> After talking to you all for so long I have decided on and purchased the
> plans and materials for a Chesapeake 17. I still have to pick up the
> lumber for the shear clamps and I have a question. The plans say to double
> the length of your boat and add 3 feet to get the total amount of lumber
> you will need for sheer clamps. I can't fit 37' of wood in my jeep so I am
> going to get it ripped into smaller pieces at the lumber yard and scarf
> them together at home. My question is do I just get 4 pieces at 10' each
> or is their a more efficient way to go about this. The plans don't ever
> say how long the shear clamps should be, it just tells you to cut it off
> as marked on the drawing.

> Cheers, Dan

Dan,

I just measured my Chesepeake 18 sheer clamps at 17'6" +/- 1 inch. I cut them to the length specified on the drawings (3-1/2" short of the bow, 3" short of the stern) rather than making them full length as described in the manual and CLC web site. I remember cutting off at least a foot of sheer clamp from the one supplied in the CLC kit. I also had to trim the ends a little when I assembled the hull, but it beats having to make that large bevel cut. I believe 4 pieces at 10' is more than enough for a Chesepeake 17, even after a 6" scarf.

Congrats on your choice. I know you'll be happy.

John