Pudgy is short in size, but long in quality.
She boasts speed and style for less than $70.
By Joseph Adams
J OIN our bearded friend in fun on the
water with Pudgy, a lightweight
12-foot outboard runabout. Its canvas
construction assures both initial and op-
erating economy, since any damage is
easily patched and a 5.5 hp engine is all
that is needed to push Pudgy up on a
plane. Up to four persons may be aboard
without cutting down appreciably on
her performance.
Spruce shingle lath is used for this
project. By buying it 1x3 inches and rip-
ping into 1x2 inch or l x l inch as needed,
a substantial savings can be made. The
covering material is white untreated
duck, which can be bought at reasonable
prices from mail order houses. One half
sheet of 1/4-inch plywood is ample for
110
the transom and gussets. Marine grade
fastenings and paint are essential.
Shape the transom from the plywood
and notch out side cleats for battens,
sheers and chines. The side cleats can
be left extended about a foot or so to
be used as supports when the rest of the
frames are being fitted. Attach the cleats
with glue and marine fasteners. On the
bottom cleat, notch out for every other
batten—there are 10 on either side of
the keel—the alternate battens will butt
against the cleat and will rest on an
additional clamp or cleat.
The keel apron is cut to length and
attached to the stem on one end and the
transom knee and transom at the other.
It is a good idea to clamp a 2x3 to the
keel apron so that it remains true as the
other members are being fitted.
Mechanix Illustrated
CLAMP on the sheer with four 1/4-inch APPLY two coats of marine adhesive to
bolts. Countersink them into the sheer the framing. First apply one coat, allow
two on each side. This stiffens the boat. to set a while and then apply the second.

February, 1963 111

 Chines must extend 3/4 inch above the
frames. No. 8 screws, 1-1/2 in. in length
should be used. Glue and nail gussets
on frames. There are ten battens that
run back to the transom on either side
of the keel. These are attached and
glued where frames and battens inter-
sect.
The deck frames are the next section
of the boat to be done. Here again the
longitudinal members are notched into
the last deck frame, No. 3. The center
LARGE-SCALE PLANS
are now available for building Pudgy.
These include additional drawings and
complete text. To receive your copy,
send $3 to Mechanix Illustrated, Plans
Service, Greenwich, Conn. Please ask
for Plan No. B-2-63, Pudgy, to order.
112
piece is a 1x4, making it possible to walk
out on deck when necessary. Both sides
are braced by three battens.
The clamp on the inside of the cockpit
is 1x2, reduced to lxl where it meets
the deck section. All corners and edges
are finished and painted to minimize the
possibility of tearing the canvas mate-
rial.
Cut a piece of 4x12-ft. untreated duck
material into two pieces of two feet in
vidth. These are to be used as the side
panels. Apply sealer adhesive with a
brush to contact edges of sheet, chines
and transom. Stretch the canvas into
place and tack it down all around. This
is a two man job. First tack it every six
inches or so and then when you have it
tight everywhere, space the No. 4 cop-
per tacks an inch apart. Check the
photos for proper overlapping proce-
dures. The side and side deck will be of
one piece.
The bottom is applied in one piece.
Apply adhesive [Continued on page 132]
Mechanix Illustrated
 BRING the side canvas up and over the
side deck and attach under the gunwales.
This creates a smooth, seamless surface.

WRAP one of the canvas side panels over

the stem. Apply adhesive and overlap it
with the other piece. Sand the rough edge.

THIS is Pudgy with the entire framework

finished. Before fastening the canvas,
check all joints and finish all surfaces.

APPLY the deck after the hull has been

doped and painted. Deck piece extends to
coaming from inside of cockpit No. 4 frame.
February, 1963
 Build Pudgy
[Continued from page 112]
in two or three heavy coats over chines,
transom edge and keel apron. Do not at-
tempt to cover the entire bottom at once,
however, because the adhesive dries
quickly. Proceed a few feet at a time,
stretching the material and tacking as you
go. When the stem is reached the canvas
is cut and overlapped. A heavy coat of ad-
hesive in this area is suggested.
After a day or two, the adhesive will
have dried. At this time a thinned coat of
clear dope should be applied. Give the in-
side of the craft two coats of enamel. When
the enamel and dope have dried, the deck
is attached, bringing a piece of canvas
under and around the frame that faces the
cockpit.
For finishing Pudgy, a coat of brush ce-
ment is applied to form a smooth finished
surface. Two more coats of paint over the
cement finish the job. At this time the trim
such as rub rails, etc. should be attached.
Seats and floor boards are also installed
now. Spring time will see you out on the
water with the rest of the boating enthusi-
asts, in a boat the equal of any its size. •