Coastal Cruising in a Pathfinder: Transom

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Transom

I am going to part with John Welsfords plans a little and have my motor mounted on the outside of the transom instead of in a motor well inside the cockpit. In doing this I need to beef up my transom a little. So instead of using 9mm (3/8") I'm using 5/8" ply.

I'm making the side mounts for the stringers thicker as well (1") total. If I intend to use any stainless eyes at the back for strapping to the trailer I'll be mounting them through these 1" side pieces.

I used the same method for sanding opposite pieces of framework. Clamping them together and sanding with my belt sander to start. Then finish sanding and routing the exposed edge with a 1/2" round bit.

I'll cut my stringer notches and epoxy/screw in place tomorrow.

Time: 1 hr.

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About the Pathfinder

Pathfinder is a 17’-4” gaff rigged wooden sailboat designed by John Welsford. Born out of the drawings and lines of the Navigator. (a smaller design which have been built in the hundreds) The Pathfinder is the big brother for more extended cruising with larger crews and cargo. Its many features include a swing up centerboard for beaching, buoyancy compartments, storage lockers, inboard motor mounting, and is lightweight for its size. It’s swing up centerboard enables the Pathfinder not only to beach, but the ability to be launched at any slipway with a regular vehicle and trailer. This opens up a weekend cruising range envied by the big keel boats that must return to home port. It also means that the owner need only to trailer the boat back home at the end of the sail.