Getting Closer

Well I figured I would try to list the projects that I have left before the boat is sailable.

The biggest and item to go is the keel. I have just about finished shaping the wood and hope to begin the glassing process this weekend. The biggest dilemma that I am facing is the keel bulb. Tim R. has offered to pour a bulb for me but I might have to wait longer than I would like. If anyone wants to pour a bulb with me (I have never done anything like this) near the Charleston area or if anyone has a bulb they might be willing to part with let me know.

The keel box has somewhat been waiting on the keel to progress as well. Instead of a sleeve, I am creating a box and will have fittings on the keel that will slide into the box when the keel is down. This was suggested to me, instead of the sleeve, b/c of the ability to adjust the cant or twist after installation. As well as the ease of construction and manufacturing.

The mast is probably the next project that I need to start tackling. I have a DM-4 section from Dwyer. Thank you Joe from totalxs for sharing your notes and drawings of your rig with me. I still need to order hardware for the mast (chain plates, stem fitting, spreaders, sheaves, ect.) Does anyone know of a good place to buy some of those pieces? I am also looking for the rudder gudeons.

I still have several little glassing and cleaning up jobs to go as well but I can knock a couple of those out every couple of weeks I will be happy.

Once I am about finished with the keel and rudder I plan to prime the deck, install the deck hardware and sail the boat. I figure once I get sailing I can change things and try to optimize the boat. I just want to get it out on the water sooner than later.

Paul

Its Been a While

Progress certainly did slow down but I have been chipping away small projects slowly over the past couple of months (even though I have been off the radar). My actual goal was to have the fewest blog posting to make the project appear to be quick and simple. Its hard for me to work on it where I live so I usually take it to various friend's driveways on the weekend.

I have just about finished all the glassing topside and the deck is about ready to be primed and painted. I need to finish the keel and keel box so I can install that and finish up that task. The rudder is pretty much complete except for primer, paint, and hardware installation. I have not really had any progress with the mast besides having a blank section.

I am thinking about splashing the boat and checking to ensure that there are no leaks and that the glass/epoxy has sealed the wood in the up coming weekend. Its a bitter sweet joy beginning to reach the end of the project. I will be glad to be done with the construction and time commitment but I am sure I will miss working with the epoxy and fiberglass.