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Jayne's Rowboat Rocker

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boat oak rocker
32K views 34 replies 12 participants last post by  Tomcat1066 
#1 ·
Gotta Start Someplace

This will probably be a pretty short blog, but wanted to share some progress of the next rocker I'm building. This one is for child #4, Jayne. It became tradition for each of my kids to get a rocker on their second Christmas and after plenty of thought about what to build, I finally decided on the boat.

I have never built a boat so I hope the more nautically inclined folks out there cut me a little slack about my construction methods (or suggest a better method!). I want it to look close enough to a boat to look good, but still be relatively easy to build. For that reason, I went with a flat, plywood bottom to simplify the construction and provide an easier platform to attach rockers to.
Wood Rectangle Floor Flooring Artifact


I plan to curve 1/4 plywood around wooden ribs to create the sides of the boat and attach to a flat plywood back (transom?).
Naval architecture Wood Boats and boating--Equipment and supplies Automotive exterior Rectangle


Wood Naval architecture Rectangle Boats and boating--Equipment and supplies Hardwood

Wood Rectangle Floor Flooring Wood stain


The ribs are created with bridle joints between the uprights and the stretcher connecting each pair. I then drilled a 3/4" hole in each to receive a short dowel plug. Hopefully this will be plenty strong enough to keep the sides in place when bending the 1/4" ply around.

Wood Floor Flooring Hardwood Composite material


At the bow, I made a glued up block to hold the plywood sides in place and fit to the front of the plywood base.

Wood Automotive tire Tire Floor Flooring


I still need to shape the tops of all the ribs and the bow-piece, but I wanted to get the angles set first then worry about how tall to make the sides later (I still haven't figured out all the dimensions). I suppose I'll go back to my tried and true method of sizing these rockers; grab the nearest kid and put them on/in the thing and eyeball it!

More to come in the next few days since I only have about a week to get it done!
 

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#2 ·
Gotta Start Someplace

This will probably be a pretty short blog, but wanted to share some progress of the next rocker I'm building. This one is for child #4, Jayne. It became tradition for each of my kids to get a rocker on their second Christmas and after plenty of thought about what to build, I finally decided on the boat.

I have never built a boat so I hope the more nautically inclined folks out there cut me a little slack about my construction methods (or suggest a better method!). I want it to look close enough to a boat to look good, but still be relatively easy to build. For that reason, I went with a flat, plywood bottom to simplify the construction and provide an easier platform to attach rockers to.
Wood Rectangle Floor Flooring Artifact


I plan to curve 1/4 plywood around wooden ribs to create the sides of the boat and attach to a flat plywood back (transom?).
Naval architecture Wood Boats and boating--Equipment and supplies Automotive exterior Rectangle


Wood Naval architecture Rectangle Boats and boating--Equipment and supplies Hardwood

Wood Rectangle Floor Flooring Wood stain


The ribs are created with bridle joints between the uprights and the stretcher connecting each pair. I then drilled a 3/4" hole in each to receive a short dowel plug. Hopefully this will be plenty strong enough to keep the sides in place when bending the 1/4" ply around.

Wood Floor Flooring Hardwood Composite material


At the bow, I made a glued up block to hold the plywood sides in place and fit to the front of the plywood base.

Wood Automotive tire Tire Floor Flooring


I still need to shape the tops of all the ribs and the bow-piece, but I wanted to get the angles set first then worry about how tall to make the sides later (I still haven't figured out all the dimensions). I suppose I'll go back to my tried and true method of sizing these rockers; grab the nearest kid and put them on/in the thing and eyeball it!

More to come in the next few days since I only have about a week to get it done!
Hey,
Looking real good so far…nice job.
 

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#3 ·
Gotta Start Someplace

This will probably be a pretty short blog, but wanted to share some progress of the next rocker I'm building. This one is for child #4, Jayne. It became tradition for each of my kids to get a rocker on their second Christmas and after plenty of thought about what to build, I finally decided on the boat.

I have never built a boat so I hope the more nautically inclined folks out there cut me a little slack about my construction methods (or suggest a better method!). I want it to look close enough to a boat to look good, but still be relatively easy to build. For that reason, I went with a flat, plywood bottom to simplify the construction and provide an easier platform to attach rockers to.
Wood Rectangle Floor Flooring Artifact


I plan to curve 1/4 plywood around wooden ribs to create the sides of the boat and attach to a flat plywood back (transom?).
Naval architecture Wood Boats and boating--Equipment and supplies Automotive exterior Rectangle


Wood Naval architecture Rectangle Boats and boating--Equipment and supplies Hardwood

Wood Rectangle Floor Flooring Wood stain


The ribs are created with bridle joints between the uprights and the stretcher connecting each pair. I then drilled a 3/4" hole in each to receive a short dowel plug. Hopefully this will be plenty strong enough to keep the sides in place when bending the 1/4" ply around.

