Year 12 Woodwork Speedboat projects

Charlie undertook the build of a plywood speed boat as his year 12 woodwork major work. The photos shown are of the completed boat on the trailer at his schools open night at which he was awarded the best woodwork project for the year.

Charlie and his dad approached us for all of his building materials after he undertook extensive research as he wanted to build his boat from the safest and easiest to use products. His research covered many sources including company web sites, internet forums and Australian Amateur Boat Builder. Charlie was impressed with the safety and environmental issues of all the BOTE-COTE Marine epoxy System range particularly AQUACOTE. Charlie decided to use Hoop Pine Marine Plywood as it is manufactured from plantation timber to AS 2272 (the highest standard for marine plywood) even though it is more expensive.

The other aspect that they were impressed with, was our product support during the project. There were several phone calls and various times when the brick wall was looming. One such phone call occurred when it came time to bend the frames in to shape as Charlie was having some fun. Scott remembered they had a dam on their property, so he told them to place the timbers in the dam over night then pull the timber into place and leave to dry. To his surprise it did the job.

Another time, we scored a concerned phone call from his dad explained that some “ little year 9 horror” had placed his hand on the deck just after it had been applied and left a neat hand print. We advised him to get a damp, lint free, cloth and wipe clear aquacote over the surface in a swirling motion like French Polishing. Again all were relieved that a simple technique provided the solution.

Note the deck; as it is a Jarrah and Ash Veneer over hoop pine plywood. DRIVE Marine Services arranged the veneering and it was glued to the ply by our supplier using PURBOND. This makes the joint waterproof. This is important to note as most commercially available plywood with a veneered facing is joined with a “B” grade adhesive which is not waterproof.

For a demonstration on using Aquacote to achieve a clear finish click play below!