Building A Chameleon Sailing Dinghy | Lofting Plywood - #1

[@colincutler2345]

I love this video. I've been watching videos of folding sailboats for the last month or so. Your video is without a doubt the best made video in its category. I am considering building one of these for a trip to the Oregon coast this summer, and would like some feedback on a few aspects. 1) what is the the total cost and hours to build this (I am guessing since this is still in progress, you don't have an exact amount yet, but I would like to know 2) what plans are you using, and where can I get them? 3) How does she sail (when she's finished of course) The fact that she doesn't have air pockets is a bit conserning to me. I am concerned of loosing the boat, and becoming stranded if she takes on water. The Oregon coast has a moderate amount of waves, so I would like to know how she handles that with 2 adults aboard, or one adult and several kids.

[@Sailboatstory]

Well of course it's the best! It's got... style. ;) 1) I am tracking both the hours and cost of everything involved. I'll share all that info once it's been accumulated during a final rundown once the project is completed. I will say that the designers estimation of $750 - $850 is very optimistic. You'd hard pressed to build one that inexpensively. I'd provide hard numbers at the end - as I'm tracking the expenses line by line with a spreadsheet. 2) The plans come from Danny Greene himself, who lives in Bermuda. His address is: Danny Greene Offshore Designs Ltd. PO Box GE 213 St George's Bermuda GE BX EMAIL: [e-mail] The cost of the plans is $35 for plans only. $50 for plans + full templates. (I don't recommend the templates). 3) Hard to say. All of the reports I've read says it sails wonderfully. Some people have used this boat as their tender on round-the-world voyages. Some have used it with 2 adults and 3 kids. I've not read anything thus far that would make me think that it's not a suitable sailor for your needs - but I'll be able to report back with tangible details onec the project is complete. - I hope that helps. ;)

[@colincutler2345]

Thanks for the response! I look forward to your next video!

[@babylonlarry]

Why do you not recommend the templates?

[@jaseastroboy9240]

I was thinking that using the templates would reduce the 22hrs it takes to loft and cut out the plywood. My thoughts were that if the templates were full size and just needed placing and cutting out that the cut out step would be something like 2hrs. Optimistic? Watching you grid up each piece of plywood and then have to bend wood between nails to get each curve. I thought the templates would be well worth the cost. I was hoping to use some weak paper spray adhesive to place the templates on the plywood temporarily. Cut out the plywood pieces then peel off the templates. Even better if the templates had the hole positions for the stitches then that would speed up that drilling process as well.

[@Sailboatstory]

Sorry for the delay. This one slipped past - I do not recommend the full-size templates because they only help you make the 4 largest panels. That's it. Incidentally, the 4 largest panels are also the simplest and quickest to lay out. The full-size templates do not help you with anything else - all the smaller stuff is manually lofted. Also, the full-size templates do not show where the holes go. I hope that helps explain why I do not think they are worth the cost.

[@fishmut]

Gosh I love this video , Molly will remember those building days later in life even those she is a young girl , my farther built a skiff when I was a little boy and I remember bits and pieces but the bug was in me later in my adult life to build a boat funny enough , I built a canoe for my first boat build then a few years later I built a 12 foot skiff all stitch and glue methods and now I’m really wanting to build a sail boat , maybe a small one like this then a bigger one later on , so you never know little Molly just might follow her daddy’s footsteps in time . 👍

[@normforshew]

Ever Tried? Ever Failed? No Matter Try Again! Fail Again! Fail Better! (S.Beckett) Absolutely lovely videos

[@curtishill6490]

This wouldn't have come out so well without the help you had💯 awesome build by all of you😁👍👍

[@BegToDiffah]

Molly is a lucky girl! Not only does she have great parents that are providing formative experiences that many only dream of, but (most important) she also gets to listen to her dad's great selection of garage toonage.

[@OneDollarNoHoller]

Clear, simple, and entertaing. Easily one of the top five boatbuilding videos I have ever watched!

[@builders8117]

That’s a nice little boat

[@rj7411]

We are having so much fun watching you do this. My DIY projects have at least one tool tossing tantrum in them, but no video proof. You are amazing Sir. Thanks for sharing.

[@darrenphughes]

I approve of your music selection. Even though your dingy is made of plywood and epoxy you’ll still be able to refer to it as a “metal” boat!

