The boat-shed, part 3.

The shed is really three 12x16x12 cubes in line. The trusses I decided on are a modified 'A' beefed up a bit. The peak is just over 6 feet off the 12 foot height of the posts, leading to a 9-12 pitch for good snow-shedding. The horizontal member of the A shape is about 3' above the posts. Currently the way the boat is blocked, the deck is about 9' off the ground so I will be able to walk on the boat in the shed. 


The trusses were built in the garage, much to the chagrin of the Mrs.every rainy day, to provide a flat surface. The long 2x4's you see are a reference for the width and location of the posts.

The trusses are three 2x6's wide with staggered joints, leading to a sort of mortised fit. The trusses in the middle of the shed are extra strong to enable hoisting heavy loads from the boat, like the engine. Here you can see the middle layer of the joints.

Needless to say these trusses are quite heavy. In order to raise them, I first had to get them above the boat. I  decided on separating the trusses into manageable segments. These segments then could be re-assembled on the boat, provided I had a flat area to do it. I proceeded to slap together a platform.

The longer segments were right at the limit, weight wise, that I could manage up the ladder. But once up to the platform re-assembly and bolting went easy enough.

 Between the trusses will be stringers in joist hangers, kind of like deck construction. So I begin at the rear wall. This last, or first as it were, truss differs from the middle ones. It is supported by a framed wall underneath and will not be used for lifting. Therefor the middle layer of the 3 2x6's is just for joining elements of the shape.

I ran two extra boards up from the wall to prevent the truss from toppling as well as to provide a plumb reference while 'monkeying' the pieces into place.

to be continued....