Wood Floor Flooring Hardwood Composite material


At the bow, I made a glued up block to hold the plywood sides in place and fit to the front of the plywood base.

Wood Automotive tire Tire Floor Flooring


I still need to shape the tops of all the ribs and the bow-piece, but I wanted to get the angles set first then worry about how tall to make the sides later (I still haven't figured out all the dimensions). I suppose I'll go back to my tried and true method of sizing these rockers; grab the nearest kid and put them on/in the thing and eyeball it!

More to come in the next few days since I only have about a week to get it done!
It's looking real good. You definately don't need to worry much about the construstion methods. I built a boat rocker a while back, and from what I can see, the construction methods you've used so far are way superior to what I done.
 

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#4 ·
Sizing up the Sides

Today I did a bunch of sanding on the rib assemblies, back and bottom. I then did a clamp together assembly (with help from the wife) to make some layout marks to determine the size of the sides.

Wood Naval architecture Automotive design Table Hardwood


I used some leftover Luan plywood to make a rough shape for the sides since it was already pretty warped and thus a little easier to bend. I then transferred the shape to the 1/4" oak plywood for the finished piece and fine tuned the shape.

Wheel Wood Flooring Floor Automotive design


After I got one side shaped the way I wanted it, I transferred markings to the other and cut it out. Then I pattern routed the shape onto the second side using the first side as a template. Once the sides were clamped in position, I transferred marks to the rib uprights so I could trim them down.
Wood Urban design Composite material Automotive exterior Rectangle


Wood Floor Flooring Wood stain Hardwood


The bow upright was marked for cutting as well and hopefully the next installment will have the basic shape complete.
 

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#5 ·
Sizing up the Sides

Today I did a bunch of sanding on the rib assemblies, back and bottom. I then did a clamp together assembly (with help from the wife) to make some layout marks to determine the size of the sides.

Wood Naval architecture Automotive design Table Hardwood


I used some leftover Luan plywood to make a rough shape for the sides since it was already pretty warped and thus a little easier to bend. I then transferred the shape to the 1/4" oak plywood for the finished piece and fine tuned the shape.

Wheel Wood Flooring Floor Automotive design


After I got one side shaped the way I wanted it, I transferred markings to the other and cut it out. Then I pattern routed the shape onto the second side using the first side as a template. Once the sides were clamped in position, I transferred marks to the rib uprights so I could trim them down.
Wood Urban design Composite material Automotive exterior Rectangle


Wood Floor Flooring Wood stain Hardwood


The bow upright was marked for cutting as well and hopefully the next installment will have the basic shape complete.
Looks like your ROCKIN and rolling now … man im cheesy
 

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#6 ·
Basic Shape Complete

Yesterday started by doing final shaping on the ribs. I marked and cut them to length the night before and yesterday was the trial fit. All was well, so I needed to round-over the edges and sand them. Then it was time to install them permanently. A little bit of glue and a few well positioned screws hold each in place.

Wood Naval architecture Floor Art Urban design


I made a few adjustments to the bow upright, sanded it and installed it in place as well. Some more glue and screws here.

Wood Rectangle Urban design Flooring Automotive exterior


Then it was time to bend the plywood into place to layout for screw holes.

Table Wood Workbench Saw Engineering


Wood Engineering Gas Machine Boats and boating--Equipment and supplies


I would have loved to keep the sides of the boat free of any visible fasteners, but I couldn't think of a good way to accomplish that so it got carefully spaced screws along each side.

Wood Engineering Naval architecture Plywood Machine


Wood Table Naval architecture Hardwood Flooring


I like the way the screws turned out. Makes it look like rivets along the hull of a bigger boat. Now I need to focus on making a cap rail for the top of the sides, a cap piece for the bow and stern, a seat, and some rockers. I need to inlay a piece on the bottom of the transom board to hide the screws and was thinking of using purpleheart since this is a girl's boat. If I do that, I will likely find a place to use more purpleheat as I add finishing touches. A few more days to go!
 

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#7 ·
Basic Shape Complete

Yesterday started by doing final shaping on the ribs. I marked and cut them to length the night before and yesterday was the trial fit. All was well, so I needed to round-over the edges and sand them. Then it was time to install them permanently. A little bit of glue and a few well positioned screws hold each in place.

Wood Naval architecture Floor Art Urban design


I made a few adjustments to the bow upright, sanded it and installed it in place as well. Some more glue and screws here.

