I got a big tank. The experts (i.e., people who contribute to on-line forums) estimate you will burn 1 gallon per hour running at 20 horsepower. Figuring on a 10 HP engine for a Grey Seal, that would be about 1/2 gallon per hour (actually less, since you would run the engine at about 2/3 of its maximum, hence 2/3 of the rated HP.) That means a small (6.5 gallon) tank would take me well over 13 hours under power, which would seem to be more than adequate. My more experienced sailing friends, however, say that when it comes to fuel, more is better, so I opted for a Vetus 42 liter (11 gallon) tank, which, if full, and if the engine continues to run, should take me a very long way, indeed.
Fitting the tank (or any tank, for that matter) is a challenge in a small vessel. I found I had insufficient room below the cockpit sole for the tank, unless I wanted to have a custom tank constructed or else dispense with the engine. Locating it in the cabin, say under a berth, seemed unwise. I found a perfect spot in the enclosed area below the aft deck, where it fits perfectly, remains accessible, sits on the centerline, and carries most of its weight below the waterline.
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| Looking down at the new fuel tank. It has yet to be strapped down. |
My focus remains on the cabin. I finished framing the berths, and have begun to apply the plywood skin. As with all plywood, it must first be completely coated with epoxy on all surfaces. The middle section of the berth tops will be removable to provide stowage access on both sides of the cabin.
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| Sides of port and starboard berths in place and glued. |
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| The head, with ceiling applied, and its sole in place. |
Keep up the good work, its looking great. Three questions for you:
ReplyDelete1. Are you going to secure the fuel tank in its position and if so how?
2. Are you keeping track of how much epoxy you are going through. I've built a couple of little things, a double kayak and Oughtred's Auk and I was amazed at how a little craft soaks up that stuff, I can only imagine the quantities you are consuming.
3. My wife requests more pics including your apprentice Mr Bosco.
cheers Aussie Andrew 2
Wow! Two Aussie Andrews in two days! Some kind of a record. Thanks for the kind word, but I only take pictures of the stuff that looks good, you know. Fortunately, in boat building as in much of life, persistence and tenacity can sometimes be an adequate substitute for talent, and so I persevere.
ReplyDeleteTo your questions:
1. Yes, the tank will be secured. Vetus provides some nylon web straps for the purpose, and suggests affixing them around the tank to a framework fastened to the hull underneath the tank. I'm still designing that, because I want to keep the tank as low in the boat as possible, obviously for stability reasons. I'll post some pictures when I decide on the solution.
2. You are right about the epoxy. I haven't kept a running total, but I have saved all my invoices for all boat expenses. Someday, I shall get good and drunk, and then add them all up. Roughly, I would estimate I have used 11 gallons of West System resin (plus hardener) and a gallon of MAS resin. I use the West System for gluing, and the MAS for coating, because it flows better. I certainly have several more gallons to go before I am done.
3. I shall definitely try to add more photos, especially of Bosco, who is, by the way, my supervisor and not my apprentice. Bosco is a fairly good sport and will stay on duty alongside me at least when my wife isn't in the garden. He is a serious tomato lover, and will stare at her as long as she is picking, in the hope of having some tossed to him.
Good day,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this build. I live in the US Virgin Islands and am considering building the Gray Seal or one of Oughtred's similar boats. I like the offshore capabilities of the Gray Seal, and living on an island when you go anywhere you're open-water sailing. I desing and build surfboards and kayaks, and am completing a Baby Tender by Jordan Wooden Boats for my daughter due in March. That project got the wife to give in to a larger project.
My space is limited. I am going to have to build outside and I cannot build a shed because I rent, so when I say outside I mean OUTside! I will have to cover everything up each day. However, I have built kayaks and surfboards in my kitchen, and build things all the time on my porch, so I have just gotten used to making do with what I have.
My dilemma is I live on an island and resources are scarce. It would be easier for me to build a strip-planked boat, but I just love the lines and how lapstrake highlights those lines. Everything for me will cost 20% more just because of where I live. Your site gives me some insight into what to expect. For instance, I would have never guessed 11 gallons + of epoxy. That's a big cost.
Anyway, the build looks great and thanks for sharing. It has really helped me to be able to see the build.
Malcolm,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words. I'm having fun doing the blog, and hearing from people who follow it. Grey Seal is definitely not an inexpensive boat to build, but it is a good challenge and a great deal of fun. Regarding your costs, since you will get to sail all year, so that should more than make up the cost differential (at least on a per use basis.) Our season is mostly May through October. Working outside may be a pain, but at least you won't be cramped for space.
I hope you share your progress via blog or the Woodenboat Forum once you get started.