FRS 16 Hull Build: Scoughxxuene 2.0 — Curriculum
Course Overview
Course Title: FRS 16 Hull Build: Scoughxxuene 2.0 Student: John Hurff School Year: 2026–2027 (Sophomore Year) Semester: Fall 2026 Session Schedule: Thursdays, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM Session Dates: August 6 – December 10, 2026 (Thanksgiving week excluded) Total Sessions: 18 sessions × 4 hours = 72 hours of shop time Credit: 0.5 Elective Primary Coordinator: Jimmy Hurff Academic Supervisor: Jessica Hurff
Course Description
This course is a hands-on boat building class in which John designs, builds, and finishes the hull of a 16-foot flats skiff from a Salt Boatworks FRS 16 CNC plywood kit. Using the stitch-and-glue construction method, John will progress from a flat stack of pre-cut panels to a complete, painted, and customized boat hull ready for rigging and power installation the following semester.
The course integrates applied geometry and measurement, chemistry (epoxy and fiberglass systems), project management, craftsmanship, and design. Every session includes a structured Guest Task so that invited participants can meaningfully contribute to and learn from the build.
The final deliverable is the completed hull of Scoughxxuene 2.0 ("Soon 2.0"), paired with a comprehensive written report documenting the entire build process.
SMART Goal
Specific: Complete the structural hull of the FRS 16 Scoughxxuene 2.0, including all stitch-and-glue assembly, epoxy and fiberglass work, custom interior features (storage compartments, livewells, casting deck, rod holders, accessory mounts), and a USA-themed finish.
Measurable: Hull is complete when: all panels are permanently joined and glassed, all custom built-in features are installed, all surfaces are primed and painted, and the final report is submitted.
Achievable: 18 sessions of 4 hours each (72 shop hours) provides sufficient time for a CNC kit build with a dedicated coordinator and weekly helpers.
Relevant: This project builds advanced technical skills in marine construction, material science, and project management — directly aligned with John's long-term interest in the marine industry and setting up the Spring 2027 power installation semester.
Time-Bound: Hull complete and final report submitted by December 10, 2026.
Build Overview: The FRS 16
The Salt Boatworks Flats River Skiff 16 (FRS 16) is a stitch-and-glue plywood design built from marine-grade plywood CNC cut to full-size patterns. Key construction facts:
- Materials: 14 sheets marine plywood, ~280 linear feet wood stock, 12 gallons marine epoxy, 10 cubic feet USCG-compliant flotation foam, ~105 yards fiberglass cloth (various weights), marine primer and topcoat paint
- Method: Stitch-and-glue — panels are held with zip ties, framed, then permanently bonded with thickened epoxy fillets and fiberglass tape/cloth
- Kit: CNC pre-cut — no lofting required; panels traced and cut at the factory
- Reference: saltboatworks.com
Build Phases
The 18 sessions are organized into six phases:
| Phase | Sessions | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1: Setup & Planning | 1–3 | Safety, kit inventory, workspace setup, customization design |
| 2: Stitching | 4–6 | Hull panel dry fit, full stitch assembly |
| 3: Framing & Epoxy Seams | 7–9 | Frames/bulkheads, thickened epoxy interior and exterior |
| 4: Epoxy Sealing & Fiberglass | 10–12 | Full epoxy seal, fiberglass cloth interior and exterior |
| 5: Custom Build-Out | 13–15 | Storage, livewells, casting deck, rod holders, accessory mounts |
| 6: Finishing | 16–18 | Sanding, fairing, primer, final paint (USA theme) |
18-Session Weekly Schedule
Phase 1: Setup & Planning
Session 1 — August 6, 2026
Theme: Course Kickoff & Safety Orientation
Objective: Establish a safe, organized workspace and set the foundation for the build semester.