Wood Rectangle Urban design Flooring Automotive exterior


Then it was time to bend the plywood into place to layout for screw holes.

Table Wood Workbench Saw Engineering


Wood Engineering Gas Machine Boats and boating--Equipment and supplies


I would have loved to keep the sides of the boat free of any visible fasteners, but I couldn't think of a good way to accomplish that so it got carefully spaced screws along each side.

Wood Engineering Naval architecture Plywood Machine


Wood Table Naval architecture Hardwood Flooring


I like the way the screws turned out. Makes it look like rivets along the hull of a bigger boat. Now I need to focus on making a cap rail for the top of the sides, a cap piece for the bow and stern, a seat, and some rockers. I need to inlay a piece on the bottom of the transom board to hide the screws and was thinking of using purpleheart since this is a girl's boat. If I do that, I will likely find a place to use more purpleheat as I add finishing touches. A few more days to go!
Looks great. You are doing a very nice job on it. Thanks for posting.

God Bless
tom
 

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#11 ·
Capping the rails

Now that the sides are on the boat, today was about getting some cap rails installed to hide the plywood edging of the sides and give the boat a more finished look. Easier said than done since this is a compound curve. I started by creating templates out of 1/4" hardboard by clamping it in place and tracing the shape of the sides to it.
Wood Yellow Motor vehicle Workbench Engineering


Then I cut out the outside line, sanded to the line and drew in the inside dimension 2" from the outside line. Then I had to make one for the other side since they aren't exactly the same. They fit onto some 1×6x4' boards that I would later resaw to 1/4" thick so I could bend them. The resulting cap is 1/2".

Rectangle Wood Road surface Automotive design Flooring


After lots of clamping the templates into position to get references for installation, I finally put the right side cap on with glue and two screws per rib.

Naval architecture Wood Motor vehicle Engineering Boats and boating--Equipment and supplies

Boats and boating--Equipment and supplies Blue Naval architecture Wood Recreation

Naval architecture Boats and boating--Equipment and supplies Wood Vehicle Automotive exterior


I'm actually fairly disappointed that I had to use screws through the top cap. I would have preferred to keep it clean and fastener-free, but I couldn't think of a better way to keep it on securely. I originally thought about pocket screws running up from the ribs to the caps, but the cap material isn't very thick and besides, I hadn't drilled the pocket screws before installing the ribs to the bottom, so there is not access for that anymore.

The other side will go on tomorrow and then there will be significant work to be done to fit the bow cap so it matches up with the sides. We'll see how it goes…
 

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#12 ·
Capping the rails

Now that the sides are on the boat, today was about getting some cap rails installed to hide the plywood edging of the sides and give the boat a more finished look. Easier said than done since this is a compound curve. I started by creating templates out of 1/4" hardboard by clamping it in place and tracing the shape of the sides to it.
Wood Yellow Motor vehicle Workbench Engineering


Then I cut out the outside line, sanded to the line and drew in the inside dimension 2" from the outside line. Then I had to make one for the other side since they aren't exactly the same. They fit onto some 1×6x4' boards that I would later resaw to 1/4" thick so I could bend them. The resulting cap is 1/2".

Rectangle Wood Road surface Automotive design Flooring


After lots of clamping the templates into position to get references for installation, I finally put the right side cap on with glue and two screws per rib.

Naval architecture Wood Motor vehicle Engineering Boats and boating--Equipment and supplies

Boats and boating--Equipment and supplies Blue Naval architecture Wood Recreation

Naval architecture Boats and boating--Equipment and supplies Wood Vehicle Automotive exterior


I'm actually fairly disappointed that I had to use screws through the top cap. I would have preferred to keep it clean and fastener-free, but I couldn't think of a better way to keep it on securely. I originally thought about pocket screws running up from the ribs to the caps, but the cap material isn't very thick and besides, I hadn't drilled the pocket screws before installing the ribs to the bottom, so there is not access for that anymore.

The other side will go on tomorrow and then there will be significant work to be done to fit the bow cap so it matches up with the sides. We'll see how it goes…
I know it is too late now but could you have doweled it? You are doing a very nice job on this piece. Looking forward to next step. Thanks for sharing.

God Bless
tom
 

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#20 ·
Unscrewed

I mentioned in the last entry how little I liked the screws in the top cap rail so I took a fellow LJ's advice and I'm going to ditch the screws and use dowels instead. Problem is that there are marks from the screws so I need to do something to cover them up. I decided to inlay a diamond shape of walnut where the screws were and I will be drilling a hole through that to put in the oak dowel that will ultimately help hold the cap rail to the ribs of the boat.