[@Sailboatstory]

Ha. Yes, indeed. :)

[@cranialextract]

Very high production value. Nice job!

[@babylonlarry]

I absolutely love this guy for his style, innovative fastening techniques and the music he plays (usually an annoyance)! Great video production values and a very cool project!

[@terrencebradley5417]

The beginning was very "artsy" and the rest was very "interesting". AND I got my "Molly" fix! Well, a couple of years ago I purchased plans for a small dinghy and they have been residing in my storage shed. You have inspired me enough that I guess I will start my own project. So keep posting and it will be fun to follow along. You've already given me a couple of handy tips.

[@Sailboatstory]

Hey, well that's really great to hear! I think with many undertakings, the hardest part is getting started.

[@billym8915]

LOVE the pink flip flops !

[@64aqualife]

It is no doubt one of the best videos I've seen when it comes to building a sailing dinghy, by showing how it is done with a few words, along with your comical personality and including your family is amazing! S/V MOLLY ? Love that idea!! Many thumbs up!!

[@fxpthl]

Good heavens dude, what in the heck have you got yourself into!? Anxious to see the next steps for sure. So nice to see "The girls"!

[@matthewgray752]

o wow fantastic video you will have great satisfaction seeing your little princess sailing the dinghy thank you for video cheers

[@kentklapstein9879]

I just started building my Chameleon! What I did to laminate that bulk head beam was to rip a 2x6 instead of a 2x4, larger lumber is often a much better quality and not much more $. I also used six 3/16” strips instead of three 3/8”. The thinner strips seem to bend easier.

[@outdoorcory6645]

I knew it! The Dingy is coming along nicely! Great work!

[@kennethvannorsdall3123]

What a great Dad! What a great video! What a great story teller you've become.

[@Sailboatstory]

What a great comment. I do love flattery. Tell me more about myself. :)

[@jeffpariseau]

I really like this video series. I can’t wait to start mine. One suggestion for other people considering this build. When bending wood it’s easier to steam it or soak it in really hot water, clamp it in your form to cool and dry, then glue them together after they’ve taken the shape you want. Takes the stress out of the glue up.

[@Corkedit]

fun job, i just had a shiver when you started grinding in flip flops. oh and ear plugs for molly, nice little birthday gift to save her hearing.

[@Sailboatstory]

Ain't skeered. Probably should be... but ain't. ;)

[@Corkedit]

No idea what that means

[@Sailboatstory]

Me neither.

[@SVKajsa]

Nice video and great work. Awesome radiostation!!

[@thadhasselstrom6331]

Easily the best video since coming back on land! I am looking forward to seeing the rest of the build.

[@Sailboatstory]

Thanks for that. I'm trying hard to keep it punchy and interesting!

[@kirenireves]

I'm glad to see Molly learning the mysterious and delightful world of SANDING. Oh, Glorious Sanding. Send her to Denmark to help Mads. Nah, on second thought just keep her at home and teach her more dope boat building skills. When I was her age I was building things, but nothing so cool as a BOAT...I was limited to bird houses. ^_^

[@Sailboatstory]

I'm so sick of "glorious sanding". I've had to buy more sandpaper 4 times... each time I'm positive that I've got enough. The only thing I was able to build when I was her age was a volcano. It was a pile of dirt.

[@UweBehrendt]

cool family project,cant wait to see what its going to be called ,go Molly

[@tedrenard472]

HI Ben. I'm late on the subject again, as usual, but good knowledge for next time : when you're making up laminates like that, mix the epoxy, paint a thin coat on the bits to be glued, then add the thickener/microballoons etc to the remaining epoxy and laminate/clamp up. What happens if you add the thickened mix straight to the timber is that the dry wood can soak the epoxy out of the mix, and you can end up with a weak or dry joint, which will still look ok but won't be full strength. Wetting the pieces out first allows the timber to soak some in before you add your glue mix, so it stays full strength. Really, you should've asked Molly first, she knows this stuff already :-) Spotted a random DJ halfway through.

[@Sailboatstory]

That makes sense! Thanks for the advice.

[@charlescain7962]

Very impressed, such language control...:-) Oh yeah, spiffy looking boat, so far, plus Molly can say she helped, all kewl.

