Date: 11 Jun 2000
From: Jason Mims <svquetzal@altavista.com>
Here is a picture of my Tortoise, which I built over a couple of weekends in a self-storage unit when the landlord wasn't looking. She is made of 4mm lauan plywood from Home Depot with framing cut from cheap 2x4's. I added Brick-style bottom stringers to compensate for the fact that the lauan is more flexible than the 1/4" fir called for on the plans. Also the gunwales are somewhat heavier than called for, which helped to put her slightly over 45 lbs. This is my first boatbuilding experience, and I am totally happy with the results. Tortoise rows well, much better than the worn-out inflatable she replaced. She is also much better looking than I imagined, and has had a lot of compliments. Thank you for your books, which put the idea in my head that I could build a boat, and then showed me how to get it done.
Jason Mims
Slidell, Louisiana