Wood Wood stain Hardwood Varnish Plank


Hand tool Wood Tool Workbench Metalworking hand tool


I hope I can be more accurate with the placement of the dowels than I was with the screws I originally used. I laid out the screw locations on the template, but when I installed the rails, the pilot holes shifted and the screws didn't align well with the screws already in the sides of the hull.

I also need to fix a little slip of the router that occurred when I was template routing the rails. I'm thinking I will just sand that area more to smooth out the transition, but if someone has a better idea, I'd love to hear it!

Calipers Hand tool Wood Pneumatic tool Gesture


I have conceded that I won't get this done in time for Christmas (sorry Jayne) so I won't be working on it quite as much over the next few days so I can enjoy what's left of my vacation time with the family without a deadline stressing me out. I don't want this to go on forever, but I think I will enjoy the process more and be easier to live with now that I'm not so worried about a deadline. Hopefully this will clear my thinking and keep me from making future mistakes. We'll see…
 

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#21 ·
Unscrewed

I mentioned in the last entry how little I liked the screws in the top cap rail so I took a fellow LJ's advice and I'm going to ditch the screws and use dowels instead. Problem is that there are marks from the screws so I need to do something to cover them up. I decided to inlay a diamond shape of walnut where the screws were and I will be drilling a hole through that to put in the oak dowel that will ultimately help hold the cap rail to the ribs of the boat.

Wood Wood stain Hardwood Varnish Plank


Hand tool Wood Tool Workbench Metalworking hand tool


I hope I can be more accurate with the placement of the dowels than I was with the screws I originally used. I laid out the screw locations on the template, but when I installed the rails, the pilot holes shifted and the screws didn't align well with the screws already in the sides of the hull.

I also need to fix a little slip of the router that occurred when I was template routing the rails. I'm thinking I will just sand that area more to smooth out the transition, but if someone has a better idea, I'd love to hear it!

Calipers Hand tool Wood Pneumatic tool Gesture


I have conceded that I won't get this done in time for Christmas (sorry Jayne) so I won't be working on it quite as much over the next few days so I can enjoy what's left of my vacation time with the family without a deadline stressing me out. I don't want this to go on forever, but I think I will enjoy the process more and be easier to live with now that I'm not so worried about a deadline. Hopefully this will clear my thinking and keep me from making future mistakes. We'll see…
For your router slip, I usually go for a patch. In this case, I might smooth out the divot so I can glue on a strip of scrap that can conform to the smoothed shape and then reshape. If that does not work out to your satisfaction you can always go with the modified shape plan you describe above. Just a thought…
 

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#25 ·
Finally out of the clamps

I'll end any suspense right now and say that I didn't make my Christmas deadline for this project and at the rate I've been going, I'll be lucky to make her birthday in June! At any rate, I finally have the boat out of the clamps that were holding the top rails on until I could glue in some dowels.

Boat Vehicle Naval architecture Boats and boating--Equipment and supplies Watercraft


I cut the dowels flush and then turned my attention to the bow cap. I cut it out and template routed it and worked on the joints with the rails a bit today.

Wood Flooring Floor Wood stain Hardwood


I have a little more shaping to do on the bow cap and some splines to cut for lining it up with the rails. I also need to figure out how I am going to attach it! I think I might do one more dowel and walnut diamond inlay right at the bow, but not sure if that will be all or not. Anyway, I made a little progress and it's nice to see it without the clamps!

Boat Wood Boats and boating--Equipment and supplies Stairs Automotive tire
 

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#26 ·
Finally out of the clamps

I'll end any suspense right now and say that I didn't make my Christmas deadline for this project and at the rate I've been going, I'll be lucky to make her birthday in June! At any rate, I finally have the boat out of the clamps that were holding the top rails on until I could glue in some dowels.

Boat Vehicle Naval architecture Boats and boating--Equipment and supplies Watercraft


I cut the dowels flush and then turned my attention to the bow cap. I cut it out and template routed it and worked on the joints with the rails a bit today.

Wood Flooring Floor Wood stain Hardwood


I have a little more shaping to do on the bow cap and some splines to cut for lining it up with the rails. I also need to figure out how I am going to attach it! I think I might do one more dowel and walnut diamond inlay right at the bow, but not sure if that will be all or not. Anyway, I made a little progress and it's nice to see it without the clamps!

Boat Wood Boats and boating--Equipment and supplies Stairs Automotive tire
That is just neat. Deadline shmedline.
 

