New Member in Tacoma, WA

[ddcronk]

Hi, new member here in Tacoma, WA!

I've been looking into teardrops for a while, but most of the new ones being made are too rich for my blood - the logical thing to do seemed to be to build one. I'm handy with tools, but certainly no professional carpenter or cabinet maker. I just purchased a partly-built teardrop on craigslist, made from the Kuffel Creek plans. It has been built by a guy who makes classically styled small wooden boats, and the workmanship is beautiful (at least until I get my hands on it). It still needs the rear hatch, doors, and lots of finishing. I take possession on Sunday, and I'll put up some photos when I do. I look forward to using this forum as a resource for completing the build!

Dan

[Oldragbaggers]

Welcome to the forum. Good find on the partial build. Can't wait to see your pictures.

[ddcronk]

Welcome to the forum. Good find on the partial build. Can't wait to see your pictures.

Thanks for the welcome. I wish I had thought to grab the photos off the craigslist ad to put up here, so I'd have something to show before I go pick it up! The walls are up, the cabinetry is installed, sans doors, some insulation has been fitted. I hope to move the footboard back about four inches, since I'm 6'5", and it's just a bit too short to lay comfortably. It's on the Harbor Freight heavy-duty trailer. I'm even getting some materials with it. It's about an hour from home, so I think I'm going to swaddle it in heavy-duty plastic sheeting, all stapled down, for the drive.

[Vedette]

Welcome to the Forum!
Yes you will get a lot of advice and goog information here, that WILL help you complete your buid.
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[Fyddler]

Dang, how did I miss that on craigslist! Welcome to the forums and congrats on the CL find. I'm in Port Orchard, just getting my trailer "campabel" (waterproof and road worthy). Looking forward to pics maybe we will run into each other sometime.

[ddcronk]

Dang, how did I miss that on craigslist! Welcome to the forums and congrats on the CL find. I'm in Port Orchard, just getting my trailer "campabel" (waterproof and road worthy). Looking forward to pics maybe we will run into each other sometime.

It was only on Craigslist for about a day. Apparently one guy called before me, said he'd take it, then didn't show up, so I nabbed it. Price was very fair. The seller just wanted it out of his garage so he could build another boat!

I hate to staple plastic all over it for the ride home, but I can't think of any other way to protect it. I know the skin will cover all the tiny staple holes, but it's the principle of the thing, I suppose.

[Fyddler]

Maybe you could get some of that shipping "Saran wrap" stuff and wrap the heck out of it.

[Prototear]

Welcome Dan! I'm about an hour north of you and just starting mine too. I found a partial teardrop project Craigslist too and I'll pick it up tomorrow!

[ddcronk]

Ok, pictures as promised. Some bad cell phone pics for now, but I'll take some good photos when I start my build journal.

The unwrapping, after towing it home:

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1371448979.499840.jpg (50.32 KiB) Viewed 1315 times

Showing the cross members and insulation:

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1371449044.505597.jpg (49.42 KiB) Viewed 1315 times

Cabinets in the bow:

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1371449096.017469.jpg (33.03 KiB) Viewed 1315 times

[ddcronk]

Cabinets in the stern:

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1371449181.180440.jpg (42.19 KiB) Viewed 1314 times

The galley (why am I using nautical terms for this?):

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1371449229.822183.jpg (43.26 KiB) Viewed 1314 times

I have all the drawers and cabinet doors for the galley, although I'm basically going to lose the bottom cabinets when I lengthen the berth to accommodate myself and the beautiful Amazonian I love.

All in all, I think it's a pretty good starting place!

[_Ryan_]

Great find! It looks like you got it at just the right spot, structurally complete but plenty of room to customize.

I'll be looking forward to see what you come up with. Good luck!

[Roly Nelson]

Welcome to the forum. One suggestion, increase the height of the door, make it as high as possible, if you are that tall. Ask any questions regarding your build. Altering the length of the bed shouldn't be a major problem, so go for it.
Roly

[ddcronk]

Welcome to the forum. One suggestion, increase the height of the door, make it as high as possible, if you are that tall. Ask any questions regarding your build. Altering the length of the bed shouldn't be a major problem, so go for it.
Roly

Roly:

The door is only 28" high, but I am loath to do that much structural change and cut into the walls, especially since it has been framed in so well. I'm young and relatively flexible, so I think I'm just going to bite the bullet.

[KCStudly]

Cut the door, make it taller. Now is the time, harder to do later after you have hit your head a dozen times.

Just saying. You can do it. It's only wood and some glue. Take your time, plan it out, and get 'er done.

By the time you are done you will look back and say that it was just another bite out of the proverbial elephant.

Welcome to the forum and ask away. We love to help and we love the .

[mezmo]

It isn't a Japanese Tea House, where they make the door low
so you Have to bow low to enter...

Heed the advice and make the door larger now. It isn't difficult,
if you want help discussing how, ask away and you'll get dialogue
on it. And it won't be as hard as you might think.

As a test, mock up the same size opening, as the door is now, for
you to get into your bed at home now. That should convince you.
That small of a door would turn me off TDs pronto.

'Youth" is fleeting, even when you're young ! Ha !

Just some friendly unsolicited advice....

Cheers,
Norm/mezmo