Yertle The Turtle

I have always wanted to build a boat and in February 1998, I ordered plans for a D-4 dinghy from Bateau.com.  A D-4 dinghy is a small pram which can be rowed, sailed or motored. (A recent update to the plans has renamed the design as a D-5) Basic plans for a D-4 can be downloaded for free from Bateau.com but I also invested in a full set of more detailed plans just to be sure I knew what I was doing.  The full plans were definitely worth the small expense! After a couple weeks of scrutinizing the plans, I sawed out and assembled the first few panels...

Click here to find plans for a D4 (Now called:  D5)

Construction begins by attaching the side panels to a "frame" (cross piece) in the center of the boat.  The plywood parts are glued together using epoxy.  The side panels are then bent in to attach to smaller frames at the bow and stern.  This automatically shapes the sides into a gentle curve.  Other smaller frames are then inserted as supports for the seat tops that will be added later.

Click here to continue