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#30 ·
Trimming and sanding

Got a few more things done on the boat, starting with attaching the bow cap. I ended up changing the shape a little bit to help blend with the side caps and decided on one more dowel at the bow and splines where the bow cap meets the side caps.
Wood Rectangle Flooring Table Plank


Once the bow cap was in place, I worked on trimming the walnut diamonds flush with the cap rails.
Wood Safety glove Tool Saw Engineering


I did this with a trim router, a straight bit and a shim on half of the baseplate that the bit was set flush with. I was then able to nibble away at the inlays that were standing proud to leave them close to flush. I didn't get the smoothest of surfaces when I was done, but some time with the sander took care of that.
Fluid Finger Nail Automotive lighting Thumb


I added a trim piece to the top of the transom plywood piece to cover the edge and have been doing a bunch of sanding and scraping on the cap rails and bow piece to get them to look right.
Boats and boating--Equipment and supplies Wood Automotive exterior Naval architecture Plumbing fixture


I originally thought I would just do an inlay piece to cover the screws at the bottom of the transom, but since I have the edges of the sides to cover as well, I'm going to trim the whole back with walnut. I'm also thinking about doing a thin edge of walnut around the entire cap rail as well. I just need to figure out how to make it go around the point of the bow.

After trim, I just need to make a seat and some rockers and it should be done!
 

Attachments

#31 ·
Trimming and sanding

Got a few more things done on the boat, starting with attaching the bow cap. I ended up changing the shape a little bit to help blend with the side caps and decided on one more dowel at the bow and splines where the bow cap meets the side caps.
Wood Rectangle Flooring Table Plank


Once the bow cap was in place, I worked on trimming the walnut diamonds flush with the cap rails.
Wood Safety glove Tool Saw Engineering


I did this with a trim router, a straight bit and a shim on half of the baseplate that the bit was set flush with. I was then able to nibble away at the inlays that were standing proud to leave them close to flush. I didn't get the smoothest of surfaces when I was done, but some time with the sander took care of that.
Fluid Finger Nail Automotive lighting Thumb


I added a trim piece to the top of the transom plywood piece to cover the edge and have been doing a bunch of sanding and scraping on the cap rails and bow piece to get them to look right.
Boats and boating--Equipment and supplies Wood Automotive exterior Naval architecture Plumbing fixture


I originally thought I would just do an inlay piece to cover the screws at the bottom of the transom, but since I have the edges of the sides to cover as well, I'm going to trim the whole back with walnut. I'm also thinking about doing a thin edge of walnut around the entire cap rail as well. I just need to figure out how to make it go around the point of the bow.

After trim, I just need to make a seat and some rockers and it should be done!
Looks like you're making good progress!
 

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#33 ·
Please remain seated

This is the last blog entry for this project. I tied up all the loose ends by adding a seat, finishing trim, adding the rocker base and fixing a mistake. First the seat…

Boat Naval architecture Watercraft Wood Boats and boating--Equipment and supplies


Brown Wood Rectangle Stairs Beige


I made a few slips making the seat frame, but after some time sanding that cleaned up ok. Next the trim for the transom. A few small boards and some roundover and that was done.

Blue Wood Rectangle Picture frame Hardwood


Finally, the slip up. I had made a big slip with the router while truing up the edges of the rails and this is the patch I made to fix it. From a normal distance, it's not even noticeable.

Wood Tire Hardwood Wood stain Automotive tire


As for the rocker base, well, see the finished pics

All in all, it was a fun project that sent me a couple of curveballs and took way to long to complete. But I'm glad I built it and so is Jayne. Now I need to start thinking about what to make for number five. He's due to arrive in February, so I still have some time.
 

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#34 ·
Please remain seated

This is the last blog entry for this project. I tied up all the loose ends by adding a seat, finishing trim, adding the rocker base and fixing a mistake. First the seat…

Boat Naval architecture Watercraft Wood Boats and boating--Equipment and supplies


Brown Wood Rectangle Stairs Beige


I made a few slips making the seat frame, but after some time sanding that cleaned up ok. Next the trim for the transom. A few small boards and some roundover and that was done.

Blue Wood Rectangle Picture frame Hardwood


Finally, the slip up. I had made a big slip with the router while truing up the edges of the rails and this is the patch I made to fix it. From a normal distance, it's not even noticeable.

Wood Tire Hardwood Wood stain Automotive tire


As for the rocker base, well, see the finished pics

All in all, it was a fun project that sent me a couple of curveballs and took way to long to complete. But I'm glad I built it and so is Jayne. Now I need to start thinking about what to make for number five. He's due to arrive in February, so I still have some time.
Boat looks great! Now for next Christmas you can add her name to the back in scoll sawed letters.
 

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