1. Read the plans over and over again. Talk about them and research your project.

2. Don't mistake 2" flatbar for 2 1/2" flatbar !!

3. The frames are laid inside of the FSP lines. The lines are the outer edges.

4. Bending 2 1/2" flatbar to a 30" radius can't be done without warping.

5. The Plasma Cutter is the BEST way to cut plate.

6. Mig Welder minimum is 150 Amp.

7. Don't skimp on welding wire. Buy only good MIG wire.

8. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.

9. Bruce Roberts is always available for help, and is very quick with responses.

10. Material list amounts for 2 1/2" flatbar is excessive. We have 4 lengths leftover.

11. Get more stringers 1 1/4" x 1/4" . We didn't have enough.

12. Material list does NOT include solid web floors or other. You need 3 to 4 sheets not 2 !

13. Low on stringers ?? Cut the 2 1/2" flatbar in half...

14. PLATE SIDES, BOTTOM, THEN RADIUS. In that order. (Says Bruce). I agree....

15. Get a long batten. We use 1/2 " X 3/4" X 12' hemlock. It works great.

16. Large numbers of clamps are not necessary. We are getting by nicely with 6 C-Tire jobbers.

17. Use lots of Antsplatter spray for your MIG welder tips.

18. Antisplatter spray makes the Plasma Cutter tips last longer as well.

19. Don't procrastinate... Just do it.

20. Make your strongback plenty high. It's a pain sliding and rolling under the hull sides.

21. Measure twice and cut once !!!!

22. When it gets dry, keep a garden hose near by. Fires start easily !!!

23. Shop around for steel suppliers. There are lot's that will charge almost double.

24. Get only shotblasted or arboured pre-primed steel. It cost allot less than sandblasting.

25. Strip mill (rolled) plate already has a nice gentle curve in it that matches the hull curve.

26. Keep all your cutoffs for use as wedges and chims later.

27. Get some speaker magnets and cut off the basket part. Works great for holding plate. etc.

28. Keep a log book and transfer measurement's and diagrams to it for easy reference later.

29. Spray primer all fresh exposed areas of steel before it rains !!!

30. Keep stored plates off the ground. Best standing up and covered.

31. MORE TO COME AS PROJECT CONTINUES...







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