[@Sailboatstory]

Yeah, right! I keep it clean. Tambi's the one you have to watch out for.

[@nathanpearson7175]

can't wait to get my half :). looks great!!

[@Sailboatstory]

Send me half the money. $9000 should cover it at my hourly rate of $20.

[@nathanpearson7175]

Sailboat Story - as long as it’s gold plated - deal !! ;)

[@Robert-cg2bj]

Nicely edited! Composition was very interesting. Good job on the dinghy too.

[@Sailboatstory]

Really appreciate that, Robert! Thanks.

[@laurentfroggy6631]

Amazing Ben. Loved it. Thanks and best from HKG 🇭🇰

[@marknash7133]

Man, you are going to LOVE your Chameleon nesting dinghy! I built one a few years ago (with my son) for our boat. It rows like a dream (no need for a motor at all). It's also stable and tows very well. I'll never go back to an inflatable again. Make sure you make long oars for better performance.

[@Sailboatstory]

I'm really hoping we can do mostly without the motor. I don't mind rowing - in fact I often felt like I was looking for more ways to exercise on our last trip. Rowing should be a big help. Really looking forward to getting it in the water.

[@TheBlackdog65]

Wow Molley's new boat!

[@arielblumenduft3293]

love the pink flip flops, they underline your virility.

[@arielblumenduft3293]

oh, your taste in music and in footwear are the same, it's all starting to make sense. ;)

[@Sailboatstory]

Hang on - let me look up the word "virility"... "noun (in a man) the quality of having strength, energy, and a strong sex drive; manliness" Oh yes. Yes, they do, in fact. Thanks for noticing. ;)

[@stacey62293]

A dislike before anything else? Somebody did not wake up on the right side of the bed if they dislike any of your Vids. I could not wait for the upload as usual :) Thanks for sharing your lives with all of us!

[@Sailboatstory]

It's alright. That minuscule vote will soon be dwarfed by those belonging to people who have good taste. ;) Sad thing is they couldn't have even even watch the video. It's only 3 minutes old.

[@chasemixon6327]

Maybe the dislike was because Tambi wasn't there? LOL well that's all I got?

[@Sailboatstory]

That could certainly be it. She has been helping me maneuver it around from time to time.

[@kenleachman5476]

you're all wrong it's called jealousy because he can't do manly work in pink flip-flops

[@Sailboatstory]

Could be. Boat building is easy. Boat building in pink flip flops, that's ENTIRELY different.

[@larzhillbot1443]

I just lofted the bottom panels today on my build. The blue prints are just a little confusing on the bottom /side panels and i wish they had noted the bottom chine lines on the instructions since the panels are lofted in two halfs. Since Duck works now is selling the plans for Denny i did not see an option for full size plans, Would have made this much easier lol. i did print out a second set of instructions and glued it to cardboard to make a small mock up model So glad i did that so i could see how the panels are to be mated , Trust me that i have built many kayaks and such so i am no dummy on instructions but any way i got things in order now . lol cheers to you for the great videos on your build

[@regiebmoc9590]

You have a great little carpenter's assistant!

[@Sailboatstory]

The BEST.

[@gregcurrie982]

Great video. Showing more of your talents a

[@davidpaul2680]

Just found this. Thanks! I'm building the same boat and the instructions for constructing the jig weren't entirely clear. A picture/video is worth 1,000 words...

[@Moonrocket59]

Hahaha, I haven't even watched the entire video yet and your intro was BADASS!! lol, ok.....back to your video!!

[@Sailboatstory]

I know. :) Ok, now watch it all and comment again when you're done. Try not to get distracted anymore by my inherent badass-ness.

[@jameymathis7452]

Awesome Job !!!

[@titustiger27]

absolutely Amazing beginning Little disappointed you didn't have aviator safety glasses looks like a bit of work, but fun

[@jackandfriends3658]

Very cool. I really like your music choices in all your video's.

[@Sailboatstory]

Thanks! Glad to hear it. :)

[@saltysailor9401]

Too Cool! Awesomeness! Plus you kept your cool when those boards kept breaking. And you kept that PMA! Ok. You can take Ben out of the Bahamas but you can't take the Bahamas out of Ben. Here's the proof. They took Ben out of the Bahamas...So Ben built a dingy in the garage while wearing florescent pink flip flops!

