The Molly

a cat ketch rigged flat bottomed skiff, with twin bilge boards.
This boat is modeled after the Aunti Helen which was featured in one of the old Motor Boating series of plans. I modified the original plan, and am sure it was built in a manner that was not as originally planned.
The ribs were 1 inch thick slices from spruce 2x4 lumber.

The boatbuilding took place in May 1979, in McAllen, Texas.
Daily high tempretures were in the mid 90 degrees F.
Epoxy set fast.

The building of the Molly.

Molly_b1
Adding the sides to the frame of ribs and a few stringers.

Molly_b2
Sides done, adding the bottom.

Molly_b3
All the bottom and side plywood on and ready for the first coat of epoxy paint.

Molly_b4
Hull ready to turn upright for the first time.

Molly_b5
First turned upright. Basic hull form done.

Molly_b6
Installing one of the bilge board cases.

Molly_b7
Detail of bilge board cases. Actually these are 2 pivoting centerboards, not mounted in the center. Having 2 gives one the whole center of the boat to lounge in. This is very helpful when the cuddy is installed.

Molly_b8
Bilge board cases installed.

Molly_b9
The bracing for the deck is installed.

Molly_ba
Sheer view, almost done.

Molly_bb
All done, on the trailer and almost ready to go.

Molly_bc
Last minute sailmaking. This one was not done on time, and the sail used on the maiden voyage was borrowed from a dingy.

Molly_bd
Fitting the rudder. In our shallow conditions it always pays to make a tip-up rudder.

 

Click here for the first launching of the Molly.

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