"Damm Yankee" PM-38

by Russell
(West Central Florida)

I'm probably the one and only to build this boat twice.

My first build was when I was 19 years old in 1962 and then again in 2009.

The first time I built this boat I was only a kid and lived with my parents and two younger brothers on Long Island, New York.

I didn't have much money at the time and think I spent about one hundred dollars to build this boat.

When I finished her in the early summer of 1963, we installed a used 30 hp Johnson outboard that I paid $75.00 for.

I learned to water ski with this boat and motor combination.

Since I only weighed 175lbs at the time, it was strong enough to lift me up and out of the water.

My younger brother and I had a good time with this boat in the Great South Bay of Suffolk County, N.Y.

I used her all through the summer of 1963 and have many good memories.

I retired in 2009 and was looking for a project since now I had plenty of spare time.

So I decided to build the PM-38 again.

PM 38 Damned Yankee

She took about 40 days to build and that included rebuilding the trailer.

Just to give you an idea of how inflation ran up the cost of building this boat, I paid over $100.00 just for silicon bronze fasteners (screws, ring nails and a few bolts).

I now live in Florida and can go boating year round.

My girlfriend and I have used the Damm Yankee many times on the rivers, lakes and the Gulf of Mexico.

It is still fun and the memories continue to grow.

Comments for
"Damm Yankee" PM-38

Nov 03, 2012

Hi Russell
by: Mike

Hi,

Just wanted to let you know about the new DIY Wood Boat Club.

This won’t affect this great page of yours.

However, it is hoped that the new “Club” will give you much more control over what is posted and how it is presented.

Make it easier to post Photos and Videos, ask and answer questions in the Forum.

And above all create a social network for Wooden Boat Enthusiasts.

You can control your own privacy settings and it's free so why not sign up now, give it a (no obligation) try.

Mike

Aug 21, 2012

Pictures of the build
by: Russell

Now for the pictures

May 11, 2011

More Pictures of the "Damm Yankee"
by: Russell

Here are some more pictures of the PM-38 I built in 2009.

PM 38 Damned Yankee

I sold the original built PM-38 in 1964.

May 11, 2011

Mike, yes I did stray from original plans.
by: Russell

I made some minor changes to the original plans.

I used marine plywood throughout and increased the bottom 4x8 to 1/2 inch thickness.

The keelson was increased to a 2x4x10ft and the bottom battens I used a 2x4x10 cut in half.

Also doubled the transon thickness.

Also fiber glassed all the seams and bow.

I used a long shaft outboard so I had to increase the transon width to 20 inches.

Also used silicon bronze screws and ring nails throughout.

No windshield because it would increase wind resistance.

Used oak for the frames, skid rails, sheer rails and spray rails.

Used Titebond u1timate wood glue bought by the gallon and 3M 5200 marine caulk.

According to the GPS the "Damm Yankee" was clocked at 35mph with the 25hp outboard with me (220lbs) aboard.

With a lighter captain, I'm sure it would go the advertised 38mph.

May 11, 2011

Second Time
by: Mike

She looks superb, Russell.

Was there anything that you did differently the second time around (building wise)?

I know that isn't a fair question, I'm about the same age as you, I can remember my first time afloat in the first boat (canoe) I built, but I'm dammed if I can remember much about building her.

So put it another way, did you stray from the original instructions on the plans?