[@duathlete827]

What a great project for you and Molly to share in. A great lifetime memory and character builder. Seems you should have soaked the slats in water before bending them???

[@Sailboatstory]

Maybe that would have helped. One thing about the plans... they're super vague.

[@rundown48]

Looks good and coming together nicely .. I think it would be a great way to build up some glassing skills..something modern boaters will find very useful ...But... you'll never get to Tahiti on that !! hahaha . Can't wait for part two . Cheers

[@Sailboatstory]

Right you are, David. I'll tell ya - I've learned sooooo much through this process already that can be transferrable to the big boat. I feel... dare I say... confident. :)

[@briandebeer7879]

Hi Ben! I just discovered your Chameleon build series and I am so glad I did! I am about to start my own build for use on our 31ft Morgan. Please could you comment on the weight of your dinghy, now that you’ve used it for a good few years. If you could do it again, would you try a build using PVC structural foam instead of plywood? I am leaning towards using PVC foam instead of plywood, it would make the dinghy a lot lighter. I would have to reinforce it in some areas where concentrated stress takes place, etc.

[@Sailboatstory]

It weighs about 110 assembled. I like the strength of plywood, personally, especially since we motor a lot and overload the dinghy often. I think the choice of core material depends most on how you intend to use it.

[@briandebeer7879]

@@Sailboatstory We intend on using it pretty much exactly like you are 🤣. We will probably motor a lot as well, I am leaning towards a 3.6hp, but a 2.5hp would probably be a better fit, especially if the dinghy is on the light side. I am concerned that towing it might be a problem if it is too light, how have you found towing your's? Also, have you had to d a lot of maintenance in terms of wood-rot? (You did do a really good job in your build I think, so you're probably okay there.) Thanks for you responses, we really appreciate it.

[@Sailboatstory]

@@briandebeer7879 We tow often, aside from any deep water passages where we break it down and store it on deck. It tows very well. So far the wood has never been penetrated or gotten wet. It's held up much better than initially expected and maintenance has been minimal.

[@briandebeer7879]

@@Sailboatstory Awesome! Thanks so much Ben, this helps me a lot. Fair winds and following seas. 😀

[@SailingFreeStyle]

You make it look easy! I think I know what my next project is going to be once FreeStyle is finished now...

[@sgt.pepper1219]

I hear Ozzy in the background, I like. Simple!

[@martyhandley4456]

Cool project, can’t wait to see it finished.....Metallica yeah....

[@creasy1729]

Sad But True......Great Tunes!

[@stuartfoster3067]

Molly the boat builder ! ! I'll bet she has pink flip flops too, just like daddy.

[@frankrice5364]

BEN YOU ARE GOOD DAD A ROLL NODEL FOR OTHERS .A family that works and plays together stays together. The amazing fact we see is you guys are on the same page ......A TEAM.......3 PEAS IN A POD. THANKS FOR SHARING

[@riverrambler6174]

That would make a good name for the boat..Flea Pod 3 Fleas in a Pod

[@Rottingboards]

I so agree. Having Molly help gives her a sense that she can do anything. She will grow up saying, "Well I can do this, me and dad once built a boat from scratch."

[@auroraaustralis974]

I hear Megadeth "In my darkest hour" playing at 6:40! Great job by the way

[@garywaggoner1953]

Wood Butcher, its time that the Swab was promoted to Ships Carpenter! A more noble undertaking cannot be imagined...

[@Sailboatstory]

She's mastered the dust brush and sandpaper thus far.

[@RohanTheBT]

I believe this technique was developed by Barry Bucknell here in the UK for the mirror dinghy. We built one in 1970.

[@olli_k]

Sounds like Molly might grow up to be a little but of a metal head. Nice.

[@Sailboatstory]

Maybe. :) If you've seen many of our videos, you've definitely heard Tambi's taste in music. Mine musical tastes are more along the lines of Punk, Metal, Grunge, etc. You may be hearing a bit more of that during the dinghy build videos.

[@jimfromri]

There are lots of different nesting dinghy plans out there. What particularly attracted you to Chameleon? ( Great video BTW, thanks for sharing.).

