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.
A dwl (drawing waterline) was extended and a batten was attached to the ribs
screwed to the ribs at the ribs. These ribs were extended so that they would
sit on the concrete slab floor, and the batten was attached to an improvised strongback to stabilize them.
The chines, strakes etc were attached and then the hull was planked up with plywood.

The boatbuilding took place in May 1979, in McAllen, Texas.
Daily high temperatures 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.
The original plan specified a single centerboard.
I did not like the idea that a centerboard case would take up usable space
in the middle of the boat, so went the bilge board route.
Some years before, when in Massachusetts I had dropped in on Phil Bolger,
and he talked with me. At that time I asked him generally if bilge boards would work.
I called them two centerboards each set as far out as possible against the chines
as I did not know the term bilge boards at the time.
Phil said it would work but was dismayed at the extra cost of building 2 cases etc.
I decided since I wanted them, and it was my money, I would just do it.

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. - - Cuddy picture

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 in the bays and lagunas of South Texas it always pays to make a tip-up rudder.

 

Click here for the first launching of the Molly .

Molly sailing

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