Completing all my spars is another thing I am doing prior to stitching up the hull. Only reason is to not have to work in a cramped area once the hull comes together. Once all the spars are varnished, I’ll hang them from the ceiling where they are out of the way. For reference…I’m working […]
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I ordered the timber kit but I still have to cut some of my own scarf joints. I’ve not done this before. I tried three different ways and the third is what I will use from here on. The scarfs I’ve done so far are for the four mast staves. Block Plane This is the […]
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Having never worked with molten lead, I wanted to do this job before pouring lead for the keel. If you follow the manual you’ll do the big keel pour before the small centerboard. The manual points out that everything doesn’t have to be necessarily done in the exact order as it reads. Working with lead […]
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I have made two modifications to the trunk, though very minor. One is a modification, the other is simply a change in sequence from the manual. Drill, Fill, Drill : When building Thister and I would drill through an epoxy-filled hole, the diameter was often not large enough for me to avoid drilling back into […]
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I am building the rudder before I begin the hull. No particular strategy here except it feels easier to do as much benchwork as I can before the boat starts taking up space. One reason I am enjoying this boat so much more than my last is that it’s taking more thought and tool work […]
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I am also going to build my spars before stitching the hull. I ran across two 20′ long pieces of 4″ angle iron and figured they would make good reference surfaces for spar work. Despite dropping one on my foot I finally got them mounted up on some sawhorses and I think they will be […]
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I am continuing to prep as many pieces with epoxy that I feel is reasonable. And I mean 3 coats, plus sanding to finish-ready. This is floors, bulkheads, seatback frames, trunk insides, rudder insides, and keel pieces. Again, I’m looking to take advantage of the space while I have it, maybe protect from some warping, […]
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I’ve decided that the first thing I’ll do is cut out a good bit of the plywood pieces and apply epoxy and glass where I can. I’m lucky to have a good amount of space but it will get small quick when the hull is stitched up. I’m also a little concerned about pieces possibly […]
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My kit arrived yesterday during an afternoon of thunderstorms. I was lucky to get everything unloaded without soaking the wood. I had given the delivery some thought because I had a situation in which I knew the truck would not be able to get anywhere near my garage. I would need a way to get […]
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The kit is scheduled to arrive in 3 days. I’ve never had anything but the most basic of power tools. A circle saw, jigsaw, basic reciprocating saw for rough stuff, and a cheap sheet sander. For drilling and screwing, a simple battery-powered electric drill. For my Jimmy Skiff II build, I bought a small hand […]
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