[@Sailboatstory]

It seemed to come up over and over again when reading reports from people who have used one specifically for cruising.

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Very cool project! Can't wait to see the end results

[@undersail262]

great video

[@Sailboatstory]

Will do. ;)

[@orobiller1]

Its best to do your "Man Projects" in pink flip flops! Hahaha... nice Ben!

[@Sailboatstory]

I do concur, my good fellow. It helps even out my over-abundance of testosterone drenched manliness.

[@kenwalter867]

Well at least they are "safety" flip flops! Gotta have the proper PPE.

[@larrygldn9245]

I saw a KZbin video by Eric Wartenweiler Smith with this boat. He had it set up with oars. He sat on a seat in the middle that rolled back and forth as he used the oars. It looks like a great boat.

[@Sailboatstory]

I saw that too. Not doing the rowing seat, but she'll certainly have a set of oars.

[@asraharrison]

I'm re-watching your cameleon dinghy build... Awesome project. I am torn between an inflatable and a homebuilt dinghy, like yours. But I was considering a foam core and thicker fiberglass. I have all the tools necessary to build such a boat. HOWEVER!!! I don't yet own a sailboat. I will begin the search this spring. And I'm not sure if I should wait until I have a boat before building a dinghy? Or should I build the dinghy this winter, while I still have a garage full of tools. Hope you guys start stamping out some videos soon. Perhaps an update on where you plan to sail this time out... Are you planning on heading south of the Bahama's, into the Caribbean?

[@CheersWarren]

Oh I missed that it's a nesting dinghy! Cool, and designed by a Bermudain! Warren

[@Sailboatstory]

Yes, indeed!

[@mamasthree2649]

Love it!

[@edrosenberger6947]

Molly likes to keep the area ship-shape and generally free from FOD.....a good sign :).

[@Josef_R]

I built a similar stitch and glue fiberglassed boat, a 12' cat boat (mast in bow) and made the mistake of using CDX plywood because I was cheap, although everything else I did was top of the line, instead of marine plywood which is half the weight. I spent approximately 120 days @14 hours a day working on it (I built the laminated curved tiller, rudder, centerboard w/15# lead poured in, forknecked boom, and a carbon fiber sleeved 21' mast). The boat was beautiful and it sailed like a bathtub. I eventually sold it for $200 to a guy who only wanted the trailer it was on...I sure hope you used marine ply or you will certainly regret not doing so. I see B-C on that wood, so I'm guessing it's not?

[@mickannieobrien2803]

Hi Sailboat Story gang and especially Molly, Mick from Australia would love to build a "Chameleon" where can I purchase the plans from? love your videos keep up the good work

[@Sailboatstory]

Hey guys. The source for the plans can be found in the pinned comment at the top. You have to contact Danny Greene and they get mailed to you from Bermuda.

[@Sailboatstory]

Here you go: Danny Greene Offshore Designs Ltd. PO Box GE 213 St George's Bermuda GE BX EMAIL: [e-mail] Email Danny. He sent me a Paypal invoice. I paid, then about 2 weeks later I had the plans.

[@greggronemeier1256]

Best reason to own a house, a garage ! O well !

[@Sailboatstory]

It's been GREAT having a sheltered place to work. That's for sure.

[@dalebuckley6073]

cool, good morning ya all

[@Sailboatstory]

Mornin'.

[@kevinswanson3910]

Ask Molly if starfish is a good name,steam helps when laminating wood like that ,Gona be a cool little boat bud.

[@Sailboatstory]

She is that authority on the matter. I'll consult with the expert.

[@AnthonyPaun]

where did you get the prints from? awesome video

[@Sailboatstory]

Have to order from Danny Greene in Bermuda. His address is on the Duckworks Magazine website. Search "Chameleon".

[@AndyKopac]

Ok Ben. I too have a Chameleon dinghy i built years ago. I need gunnel covers. Somewhere along the way you added it. I need it. What did you use and how did you apply it. Thanks Andy

[@Sailboatstory]

It's firehose material wrapped over yoga mat foam, screwed in with 316 fasteners.

[@TheBubagrunt]

Very interesting video. I love the diy aspect of your new series with the dingy. Question, The weight of the ridged dingy in relationship to a inflatable, and how are you going to hoist this ridged dingy on deck since in my mind this one will be considerably heavier.