Session Activities: - Review course overview, SMART goal, and semester schedule - Conduct full shop safety orientation: PPE, chemical handling (epoxy, resin, solvents), power tool safety, ventilation protocols - Set up and organize the workspace: workbenches, tool stations, epoxy/chemical storage - Review the FRS 16 build plans and get familiar with all sections - Document workspace setup with photos
Guest Task: Guest participates in the safety orientation as a co-learner. Together with John, the guest completes the safety checklist, locates emergency items (first aid, fire extinguisher, eyewash), and signs the shop safety agreement. Guest leaves understanding how to safely work in an epoxy/fiberglass environment.
Deliverables: - Signed shop safety checklist - Workspace setup photos - Journal Entry 1
Session 2 — August 13, 2026
Theme: Kit Inventory & Verification
Objective: Identify, photograph, and verify every component of the CNC plywood kit against the build plans.
Session Activities: - Unpack and lay out all CNC-cut panels - Cross-reference each panel against the build plans and parts list - Label each panel with chalk or painter's tape for reference - Inventory all supplemental materials (foam, hardware, plans) - Note any missing or damaged components and document
Guest Task: Guest serves as the documentation partner — photographing each labeled panel while John holds it up and identifies it by name and function. Guest learns the anatomy of a plywood skiff hull (bottom panels, side panels, transom, bow, frames, bulkheads) through this hands-on catalog process.
Deliverables: - Completed parts inventory checklist (all panels accounted for and labeled) - Photo catalog of all kit components - Journal Entry 2
Session 3 — August 20, 2026
Theme: Customization Design & Material Planning
Objective: Finalize all customization decisions and develop the material procurement plan, prioritizing USA-made products.
Session Activities: - Finalize customization plan: storage compartment locations, livewell size/placement, casting deck dimensions, rod holder positions - Research and select USA-made materials, hardware, and accessories where available (epoxy brands, paint, rod holders, livewell hardware, Power-Pole, trolling motor bracket) - Create a design sketch showing interior layout with all custom features - Develop the material procurement list with sources, part numbers, and USA-made designations - Review build timeline and adjust as needed
Guest Task: Guest co-creates the USA product sourcing research. Assigned one or two accessory categories (e.g., livewell hardware or rod holders), the guest researches USA-made options online and presents findings to John, who adds them to the procurement list. Guest learns how "made in USA" sourcing works in the marine industry.
Deliverables: - Finalized customization design sketch (interior layout) - Completed material procurement list with USA-made designations - Journal Entry 3
Phase 2: Stitching
Session 4 — August 27, 2026
Theme: Hull Panel Dry Fit
Objective: Perform a complete dry fit of all hull panels to verify geometry and alignment before permanent stitching begins.
Session Activities: - Set up building forms/supports on the shop floor - Begin fitting hull bottom and side panels together without stitching - Check panel alignment, hull symmetry, and rocker - Identify any fitting issues and make minor adjustments as needed - Mark stitch points every 6–8 inches along all seams
Guest Task: Guest serves as the alignment partner — holding panels in position while John checks measurements and symmetry from multiple reference points. Guest learns about hull geometry: what rocker is, why symmetry matters, and how a flat sheet of plywood becomes a curved boat hull through the stitch-and-glue process.
Deliverables: - All hull panels dry-fit and alignment verified - Stitch points marked on all seams - Journal Entry 4
Session 5 — September 3, 2026
Theme: Stitching — Hull Bottom & Sides
Objective: Begin permanent stitching assembly of the hull bottom and side panels.
Session Activities: - Drill stitch holes at all marked points along hull bottom and side seams - Stitch hull bottom panels together at centerline with zip ties - Stitch port and starboard side panels to hull bottom - Check and adjust shape/alignment as stitching progresses - Tension zip ties to achieve correct hull form
Guest Task: Guest learns and practices the zip-tie stitch technique on a scrap piece of plywood before moving to the hull. Guest then takes ownership of stitching a designated run of seam (approximately 3–4 feet) under John's supervision, drilling holes and placing zip ties at the correct interval and tension.
Deliverables: - Hull bottom and sides stitched and holding form - Journal Entry 5
Session 6 — September 10, 2026
Theme: Stitching — Transom, Bow & Structural Completion
Objective: Complete all stitching — transom, bow, and remaining structural panels — so the hull holds its full shape.
