Building the TotalBoat Sport Dory: Episode 14 - Plastic Frames

Things are really starting to come together on our TotalBoat Sport Dory build. In this weeks episode Lou will be gluing the frames into the first layer of bottom. The frames are made of UHMW plastic which despite its tremendous strength is still quite flexible. In order to set things up properly Lou needs to first tape off the frame slots in the mold with packaging tape. This will make sure the epoxy won't glue the mold and bottom together.

The next step is put a frame in each slot and cut it off flush at the top of the mold. This gives each frame the proper angle at the top, or bottom of the boat as it were, where the frames set into the bottom. With our slots and frames ready its time to mix up some TotalBoat 5:1 Epoxy and set our bottom and frames in place. We took the time to poke some small holes in both the slots in the bottom and the frames where they touch, this will help to create a mechanical connection between the two pieces as well. Lastly we have added some additional stringers on the outside to help train the plastic frames in place as they dry. With our frames glued up and in position, the next step for us is to glue our garboard planks onto the boats. Stay tuned for more Tips next week!

Subscribe to Tips from a Shipwright on Youtube for more episodes of the Sport Dory series and sign up for our email list at

[Rex-duhq]

The major problem with this series, they're not daily wait for the next one. Thanks lou loving his build just like the last one!!

[capitanschetttino]

I love to see a master craftman sharing all his expertise and his huge knoledge. Mr. you are an artist. Congratulations.

[_cb]

That trick with the awl divots to create a little mechanical connection is freakin genius. A serious “well, yeah” moment. I’ve been working wood a long, long time, and I never fail to learn something incredibly useful from watching you, Lou. Thanks for passing it along, brother. Much appreciated.

[precariousbyte]

Well it's a little late now, but a lot of skis use UHMW poly for sidewalls and builders will flame them with a torch before epoxying them to the wood core. Helps a ton with adhesion

[averypogfrog]

Lou, your videos are just great. I've been a woodworker for decades, yet the world of boatbuilding is so completely foreign to me. I sit watching with utter amazement at the many strange processes you use to make a curved structure. Really riveting! Youtube is such an rich and empowering medium, and I feel lucky and grateful you discovered it.

[martinlanders]

Really enjoying Lou going about this boat build, , beautiful skill, , could sit and watch Lou all day .. great ideas 💡 and skill

[makeyourownsawdust]

I'm collecting boat building tools. Now I have to go to the office stationers for a Sellotape dispenser. Another brilliant one. Entertaining, and a demonstration of traditional and high-tec knowledge. She has nice lines, ought to surf along.

[makewhatyoulike]

I admire your willingness to use new materials and try to innovate your own processes. It shows a lively mind, and I appreciate the effort you put into your videos.

[martinlunde]

Lou...where are you? We miss you, your gracious manner and wonderful directions....Martin Lunde

[brianpetersen]

These video's are a beautifully done record of a real craftsman at work.

[raytheron]

Watching a thing of beauty being created is just immensely satisfying on so many levels! She's taking shape nicely! Thanks again, Lou! Here's wishing you a simply splendid 2018!

[matthaverly]

Yet another mind blowing episode in the highly anticipated and highly addictive series. I picked up an electric hand planer this week after seeing Louis use them in this series so effectively. That along with half a million other little tricks from everything to transferring points to sharpening a pencil with a hand planer. He does such a great job of coming up with design values such as "won't let you down" and finding practical yet effective ways to implement that in his entire innovation of this dory. Thanks Louis - keep making these.

[vinceoshea]

Another terrific video, Lou! Thank you to you and your video crew for creating such high quality and informative episodes. Please keep up the great work!.

[Snoopy_]

Wow, that is a clever way to build a boat. You can do it again and again. You are blessed with your hand skills and your ideas. I hope you a great new year with lots of blessings. See you

[Z-Bart]

Lou, are you out there? You didn't get sick I hope? Still waiting on #15 for the "Sport Dory". Carry on, and Happy New Year!

[construction-productscemen]

I am waiting for your product to be finished. A real craftsman.

[ianewers]

stunning!! a joy to see. I served my apprenticeship 50 years ago with some equally gifted men. I wish now more had rubbed off on me.

[mcpheonixx]

Excited to see some shape forming now. That boat is going to have some gorgeous lines. I'm totally stoked to see it. Great job Lou.

[michaelmortensen]

thanks for all your boat building knowledge and sharing it with all of us. really like each video with total boat. thanks

[pwijland]

Good to see old and new materials come together.