the boat 2016

The LC20 (Lehman Craft 20-foot speedboat) was completed by David Lehman in 2017 and christened Redemption.

The structure was built of Alaska Yellow Cedar cross-frames and stringers, with a hull of tongue and groove Okume Marine plywood.  Fiberglass cloth embedded in epoxy stiffened the hull.  An Evinrude 135 HO fuel injected outboard motor powers the craft, reducing weight compared to a stern drive and improving fuel efficiency. This design was intended to combine classical lines and traditional construction techniques with contemporary performance.

Some highlight photos are shown below, and more complete descriptions are written with miscellaneous family stories in the original blog from 2013-2016.

The first boat went through a rather extensive design phase complete with a traditional half hull, a 1/5 scale model and a realistic float test with proportional weight.
A study on design lines, relative size for a person. The beautiful motor was done by Jeff Margush, partner in design.
At 1/5 scale, one pound of weight equals 1 x 5 cubed. So a 1 pound can represents 5 x 5 x 5 or 125 pounds in proportional weight. I tried to position the weight close to the realistic place on the boat it would set. Then, I reviewed the water line, both the front to back, and depth. It turned out quite realistic.
Full scale patterns made of some sort of vinyl paper, used to build cross frames.
Cross Frames made of Alaska Yellow Cedar and marine plywood gussets.
The start of arranging the frames and adding the strong back.
Adding the keel, laminated white oak chine log, internal longitudinal framework.
Fitting the 1/2″ Okume Marine plywood, which I cut into planks and tongue and grooved them to help with self fairing.
First turn of the boat suspended from the ceiling joists.
Installing the Moeller belly fuel tank.
Sheer and deck moldings.
Defining and framing the cockpit.
Under seat Mahogany framework.
Setting seat height, steering wheel, dash and gauges.
Side complete with 1/2″ T&G planks, another 1/4″ added on bottom and strakes.
Custom cradle to hold the boat upright for the last building stage.
Bottom painted and last turn, Jeff Margush, key partner looking away.
Seat parts constructed.
Seats with upholstery finished.
Deck planks and moldings assembled and glued.
Always fairing checks and adjustments, my favorite long board with 80 grit belt sander paper and contact adhesive.
The removable hard cover frame for the front cockpit seats.
Adding the under layer of marine plywood to the removable lid.
Gluing solid mahogany top parts.
Gluing the book matched Curly Maple with screws and plywood washers.
On the solid Mahogany deck pats, I added 3/8″ solid face grain plugs. On the maple panels, I made special small plugs, also face grain, so they coordinate and almost disappear.
My system to hold the 7″ by 12′ Mahogany veneer pieces for the sides. The top piece just held the veneer from slipping out, and the eccentric lever created pressure up. It allowed me to see and adjust fit problems.
Veneer Installation with epoxy and screws..
Actually, this is my favorite sanding tool. It does fairing, and works a continually changing angle without gouging the corners.
Ready to go, with one coat of sealer.
The wrecking crew from left, Todd Smucker, my Brother Joe Lehman and myself on bust-a-hole in the walkout basement day.
Break out party day with around 20 friends.
Probably sort of like the pain and nervousness of childbirth.
The temporary padded trailer, ready to travel 15 miles to get a new trailer.
Painted by Dave’s Hot Rod in Elkhart Indiana.
First day in the water on Pleasant lake in Edwardsburg, Michigan. The 135 HO Evinrude fuel injected 2-cycle fits the historic woodie attitude and gives it a good push.
At the Les Chenoix Boat Show, taking first in the Contemporary or Kit Boat Category.

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