Session Activities: - Stitch transom to hull bottom and sides - Stitch bow panel into position - Install any additional structural panels (spray rails, chine panels) per plans - Do a final shape check: measure beam at multiple stations, verify symmetry - Trim excess zip tie tails
Guest Task: Guest takes primary responsibility for stitching the transom — drilling holes, placing zip ties, and tensioning under John's direction. Transom is a discrete, well-defined panel that a guest can fully own. Guest learns what the transom does structurally and why its alignment is critical for the motor mounting next semester.
Deliverables: - Hull fully stitched; all panels in final position - Shape/symmetry verified and documented with measurements - Journal Entry 6
Phase 3: Framing & Epoxy Seams
Session 7 — September 17, 2026
Theme: Frame & Bulkhead Installation
Objective: Install all interior frames and bulkheads that provide structural rigidity to the hull.
Session Activities: - Review frame locations per build plans - Fit, trim, and install frames one at a time, checking level and alignment - Temporarily secure frames with clamps and/or additional zip ties - Verify frame spacing and hull shape after all frames are in place - Mark fillet locations for epoxy sessions
Guest Task: Guest serves as the frame-fitting partner — holding frames in position while John checks plumb, level, and fit from inside the hull. Guest learns about boat structural anatomy: what bulkheads, frames, and floors do and how they resist the forces of water pressure and engine load.
Deliverables: - All frames and bulkheads fitted and temporarily secured - Fillet locations marked and planned - Journal Entry 7
Session 8 — September 24, 2026
Theme: Thickened Epoxy — Interior Seams & Fillets
Objective: Apply the first epoxy work — thickened epoxy fillets along all interior seams and frame joints.
Session Activities: - Mix thickened epoxy (silica/wood flour mixture) per manufacturer instructions - Apply epoxy fillets to all interior panel seams using a radius tool - Apply fillets at all frame-to-hull joints - Smooth fillets to a consistent radius - Allow to cure per manufacturer's specified time/temperature
Guest Task: Guest mixes the first batch of thickened epoxy — learning the correct metering ratio, mixing technique, and pot life. Guest then applies epoxy fillet to a designated interior seam section (e.g., a frame-to-bottom joint) using the radius tool, with John coaching technique. Guest learns why epoxy is the structural adhesive of choice in marine composite construction.
Deliverables: - All interior seams and frame joints filleted - Epoxy mixing and application log entry - Journal Entry 8
Session 9 — October 1, 2026
Theme: Thickened Epoxy — Exterior Seams & Keel
Objective: Complete thickened epoxy application on exterior seams and the keel area.
Session Activities: - Flip or access the hull exterior - Apply thickened epoxy fillets to all exterior chine seams - Apply a generous keel fillet along the full hull bottom centerline - Feather and smooth all exterior fillets - Inspect and touch up any interior fillets from Session 8 as needed
Guest Task: Guest applies the keel fillet — a single, continuous run along the hull centerline. This is a visible, high-impact task that a guest can complete independently after a brief demo from John. Guest learns why the keel needs extra epoxy mass and how it protects the hull bottom from abrasion and impact.
Deliverables: - All exterior seams and keel filleted - Hull exterior inspected for voids or missed seams - Journal Entry 9
Phase 4: Epoxy Sealing & Fiberglass
Session 10 — October 8, 2026
Theme: Epoxy Seal — All Interior Surfaces
Objective: Apply neat (unfilled) epoxy to all interior wood surfaces to fully seal the plywood against moisture.
Session Activities: - Mix neat epoxy per manufacturer instructions - Apply first seal coat to all interior surfaces using rollers and brushes - Work systematically section by section to avoid missing areas - Apply second coat before first coat fully cures (green stage) for best penetration - Inspect for dry spots or fisheyes and re-coat as needed
Guest Task: Guest takes ownership of sealing one interior compartment or section — mixing their own small batch of neat epoxy, rolling it onto the wood, and cutting in with a brush on corners and edges. Guest learns about wood-epoxy bonding chemistry: why sealing matters, what moisture does to untreated plywood, and how epoxy creates a permanent moisture barrier.