[@Sailboatstory]

The Newport Inflatable 8'6" dink is 116 lbs. The Chameleon is about 120 lbs - however, it splits into 2 parts that only weigh 50 - 60 lbs each.

[@raykiii]

Wow! I like it. Once you start the stitching, she really takes shape. Where did you get those plans and what do you have invested?

[@Sailboatstory]

Plans from designer Danny Greene in Bermuda. I'm tracking my total cost. I'll share that at the end of the process.

[@fatandyboy6856]

As always Ben, great job on the vids! Question for you, is that B/C ply marine grade? Just asking because of the plywood boats I've built (I have done a few) the main thing to consider is pay for a quality ply, like Okoume or Meranti, I had a boat I made using just a high grade A/B exterior that had a bunch of internal voids that were totally undetectable until a cut was made, also like the cracks you were having with the knotty pine, I used the inferior ply to wrap my gunwales and the cracked, got moisture, and started rapid de-lamination. I assume you will be sheathing the outside with fiberglass? I too did my first using wire ties and a blow torch to remove... yikes. Nylon tie wraps are def the way to go, you can sand them flush and just leave them in there under the taped joint. Can't wait to see the finished dink! Good Luck! OH - btw there is an awesome site with great free beginner plans, it is one of the rowers I made in the past: hvartial.kapsi.fi/

[@Sailboatstory]

Yes BC grade. I did a lot of research before deciding. Basically for a boat sheathed in fiberglass, the main factor in choosing a plywood is weight. I wasn't going to buy expensive Oakum for the weight savings, so it seems logical to go for the less expensive BCX. It is an exterior grade ply, so the glue should be of a higher grade than regular BC - or any other interior grade. We'll see! Oh yes, zipties would have been LOADS easier than the wire. Next time...

[@Pixxelshim]

OK OK I now see that Molly was actually in charge.

[@HellavaLifeSailing]

Can't beat harbor freight for clamps we used the same ones. How much "extra" time you think filming the process added to your build time? Editing just keeps getting better thanks for sharing.

[@Sailboatstory]

Probably a good 50%, I'd say. For every hour spent working, there's 30 minutes of camera work, set-up, editing, etc. Also, my poor camera... Much of the camera handling I've done has occurred with epoxy on my fingers. As careful as I've tried to be, I've still managed to get epoxy and a healthy serving of dust on and into the thing. So far, she's still tickin' away though.

[@arielblumenduft3293]

hey little mister, since i know you're an always well prepared guy who does his research, i'm guessing that you've watched AdventureAdrift's dinghy building videos and the aftermath? they did an excellent job but they had to reinforce the transom and the bulkheads a few months later bc of the weight of the motor and to make their nesting dinghy more sturdy. keep that in mind! :) awesome job so far, ben & boatbuilder molly!

[@Sailboatstory]

Yessir. Our transom is super strong! ...I think.

[@pauldicarlo3057]

This is very helpful to see. I've been looking at the my plans for the Chameleon trying to visualize how I go about it. This is great. It looks like you are using exterior plywood. Is it 3-ply or 5-ply?

[@Sailboatstory]

I feel like it's only 3 ply.

[@billgiltner6884]

Likes good so far

[@kenleachman5476]

heck you got me wanting to make one of those now where do you get the plans

[@Sailboatstory]

You've got to order them from Danny Greene in Bermuda. Take about 2 weeks to get them. His address is at the bottom of this page: duckworksmagazine.com/04/s/designs/greene/cham/

[@chompchomp61]

Great video! where did you purchase the plans from?

[@anw1212]

Safety First, Flip Flop 😂😘

[@eddieluers3rd563]

Never pictured you for a "pink flip flop guy" but whatever gets the job done.

[@Sailboatstory]

I have this thing where my shoes have to match my underwear.

[@fillg]

When it was all flat boards I was doubtful but by the end it's really starting to look like a boat.

[@Sailboatstory]

I'm still doubtful.

[@gregthatcher919]

Where can I find these plans please? My grandpa built one of these for my dad as a kid. A recent storm has absolutely demolished the boat and he is heartbroken. I would like to remake the boat for him.

[@Sailboatstory]

Look for Chameleon plans by Danny Greene.

