Southern Maryland Tolman Jumbo Build [Splashed 2017]

[cj8mule]

I decided to build a Tolman Jumbo a couple of years ago. I restored a few older aluminium Starcraft boats, but wanted something bigger and worthy for some near shore fishing. It took about a year of research and reading and pulled the trigger on the build last August (2016). I have taken so many pictures.... so I hope you enjoy the thread!

The Tolman Jumbo was designed by the late Renn Tolman for the waters in Alaska. The boat has a little bit of a dory heritage and has great lines. It is a very efficient hull and very seaworthy.

Here's a shot of the transom which is 2 layers of 1/2" with a LVL.




The bottom stiched on top of the jig







Chines installed:

 

[cj8mule]

Bottom fiberglassed with 10 ounce cloth and epoxy. The bottom is 1/2" ply except the front 8' is 2 layers of 1/4"



LVL stingers cut to shape:





Boat jig with stringer horse:


Shelf (gunnel), stringers, and stem set in place on jig

 

[cj8mule]

Bottom set



Setting the transom at 15 degrees. The stringers run wild through the transom and are cut off when set.



Bottom fiberglassed and 3/8" sides installed.

 

[cj8mule]

A little bit of fairing going on. Fir ply requires more work to fair than some other kinds like Okome





I'm using graphite suspended in epoxy for the bottom:



It takes a few coats of graphite/epoxy but it looks good when done.




Time to flip!

 

[cj8mule]

She didn't look that big while in the boat barn. I had 10 people to help with the flip.





A big bath tub



Crash chamber and start of anchor well

 

[cj8mule]

Cuddy sides started

 

[cj8mule]

I chose a 17 degree forward slant for the front windshield

 

[cj8mule]

Lots of fiberglassing to do, but epoxy isn't bad to work with.






Time to start painting.... getting tired of sanding..




Building gunnel storage

 

[cj8mule]

Green.... definitely green.





I didn't build the transom splash well until now. I was able to get in and out of the boat easily through the transom.... Now not so much. I have to use a ladder to get in or climb in over the shelf.



Scupper installed with fiberglass tubes.

 

[cj8mule]

The paint is a semi gloss latex. There are 2 fuel tanks with a total capacity of 73 gallons.

 

[cj8mule]

There is a huge list of stuff to do from steering to wiring. Holes to drill for splash well drainage, bildge pump install, window frames to make... the list is endless. I hope to launch sometime in late fall.

 

[SHSU]

Man that is AMAZING!!!!!!! I wish I had the space to do that kind of project. I have to try and make do in a two car garage. Whats your aim for splashing her?

 

[Frey0357]

Wow, Mule very impressive! Maybe I missed it, what are the plans for the power plant? Very nice work on the fiber glassing, paint and attention to detail stuff!

Frey

 

[hvymtl939]

I would love to take on a project of that scale someday. Incredible work!!

 

[CrazyFinn]

Nice work!

I don't think I would have the patience (and possibly the skill) to build the hull myself, so I'll stick to rebuilding the insides using an existing hull. I have great respect for those of you who build the whole boat from scratch! Looking good...

 

[kcassells]

Very, Very nice build. Keep the pics coming. Sending a pm.

 

[Watermann]

Subscribed and watching with great interest! Super work so far CJ :thumb:

Here I thought working on old tin was a challenge.

 

[cj8mule]

Man that is AMAZING!!!!!!! I wish I had the space to do that kind of project. I have to try and make do in a two car garage. Whats your aim for splashing her?

Hey SHSU! I had to build the boat shed since my wife did not want me to take up the garage.... it wouldn't have fit without an temp extension anyway. I'm trying really hard to splash late fall.

Wow, Mule very impressive! Maybe I missed it, what are the plans for the power plant? Very nice work on the fiber glassing, paint and attention to detail stuff!

Frey

Thanks for stopping by Frey! I would like to end up with a new Suzuki 150 or 175 four stroke, but may put a 225 Yamaha 2 stroke on temporarily.

I would love to take on a project of that scale someday. Incredible work!!

Thanks hvymtl939! I've not spent much more time than it took me to rebuild my last aluminium starcraft chieftain. I didn't do a good job keeping up with hours, but estimate around 700 to 800 hours so far. I am inexperienced and have done a lot of firsts, so I'm sure if I built again it would go quicker.

Nice work!

I don't think I would have the patience (and possibly the skill) to build the hull myself, so I'll stick to rebuilding the insides using an existing hull. I have great respect for those of you who build the whole boat from scratch! Looking good...

Thanks CrazyFinn! I'm pretty sure anybody with just a few tools that can cut a semi straight line with a circle saw can build these boats. For those that don't want to loft out the panels for themselves, there are a couple of companies that will cut them out and ship you a kit. Everything I've read from those that went the kit direction have nothing but good things to say about it.

Very, Very nice build. Keep the pics coming. Sending a pm.

Thanks Kcassells!

Subscribed and watching with great interest! Super work so far CJ :thumb:

Here I thought working on old tin was a challenge.

Thanks for stopping by Watermann! With the work I've seen you do on those starcrafts, you could absolutely build one of these Tolmans.... Probably quicker and better than I have.

 

[sphelps]

Very cool build ! Thanks for sharing with us !!

 

[SHSU]

I didn't see a trailer. How you planning on getting it to the water?