Deliverables: - All interior surfaces sealed (minimum two coats) - Journal Entry 10
Session 11 — October 15, 2026
Theme: Fiberglass Cloth — Interior Application
Objective: Apply fiberglass cloth to critical interior surfaces for structural reinforcement.
Session Activities: - Identify all interior areas requiring fiberglass per plans (hull bottom interior, bilge area, transom interior, high-stress joints) - Pre-cut fiberglass cloth to size and dry-fit all pieces - Mix epoxy and wet out fiberglass cloth section by section - Roll out air bubbles and ensure full wet-through with no dry spots - Trim excess cloth at edges while still wet
Guest Task: Guest pre-cuts fiberglass cloth to the John's marked dimensions, learning how to handle cloth without distorting the weave. Guest then wets out a flat panel section alongside John — learning to distinguish a properly wetted layup (translucent) from a dry one (white/milky). Guest experiences firsthand how epoxy transforms loose cloth into a rigid composite panel.
Deliverables: - All required interior areas glassed - No dry spots or major air inclusions (inspect on next session) - Journal Entry 11
Session 12 — October 22, 2026
Theme: Fiberglass Cloth — Exterior & Hull Bottom
Objective: Apply fiberglass cloth to the exterior of the hull, with priority on the hull bottom for abrasion and impact resistance.
Session Activities: - Inspect and fair interior glass work from Session 11; sand any high spots - Apply fiberglass cloth to exterior hull bottom (full coverage) - Apply fiberglass tape over exterior chine seams - Apply fiberglass cloth to transom exterior - Allow to fully cure before moving to Phase 5
Guest Task: Guest applies fiberglass tape over the exterior chine seam on their side of the hull (port or starboard). This is a discrete, manageable task that produces a visible, permanent result. Guest learns about the difference between woven cloth and tape, and why the chine (the corner where bottom meets side) needs tape reinforcement.
Deliverables: - Hull exterior fully glassed - All exterior seams taped - Phase 4 complete — hull is structurally sound and ready for interior build-out - Journal Entry 12
Phase 5: Custom Build-Out
Session 13 — October 29, 2026
Theme: Storage Compartments & Livewell Rough-In
Objective: Build and install all storage compartment structures and rough in the livewell system.
Session Activities: - Transfer customization design sketch to the actual hull — mark all compartment walls and livewell location - Cut and fit interior dividers/walls for storage compartments - Epoxy-bond compartment structures in place - Cut livewell opening and fit livewell liner or box - Rough in livewell drain and supply plumbing locations - Apply epoxy seal to all new wood surfaces
Guest Task: Guest helps fit and hold interior compartment dividers while John marks and bonds them in place. Guest learns about boat interior layout considerations: weight distribution, access, functionality, and why livewells need sealed, epoxy-coated interiors. If interested, guest can research a specific USA-made livewell pump or aerator to add to the final procurement list.
Deliverables: - All storage compartment structures installed - Livewell roughed in (liner fitted, plumbing locations marked) - Journal Entry 13
Session 14 — November 5, 2026
Theme: Casting Deck & Flooring
Objective: Build and install the forward casting deck and any deck flooring sections.
Session Activities: - Cut casting deck panel(s) to fit the bow section per design sketch - Fit, adjust, and dry-fit deck before bonding - Install deck supports/cleats along hull sides and frames - Epoxy-bond the casting deck in place - Apply fiberglass cloth over deck surface for durability - Seal all new wood surfaces with epoxy
Guest Task: Guest helps fit and position deck panel sections, learning how a flat panel must be trimmed incrementally to fit a curved hull shape. Guest assists with clamping/holding deck supports while epoxy sets. Guest learns about why a casting deck is elevated, what it allows a fisherman to do, and what structural loads it needs to handle.
Deliverables: - Casting deck installed and glassed - All flooring sections installed - Journal Entry 14
Session 15 — November 12, 2026
Theme: Rod Holders, Accessory Mounts & Hardware Prep
Objective: Install rod holder mounts and prepare all hardware mounting locations for Power-Pole, trolling motor, and jack plate installation next semester.
