ZipKit

03/27/2025

Partially Completed ZipKit

This partially completed hull is ready for you to add your own custom deck and get on the water. The bottom is fiberglassed, while the sides and transom remain raw. The sub-deck is prepped and ready for installation. Included with the hull is enough 3/8” x 5” solid Sapele hardwood decking, mille...

06/11/2022

Flathead Ford

06/11/2022

Back at Lake Arrowhead ACBS Socal. show ! Check out the Black Dahlia. 2 Stroke Power......

09/16/2021

ZIP Kit Ready to Plank (after two weeks!)
Post by Sam's ZIP » Wed Sep 15, 2021 8:36 am

I still find it amazing that I have a wood boat ready to plank after only two weeks into the project. After generating large piles of shavings the chines and keel are ready to accept the bottom ply. I spent considerable time aligning the structure because my biggest concern was the precut ply wouldn't fit my framing. That could be a mess.

But the port sheet fits perfectly with no trimming---amazing how a CAD program can calculate the exact size needed to plank a complex shape. All the edges lined up when the ply was aligned on the Sharpie line down the center of the keel. Since this sheet fits I assume (hope?) the others will as well since we apparently have a straight boat. Also, the flame joinery fits precisely and makes a strong joint between the two halves of the port bottom. Just apply glue to the flames and tap into place with a mallet. I used an acid brush to apple T-88 to the flames.

09/11/2021

Blast from the Past //////
www.zzzipkit.com

09/03/2021

Follow Sam's ZipKit build on the Glen-L Boat Builders Forum
http://www.glen-l.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=36196&sid=0e96033d8322076378cc822aa9dfb2a6

09/02/2021

A note I received from ZipKit builder Sam Buchanan.

Hi Mark,

Think I know where all the pieces go! 😊
Awesome kit....five hours since opening the first crate.

Sam

08/29/2021

Our friend Pat Elwood "Building more than a Boat" !!!

My daughter got me the zip kit for Father’s Day in 2020. She has cerebral palsy and is confined to a wheel chair. We thought building a boat would be a good project that we could work on together. It is now Father’s Day 2021 and we have made great progress. We are finishing up the wiring and will be adding the motor in a few weeks. After that is complete all that is left is the top deck and it will be ready to take on it’s maiden voyage. I have been extremely impressed with the zip kit. It has been a great project, I have learned a lot and increased my woodworking skills. However the best part has been how engaged my daughter has been on the project. She is constantly asking about what is next and telling her friends and family about what we are doing.

08/08/2021

California Classics Glen-L Design and Crackerbox Racing
What a great day at Long Beach Marine Stadium !!!! Birthplace of powerboat racing on the West Coast. The Southern California Speedboat Club, which first hosted the championships in Long Beach in 1946. Come join us Today !!! Racing starts @ 11:00 AM