Constructing the GX-1 Springboard & Plank

Designed by Bob Gray; Construction by Bob Gray and Corey Hughes (owner)

April 2005—?

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Page 3 of 5

Epoxy and clamps on the Springboard Ash skins.                                            The hollow core with tapered Redwood ribs  

A close up of the aft end of the springboard.  We ran short of  Redwood and had to scarf on some Basswood to the core ribs.

Too many years mixing epoxy can lead to reaction problems.

The Springboard is crowned and clamped.

That’s about a penny a chip!

Now were talking iceboat!

Is this guy ready or what!

Off-camera, we set a horse under the stern and one under the runner end of the Springboard, climbed in, and it sprung beautifully. As Bob said, “It’s great when a plan comes together!”

THE  PLANK— More than feet overall—Ash skins over tapered Redwood ribs

THE SPRINGBOARD—9 feet overall—Ash skins over tapered Redwood ribs

Bob’s scarf cutting jig for the chop saw and all of the 36 ash skin strips, scarfed.

Including Redwood center  ribs, there are 46 pieces required in making the plank.

The two top halves of the plank skin are epoxied and clamped up. With 93 degree air temperature, it kicked really fast!

Close up of the scarf -cut plank joint that gets epoxied next.

The taper cutting jig and the cutting and planing of the tapered Redwood center core ribs.

The ribs are scarfed and glued to 15 feet. The pieces are brad nailed to the table to hold in position.

The steering chock blocks are taking shape

The second set of skins is aligned for epoxy using a quick and easy jig to align the scarfed ends.

Over 16 feet of the topside skin is feed into the planer.

Close up of the finished top side skin scarf.

Resting on top of the topside skin, the center core of the planks is glued together. If an accidental swim comes along, this plank should float like a cork. The plank has both horizontal and vertical tapers from the center to both ends.

Click on additional page numbers for continuing photos . Construction story and  eventual sailing

Reports will be forthcoming.

 

GX-1 INDEX PAGE 1        CONSTRUCTION PHOTOS PAGE 2

 

CONSTRUCTION PHOTOS PAGE 3

 

MAST CONSTRUCTION PHOTOS PAGE 5

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We give it a test ride in the driveway, plenty of room for my long legs. The plank spring rate was right on target at 140 lb/in., wt. 56 lbs.

Cleaning off the scarf; more clamps; and Bob throwing more of my money on the floor as  routers the edges of the final plank.!

The almost completed springboard and plank.

The Plank is done and ready for final finishing.