Session Activities: - Mark and install all rod holder tubes/mounts at planned locations - Reinforce rod holder backing plates with extra glass or wood doubler - Fabricate and install Power-Pole mounting bracket (transom area) - Install trolling motor bracket backer at bow - Mark and reinforce jack plate mounting location on transom - Verify all USA-made hardware is on hand; document sourcing
Guest Task: Guest helps mock up accessory positions before drilling — holding the Power-Pole bracket at the transom, the trolling motor bracket at the bow, and confirming angles look correct. Guest learns about each accessory: what a Power-Pole does, how a jack plate works, and why the trolling motor goes on the bow. Mockup session prevents costly mistakes before holes are drilled.
Deliverables: - All rod holders installed - All accessory mounting locations reinforced and ready - USA-made hardware sourcing documented - Journal Entry 15
Phase 6: Finishing
Session 16 — November 19, 2026
Theme: Sanding, Fairing & Paint Prep
Objective: Sand the entire hull to a smooth, fair surface ready for primer. Address any high spots, voids, or surface defects.
Session Activities: - Inspect entire hull exterior for bumps, ridges, weave print-through, and low spots - Apply epoxy fairing compound to any voids or low areas; allow to cure - Block sand the full hull exterior working through grits (80 → 120 → 180) - Hand sand corners, edges, and tight areas - Wash hull with clean water and allow to dry fully - Tape off any areas not to be primed
Guest Task: Guest is assigned a designated section of the hull exterior to sand (e.g., one side panel from bow to mid-ship). Guest learns proper block sanding technique, how to "read" a surface by looking at it at a low angle against the light, and what "fair" means in the context of a boat hull. Sanding is unglamorous but essential — a great learning point about craftsmanship.
Deliverables: - Entire hull sanded fair and ready for primer - Fairing compound applied and sanded where needed - Journal Entry 16
Thanksgiving Break — November 26, 2026: No Session
Session 17 — December 3, 2026
Theme: Primer Application
Objective: Apply a full coat of marine primer to the entire hull exterior to build the paint foundation and reveal any remaining surface defects.
Session Activities: - Mix and apply marine primer per manufacturer instructions (USA-made product) - Apply to full hull exterior using roller and brush - Allow first coat to flash; apply second coat if time permits - Inspect primed surface for any remaining low spots or defects - Fill any revealed defects with spot fairing compound; sand when dry
Guest Task: Guest applies primer to an assigned section of the hull — learning proper roller technique, how to maintain a wet edge, and how to spot fish eyes or runs. Guest learns why primer is a structural step in marine paint systems, not just a cosmetic one, and how it improves topcoat adhesion.
Deliverables: - Full hull exterior primed (minimum one full coat) - Any final defects identified and addressed - Journal Entry 17
Session 18 — December 10, 2026
Theme: Final Paint (USA Theme) & Hull Completion
Objective: Apply the final topcoat paint in the USA-themed color scheme, completing the Scoughxxuene 2.0 hull.
Session Activities: - Apply final topcoat paint in USA theme colors (red, white, blue scheme as designed) - Paint in logical color zones — base color first, then secondary colors with tape breaks - Apply non-skid additive to all walking surfaces - Inspect and touch up as needed - Remove all masking tape and inspect the finished hull - Final photo documentation: full build complete - Begin final report writing (outline and notes)
Guest Task: Guest joins in the final paint application — a milestone session. Each guest who applies paint signs the transom (inside, before the final coat) as a permanent record of who helped build Scoughxxuene 2.0. Guest learns about marine topcoat systems, non-skid additives, and color masking technique. This session is a celebration as much as a work session.
Deliverables: - Completed, painted hull — Scoughxxuene 2.0 - Build complete photo documentation set - Guest signatures documented (transom interior) - Journal Entry 18 - Final report outline drafted
Final Deliverables
1. The Completed Hull
A structurally complete, primed and painted FRS 16 hull with all custom features installed, ready for the Spring 2027 power installation semester.
