Port Ludlow Pram Build

[Jeff Dodd]

A friend and I are just starting to build a Ludlow Pram. A Mad Season project.

I can’t friggin’ wait! So excited to start the project, and I’m fortunate that my buddy, Jameson, has mad skills and a great selection of power tools!

So far, I’ve financially committed with the purchase of 3 sheets of plywood! Yea, prices have increased since 2020 when @aimacart generously documented his build! We are fortunate, however to be in Port Townsend, the home of Edensaw’s unbelievable supply of premium materials!

We’ll likely begin cutting into the plywood next week. This past weekend we measure and compared an original 20-year old Ludlow pram with my Spring Creek Pram. The side-by-side has us both contemplating small modifications. Much appreciated is the documented builds from anima art and @Funfisher comments about the changes he made in his Pram 2.0 build. (Reducing the side heights)

Jameson is documenting our build with video, and when he’s ready, he’ll share with this community.

Here are a couple photos of the two boats, sitting side by side.






I wish I had a Smith Brothers Pram to add to the comparison. Unfortunately, I’ve sold two and didn’t document their measurements. If you have a Smith boat and you’re willing to share dimensions, please send me a note!

More to come….

 

[jerry]

I have an El Toro sailboat which should measure the same as a Smith Brothers Pram. Smith was building El Toro sailboats on Anacortes Island years many ago and I think the pram came of the same jig. You and Jameson are welcome to come by and take all of the measurements you want.

 

[Jeff Dodd]

@Jameson Hawn is doing a great job updating his Port Ludlow Pram build in the General Forum. He and I are each building boats together, and he’s helping me with his woodworking skills and tools.

I’m a few steps behind Jameson’s build, and my boat will be 1.5” less freeboard and 6” more beam in the bow. It will also have a flat bow deck, compared to the arched deck in the plans. One could call this Port Ludlow Pram 3.0.

This weekend before Christmas I will de sanding, sanding and more sanding the bottom plywood to match the gunnel wall at their joint. This in preparation for fiberglass cloth and epoxy.

Building this 8’ pram is a real joy for someone who loves Stillwater flyfishing.

Merry Christmas from Port Townsend!