I have had a "crash course" in Merlins since buying 2914 two weeks ago and can now see why the class has such a loyal following. Having pulled the side decks, rubbing strakes and inwales, together with the tops of the ribs off my boat I have an understanding of how it all works! My friend and I were talking to Kieth Callaghan at the dinghy show and my friend is very interested in the new kit boat idea. The reason for this post is that the kit must be limited in what it can provide. I do not see how it can pre cut decks, inwales or rubbing strakes as, from what I have experienced, these have to be cut and finished on the boat. I have made and fitted new ones....but badly. Since considerable skill and patience is needed it would be very difficult for a non boatbuilder to achieve anything near the quality of Laurie Smarts fabulous boat. The kit is a great idea but there must be certain limitations as to the results that an amateur could achieve.

I would think they would be close but they would need final planing down to the boat before you put the gunwhales and inwhales on. The key with these things is how you do them, neither of these particular jobs is especially difficult or time consuming provided you do them the correct way and have suitable tools. A phonecall to a boat builder to ask how they do it would probably save much faffing around.

I beleive the kits are supplied with stripy sapele deck panels if you want, but personally i believe that the kits are an excellent way of building a "white whale" style, all painted boat. This is far more acheivable for the amateur than a varnished deck creation depending on skill level and the tools available. They would not look out of place in the modern fleet either. 

The kit removes a great deal of the time and skill involved in cutting the planks, building the jigs, deciding what shape they need to be and a some of the really dfficult stuff that makes or breaks an amateur built boat performance wise. All the bits are CNC cut so you know that the centreboard slot will be straight.

It would probably be a good idea to email Keith or Jordan boats and ask them really.

Having re-decked a Firelfy from a kit of parts, my recollection is that there was no major surgery needed - just the fine trimming of the edges.

It's probably much easier with a complete kit - the hull shape should be fairly consistent (it's built on frames) so there probably won't be a lot of variation.

The point (above) about having the right tools is very good - it is well worth getting hold of the correct tools for the task. The work is quicker, easier, and more accurate.
If you do decide to do this, visit some of the local craft fairs/steam rallies etc - I manage to buy lots of G cramps at about £1.50 each - the more the better! - there are also other tools that are often a much better bargain than in tool shops.

Colin

Having now done 3, re-decking is all about patience, patience and more patience.  Easy when the gunwhales/rubbing strakes are off as you only have to fit one side and plane flush to fit on the outside.  Clamps and cramps galore required - keep an eye on Lidl too!!

John, I am pleased that you got this subject going, as it should help clarify the pros and cons of the 'kit boat' idea. And it is just an idea at the moment, but which is firming up pretty rapidly. Clearly we have to see if Rob's new boat is actually competitive, then the details of all the parts have to be worked out (this should not be too difficult). I think Chris is right to suggest that the carlins and gunwhales would be the most difficult parts for an amateur to finish off, and the 'white whale' all-painted boat is a good fall-back option if your joinery is not perfect. Another option is to take your kit to a general boatbuilder for building, or part building. I already have interest from two boatbuilders who have never built Merlins but who are interested in the idea.

Keith, is there any chance someone might assemble the hull, and somehow bodge it ever-so-slightly, and then find it doesnt measure? Epoxy is tough stuff to 'undo'...

Just a thought. Might be a point some people want reassuring on. I suppose any builder ought to measure as he goes...but it's hard to interpret the rules if you're not a trained measurer.

(P.S. Painting wooden decks is a crime!!! But thats just my personal opinion.)

Magnus, you have a point! Most Merlin designs are right on the 'rise of floor' minimum measurement, so great care has to be taken when building. Most of the other rules are pretty easy to conform to, but clearly familiarity with the rules is important.

I should perhaps add that plans for my designs are annotated with various rule requirements - for example, the rules about the rounding of plank lands, and the width of the gunwhale/rubbing strake assembly.

I see the Cadet Class has amended its rules again to allow flat pack wooden boats.