Construction Log
--Click on image for new construction photo page.
Progress Report
Starting my third boat project, I've learned one thing (if nothing else): Boats aren't built by plans study; cutting wood really gets the inertia heading in the right direction. Fortunately, I have some leftover wood that I purchased for my Gypsy that I can use to begin, so here we go!
January 10, 2004: Layed-out and cut-out bow piece--the project has begun.
January 18, 2004: After the first week of work, the bow piece and transom are partially framed and the bow and transom seat supports are complete. The centerboard case sides and all three seat pieces are cut out.
January 25, 2004: Finished bow and transom assembly.
January 28, 2004: Assembled centerboard trunk.
February 14, 2004: Attached seats to transom and centerboard trunk.
February 18, 2004: With the centerboard trunk/center seat and transom/aft seat assemblies completed, Phase 2 is now beginning with the set-up of the building form.
February 19, 2004: Attached bow, centerboard/seat, and transom assemblies to building form. With them in place, I have a much better idea of what she will be like, size-wise, when she is complete. In a word: small!
February 22, 2004: Attached keel piece to bow frame, transom and centerboard case.
February 28, 2004: "The Chine Disaster!" I spent four hours on trying to cut and fit the chines, and it was a complete mess. By the time the day was done, I had accomplished nothing. It was probably my most frustrating day ever boatbuilding.
April 21, 2004: "CHINE VICTORY!" I didn't do a thing on her the entire month of March, but beginning in early April I attacked the chine problem anew, and eventually won!
May 18, 2004: Progress is moving ahead by leaps and bounds now that "The Battle of the Chines" has been won. Fairing of the keel and chine are complete.
Note: This is the first time I've ever used a hand plane, and I was amazed and delighted about how easy, precise and FUN using this tool is. I've been brought up in the "powertool" age, but I have discovered that hand tools sometimes do the job better and actually faster!
May 21, 2004: Hull side panels attached.
May 25 and 27, 2004: Hull bottom panels attached.
July 8, 2004: First hull fiberglass applied.
July 18, 2004: Sheer clamps attached.
August 19, 2004: Floor reinforcement strip application completed.
September 8, 2004: Bow seat installed.
October 5, 2004: Instead of the carved wood mast, I am opting for an aluminum tube-type. It is complete and ready to go.
My schedule this time of year is especially busy, and I really haven't had any time to spend on construction (October 25th is the last opportunity I have had to log time). With the first of the year, that will change, and I'm confident she will be ready to be put in the water as soon as weather permits.
Hours spent in construction as of December 25, 2004:
142.86 hours
