Stone Boat Questions

I make mine just a bit shorter tip to end than 8 ft so I can put it in the back of the pickup and close the gate. That works well for me, I can easily carry a 12-14 ft log and keep it off the ground with that length. I like 2 inch oak planks but SPF works OK as well. I cut two cross pieces of 2×2 oak and secure them about 1 ft in from each end with 3/8 inch lag screws. I like the 2×2’s because with the boat planks plus the 2×2 the logs carry about 4 inches off the ground, helps them ride clear even with a wow in the log in many cases. Carriage bolts would work as well, just a little more work sinking the heads from the bottom. Probably work better than lag screws with SPF, SPF does not secure lags all that well, too soft. Will you be skidding logs with the boat?

One weakness with a 1/4 inch flat bar is you will have problems wrapping a choker chain around the log at the front, if you are thinking of doing that.

Yes, spruce-pine-fir. When I chain the log I run a choker around it and run the end through the hole in the front of the boat. That holds the end of the log down and lifts the back end off the ground if it is a long log. So the 2 inch piece just gives 2 inches of clearance under the log for the chain. The 1/4 inch plate won’t give any clearance for the choker.

@Does’ Leap 32230 wrote:

Here she is…..

[IMG]https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6OXbldIYvHE/TyvYL-4hs7I/AAAAAAAABLg/HP-233khRvg/s800/P1030596.JPG[/IMG][IMG]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZKem3hw_O-k/TyvYNCjrBQI/AAAAAAAABLo/sS9haD1WY5E/s512/P1030597.JPG[/IMG]

• How do you arrange/secure your chain to keep the boat from running up on your horses going downhill?
• How do you keep your stuff (chainsaw, gas, stones, or whatever the case may be) from rolling off your boat?
• How are folks using their boats? Other than the traditional hauling stone, I have read about Tim hauling logs and Mitch hauling his logging gear to the woods and back when cutting and twitching with a single horse.

George

http://www.draftanimalpower.com/showthread.php?4780-Ox-Logging-Skidding-Single

George, nice stone boat. Don’t get that one dirty. Did you saw up your own ash?

Here is a link to the video that I posted some time ago skidding some logs on the boat with Will. At about 1:21 you can see a close look at the stake pockets that I have on the sides and in the back of the boat to chain or lash things down on the boat. I chain the logs, bungee cord other smaller stuff including my saw. One thing I keep meaning to do is to make a tool box to carry hand tools, chaps, helmet, chains, water etc. I have always just used a few 5 gal pails lashed down with bungee cords, gets the job done but that’s all I can say about it. I keep picturing a tool box I sit on and ride on. I will have to make it a priority rainy day job.

I also have two stake pockets at the back of the sled that I use for securing stuff, but the main use is to stabilize the boat on icy or snow covered ground. I run one chain, sometimes two, from the hole in the head of the boat, underneath the boat, up over the back end and hook to the stake pockets. Acts as a bridle chain to hold back the sled going downhill, and the front-to-back arrangement give pretty good side-to-side stability on a side-slope.

You can also use a pole with the boat if that works better. I do that with young steers but a chain gives more maneuverability in a tight spot, might not work with horses. I can’t do that now working single.

I also use a boat for hauling round bales out to the feeder, and I salvage dropped hay around the round bale feeder by stacking on the boat and hauling to the run-in shed for bedding. Check fences with it, load it up for conditioning your team, ride on it. Very versatile, useful and simple implement.

Nice, George. I knew you would have one before I got around to it. Now you can field test it and let me know if it is perfect or it you might make a second one a little different. And I like the loop for the peavey.