2. The Final Report
A comprehensive written report documenting the full build, following the structure established in the Introduction to Marine Industry final report. Required sections:
- Introduction — What this class was and why this boat
- SMART Goal — As defined in this curriculum
- Project Overview — FRS 16 design, Salt Boatworks, kit description
- Materials & Equipment — Complete materials list, USA-made sourcing documentation
- Build Planning — Customization decisions, design process, layout sketches
- Build Process Log — Narrative of each phase with photos
- Phase 1: Setup & Planning
- Phase 2: Stitching
- Phase 3: Framing & Epoxy Seams
- Phase 4: Epoxy Sealing & Fiberglass
- Phase 5: Custom Build-Out
- Phase 6: Finishing
- Guest Participation Log — All guests, their sessions, and their contributions
- Challenges & Problem Solving — What went wrong and how it was resolved
- Skills Gained — Technical and professional skills developed this semester
- Results — The completed hull with full photo documentation
- Analysis — What worked, what could be improved, quality assessment
- Conclusion — Summary of the semester's work
- Future Plans — Spring 2027 Power Install for Scoughxxuene 2.0
Report Due: December 10, 2026 (Session 18)
Rubric
Grading Categories
| Category | Weight |
|---|---|
| Build Quality & Craftsmanship | 40% |
| Weekly Journal Documentation | 20% |
| Final Report | 20% |
| Photo Documentation | 10% |
| Guest Task Leadership | 10% |
| Total | 100% |
Build Quality & Craftsmanship (40%)
Evaluated at six Phase Checkpoints (end of each phase) plus the final hull inspection.
| Grade | Criteria |
|---|---|
| A (90–100) | Work meets or exceeds boat building standards. Epoxy seams are full and consistent, fiberglass layups show no dry spots or major air inclusions, fillets are smooth and uniform, surfaces are fair and evenly painted. Hardware is installed correctly and securely. |
| B (80–89) | Work is structurally sound with minor cosmetic imperfections. Epoxy and glass work is complete with only small, non-structural flaws. Finish work is good but shows some unevenness or minor runs. |
| C (70–79) | Work is mostly complete but shows recurring technique issues (thin fillets, uneven glass wetout, rough sanding). Some areas may require rework. Hull is structurally functional but not well-finished. |
| D/F (below 70) | Significant incomplete sections or structural problems. Multiple phase checkpoints missed or failed requiring re-work. |
Phase Checkpoints:
| Checkpoint | Session | Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| 1: Setup Complete | End of Session 3 | Workspace organized, all panels inventoried and labeled, customization plan documented |
| 2: Hull Stitched | End of Session 6 | All panels stitched, hull geometry verified (symmetry, rocker, beam measurements) |
| 3: Epoxy Seams Done | End of Session 9 | All interior and exterior fillets complete, frames installed and bonded |
| 4: Glass Work Done | End of Session 12 | All epoxy sealing and fiberglass cloth complete, no dry spots |
| 5: Custom Work Done | End of Session 15 | All storage, livewell, casting deck, rod holders, and accessory mounts installed |
| 6: Hull Complete | End of Session 18 | Hull primed and painted, all custom features finished, build complete |
Weekly Journal Documentation (20%)
A journal entry is required after each of the 18 sessions.
