Scarfing Basics is the latest 'how-to' book by Russell, since publishing Epoxy Basics in ptwatercraft.com2013. These books do not come into being casually. Every photo requires a good subject and what presented itself in the shop in between 'business as usual' this summer was scarfing. There are often 'how to scarf' questions online and a wide range of opinions shared that can sometimes cause more confusion than real help.  The builder is still left to pick and choose how to proceed. For Russell, "strong, clean, and accurate" are the words of the day. This book describes the methods he prefers, in direct, concise language and large color photographs. While there are multiple ways to scarf plywood and lumber, this book is a great place to start and/or perfect your scarfing skills. Amateur and professional woodworkers alike will find a lot of good information and tips in this book for Cutting and Gluing, Strong, Straight, and Clean Scarf Joints in Plywood and Lumber, including making your own jigs for table saw and router.

The book is currently in its final proofing stage and will be available as an ebook first, and as a print book in late January from Port Townsend Watercraft.

If you don't want to wait for your book, you can pre order the print book now and get a digital pdf free. Click here to learn more and place your order.

Thank you!

 Launched!

Brian in Australia has completed his PT Skiff and I think there is much to consider about what he has done with his boat. After developing sensitivity to epoxy, he had to hire help to finish the boat and we tip our hat to his perseverance. Clearly Brian is a stickler for detail and he has maintained a clear vision for his skiff. He sent a detailed account of his choices for outfitting the boat and it is this account that I want to share.  I have put it together as  a PDF document (HERE) that you should be able to download or read online. It is filled with photos to compliment his notes.  If you are currently building a PT SKIFF, these notes will be informative. If you are thinking about building one, this should wet your appetite!  His boat is very impressive!

In addition, the following photos arrived with this 'Launch report"

My PT Skiff launch went extremely well today. Everything worked.
 
The photographs attached were taken during the initial 15 minute warm-up of the motor at the boat ramp at Adelaide Sailing Club. Whilst it looks very calm at the ramp (large breakwater), we ventured out into wind waves up to 1 metre in St Vincent’s Gulf. The wave fetch here is approximately 38 nautical miles from the other side of the gulf with the wind in a WSW direction. I have checked our weather website tonight and the wind was 11 knots gusting to 14 while we were doing stage 2 of the motor run-in (2000 to 3000 rpm).
 
The boat was lively. Whilst it is quite tender at the dock, once you understand that you can deal with it.
 
We went upwind for about 20 minutes. The boat was reminiscent of a lively sailboat. The boat was bouncing around a little into the wind waves, though it was dry. The boat was very pleasantly quiet even in the one metre waves. After flooding the water ballast tank, the boat was a little more stable, but did not show any significant loss of speed into the breeze.
 
Running downwind (again limited to 3000 rpm) the boat started surfing the waves. It was fun.
 
The first 1 hour of run-in is now complete and I can now use the boat at weekends without causing queuing problems at the ramp.

PTSKIFF_7E210 PTSKIFF_7E210c PT_SKIFF_7E210b PT SKIFF_7E210a