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