[@usmcmma]

Can you tell us what size/grade plywood and would you use anything different if you had to do it over?

[@Sailboatstory]

Cheap BC grade 1/4” from Home Depot. I’d use it again.

[@Steelshooter]

Ben I may have missed it but where did you get the plans for this? We are up to our behinds here in the great white north with snow so finishing up our refit is on the back burner until the weather breaks. Thought this might be a good project to keep me out of trouble. We also have a Newport dinghy which we used in the North Channel this past year and it worked out pretty well. I was wondering how yours has held up in the Bahama sun.

[@Sailboatstory]

Plans are from Danny Greene from Bermuda. His address is on the Duckworks Boatbuilding website. Have to mail away to get them.

[@Steelshooter]

Thanks so much

[@Sailboatstory]

You're quite welcome. I did, however, miss your final question. Our Newport seem to have held up just fine in the sun. It's only got 1 season of use, but it seems no worse for the wear thus far. It's no Chameleon, but we're very satisfied with the service our Newport has provided us with.

[@SvMobyduck]

Ben, you put 40 hours into that video. Job well done sir. Are you gonna glass that boat? When you say epoxy I start thinking just painting on epoxy...

[@Sailboatstory]

Absolutely. Fiberglass cloth and epoxy go on next.

[@randylinn502]

She is a great little helper... "MINI FLEE"???

[@Sailboatstory]

Fleabite?

[@franksmith17]

Don't know if this has been asked already but where on earth do I buy plans for the Chameleon? I have been unable to find a link or a website where I can purchase them.

[@Sailboatstory]

Danny Green in Bermuda.

[@patrickcleland6065]

Dude there is nothing cool about a guy in pink flip flops? But absolutely cool that ya got that young lady out there in the garage helpin out! I still give ya thumbs up......but, pink flip flops!?!

[@Ivansgarage]

Boat Name: SV MOLLY

[@Sailboatstory]

I'll forward that to the naming committee. Wait - Molly IS the naming committee. Hmm.

[@Ivansgarage]

Where is the next one, don't leave us hanging, Lets go.

[@kenleachman5476]

Ivansgarage I agree SV Molly

[@leehinch2282]

Anyone know how to get hold of these plans ? Danny Greene design I believe but I have no idea how to get hold of him

[@swannabe3764]

I cast my vote to name it "Diggy the Dinghy"

[@Sailboatstory]

Digga-digga-doo

[@swannabe3764]

The first time you asked Molly what you other one was called (way back) she called it a diggy

[@Sailboatstory]

It's amazing that you remember that little detail. Right you are!

[@anjoherek]

Hi, would you like to share the boat's plans? I am from Brazil and the values ​​that they charge are unfeasible for us. thank you very much.

[@flooptydoo1178]

Nice work! What are you listening to at 10:41? Jammin' guitar!

[@Sailboatstory]

I'm not sure, actually. A lot of what I listen to comes from Pandora, so I get some random ones quite often.

[@SenatorPerry]

Gwar, but I can't put my finger on which song.

[@chuckklima807]

I heard some Ozzy in There! 👍👍

[@Sailboatstory]

HA. I haven't heard of GWAR in a looooong time. That's one weird band, man.

[@familyatsea3621]

I know you haven't gotten this far yet, but make sure to fit the centerboard in the trunk before you epoxy it, as the centerboard could be out of level without you noticing it. If you don't do this, you'll have to rip out trunk and do it again.

[@Sailboatstory]

Thanks Marty McFly.

[@BernieYohan]

You can use zip ties . It is a lot easier.

[@Sailboatstory]

It certainly is. Retrospect! Do you call it a "dead-mouse", by chance?

[@Sailboatstory]

Oh wait - zip ties... I thought you said ziplocks. Some folks use ziplocks for helping to make the fillets. YES - I would absolutely use zip ties if doing this again. Holy-moly, that stiff wire was a lot of work.

[@cabincruiserlittlebigtime8445]

Tambi isn't going to be happy when you get resin on her pink flip flops. Lol

[@Sailboatstory]

Ha. You funny.

[@zjoe555]

a word to the wise ,before bending soak wood in water(cold,long/hot,less long) or steam/smoke it then bend it,let it dry then glue it.