colored arrows on photos indicate location of cuts, screws, where to glue, etc.
Anchor Plans are now in both English and metric dimensions.
Anchor Easy to follow links guide you through the many building options.
Anchor 517 detailed how-to color photos and color drawings.
Anchor Construction tricks and hints.  Build it simple or full-featured. Add to it later.
Anchor Support! Questions answered promptly.  Or ask question in the support group
Anchor You have the option of all wood, or some easy to do metal.

Options for strength, ease of building, and even more accessories for the basic hull.

This is what the plan index looks like:

Glossary

Getting started    Decisions that make it easier.

Offsets

Dagger   Dagger box        Both optional. Probably best to make them at the same time.

Metal hinges   or  Stitched hinges

Keel

Panel hinges

Side panels

Brackets

Center Seat  or  Optional Center Frame   (Makes an open hull)

Pedestal

Gunwales/Rubrails

Stern assembly

Transom

Rear seat

Stem, Foredeck & Bowplate

Fabric ends & T hinges

Skeg  Optional, but highly recommended

Rudder assembly  Optional, see text

Mast and socket  Optional

Sail and rigging  Optional

Oarlocks  Optional

Leeboard  Optional

In addition, you will receive the plans for the Flapdoodle III, and the X-Doodle.
Six megabytes more, with hundreds of DIY photos and drawings.

 Sample from plans...

Highlights  I tried to make color coded highlights for the order of  importance

Optional  (also for hints to the novice)

Be careful (also for hints and info)

Caution!    

Be VERY careful 
Don't worry. It is only used a few times, and is there to save you time and/or material.


Materials  Originally I had intended to provide a list of materials here. It turned out during the making of this that there were SO many options that it would be best to provide a list of options as we go along with explanations of why some may be better than others. Many areas are not critical, (it will tell you) so you can chose what material you wish. Replace the laminated pieces I used with solid hardwood for example.

Building Order  The order in which I have suggested that things be done may seem odd at times, but careful thought has been given to make it easier for you.

Most important in the construction sequence is subcomponents that define the shape of the craft. These are:

    Center (rowing) seat and pedestal

    Stem and foredeck

    Transom and locking assembly

Plywood  I bought white oak from a local lumberyard because it was so good looking, and the price was right ($20 a sheet)... Three sheets with the intention of using a single sheet of luan ($9) for areas that required more strength. I had some scraps from previous boats I have built, and salvaged a discarded baby crib for oak strips. Old discarded furniture can be a gold mine of small hardwood pieces (and lost TV remote controls).