| Grade | Criteria |
|---|---|
| A (90–100) | All 18 entries submitted. Each entry includes: date and session number, session summary, key techniques learned, challenges encountered and how they were resolved, guest task description and guest name, and clear next steps. Writing is detailed and reflective. |
| B (80–89) | 15–17 entries submitted. Most entries are complete with only minor omissions. |
| C (70–79) | 12–14 entries submitted. Some entries are brief or missing key sections. |
| D/F (below 70) | Fewer than 12 entries submitted, or most entries are incomplete. |
Journal Entry Template:
## Journal Entry [#] — [Date]
**Session Focus:** [Theme]
**Coordinator/Helpers Present:** [Names]
**Guest(s):** [Name(s), if any]
### What We Did
[Summary of session's work]
### What I Learned
[Techniques, concepts, or skills developed]
### Challenges & How I Solved Them
[Problems encountered and solutions]
### Guest Task
[What the guest did, what they learned]
### Build Status
[Current state of the hull — what phase, what's done, what's next]
### Next Session
[What needs to happen at Session #]
Final Report (20%)
| Grade | Criteria |
|---|---|
| A (90–100) | All 13 required sections present and complete. Writing is clear, detailed, and professional. Photos are integrated throughout with captions. Build process narrative is accurate and chronological. Guest participation log includes all guests. Challenges section shows genuine reflection. |
| B (80–89) | All sections present. Writing is adequate with minor gaps in detail. Most photos included. Reflection is present but could be deeper. |
| C (70–79) | Most sections present but some are superficial. Missing photos or guest log entries. Limited reflection. |
| D/F (below 70) | Multiple sections missing or report is substantially incomplete. |
Photo Documentation (10%)
One photo set is required per session (minimum 3 photos per session: before, during, after).
| Grade | Criteria |
|---|---|
| A (90–100) | All 18 sessions documented with clear, well-captioned photos showing the progression of work. Build milestones clearly captured. Guest task moments photographed. |
| B (80–89) | 15–17 sessions documented. Most photos clear and captioned. |
| C (70–79) | 12–14 sessions documented. Some photos blurry or uncaptioned. |
| D/F (below 70) | Fewer than 12 sessions documented. |
Guest Task Leadership (10%)
Evaluated on preparation, facilitation, and documentation for all sessions in which a guest is present.
| Grade | Criteria |
|---|---|
| A (90–100) | John arrives prepared with a clear guest task plan for each guest session. Guest is genuinely engaged, given a real task with a real result. John explains what, why, and how. Guest task is documented in the journal and acknowledged in the final report. |
| B (80–89) | Most guest sessions well-prepared and documented. Occasional session where guest observes more than participates. |
| C (70–79) | Guest tasks are ad hoc rather than planned. Some sessions not documented. |
| D/F (below 70) | Guest tasks rarely prepared. Little documentation. |
Roles & Responsibilities
| Role | Person | Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Student / Builder | John Hurff | Primary builder, all journal entries and documentation, leads guest tasks, writes final report |
| Coordinator | Jimmy Hurff | Present every session, technical guidance, safety oversight, material procurement, quality checks at phase checkpoints |
| Academic Supervisor | Jessica Hurff | Reviews journal entries and final report, applies rubric, awards academic credit |
| Guests | Invited weekly | Participate in Guest Task, contribute to and learn from the build |
| Adult Helpers | As available | Support the build as directed by John and Jimmy |
Tools & Skills Developed
Technical Skills: - Stitch-and-glue plywood boat construction - Epoxy mixing, application, and curing science - Fiberglass cloth wetout and layup technique - Marine surface prep, fairing, and finishing - Custom interior carpentry (storage, decking) - Hardware installation and reinforcement - Marine paint systems (primer and topcoat)
Professional & Academic Skills: - Project management across a multi-month build - Technical documentation and journal writing - Photo documentation and archiving - Procurement and USA-made product sourcing - Guest facilitation and instruction
Integration with Other Classes
As a 0.5 elective, this course naturally integrates with:
- Mathematics: Measuring for panel symmetry, calculating epoxy volumes, geometric layout of interior features
- Chemistry: Epoxy resin systems — mixing ratios, exothermic curing reactions, polymer science
- English/Language Arts: Journal writing, the final report (technical writing + narrative)
- Physics: Hull hydrodynamics, structural load distribution, material properties
- History/Social Studies: Made-in-USA product sourcing, American manufacturing, boatbuilding heritage
Looking Ahead: Spring 2027
This semester builds the hull. Spring 2027 picks up where Fall 2026 leaves off:
Planned Spring 2027 Course: Power Install for Scoughxxuene 2.0 - Engine selection and mounting - Marine electronics installation (fish finder, GPS, VHF) - Power-Pole installation - Trolling motor wiring - Jack plate installation and motor setback tuning - Sea trial and commissioning
Course designed June 2026. Build begins August 6, 2026. Reference: Salt Boatworks FRS 16