Blog

I started to put in the stringers. Just a two small battens, but a huge difference to the eye! The boat now gets curves.

The notches in frames need to be adjusted to the angle of the stringers. I fixed the stringers with elastic rope so I can easily move them in and out of the notches until they fit correctly.

Last week I reached an important milestone: I finished stage 1 (the frames) and started with stage 2 (the stringers)!

After finishing all the frames I aligned them accurately and fixed them to the assembly jig.

I used a laser to position the frames correctly. Every frame is now screwed to the jig, so nothing will move as I continue building.

I started preparing the stringers. As everything else they get double coat of epoxy before I use them.

Fitting stem and knee. Now the front most part is in place the final size and shape of the boat get clear.

Next: Aligning everything acurately with help of a laser.

My stainless steel package has arrived. It includes all mandatory steel parts for my boat. Looks nice with the engravings!
Here’s a picture of some of the parts.

This is how I did the last few frames. I placed all the small plywood parts accurately on the table and fixed them with tape. I then glued the timber to them and finally the top plywood pieces.

I also added small pieces of wood in the corners. Looks very smooth and clean.

My mast has arrived! It comes in two pieces, so it can be disassembled for transportation. I still have to find a place to store it.

In the meantime I started work on the last frame.

Work has become quite difficult. The roof of our shed is corrugated steel, which means it gets hot. Last weekend temperature inside reached 35°. I have to work really fast, because the epoxy cures very quickly in this heat.

With every frame the shape of the boat gets clearer. I’m now working on the last two frames, those forward of the watertight bulkhead.

Making progress with the frames. Added yet another one.

View from the middle of the boat to the back. You can see the slanted frame, with the opening for the hatch. The frame is not vertical but in an angle, to make entering the boat easier.

That’s the view from the cockpit. This is where I will enter the boat.

Dryfitting the bunk sides and the first frames. Big step forward! It’s a great feeling to see the boat taking shape.

Preparing the bunk-sides:

So that will be the side panels of my beds, so very important parts. If they are not straight I will probably have bad dreams…

In parallel I’m working on the frame with the main hatch. That frame will be installed in an angle, so I have to adjust some of the battens for that frame. they need an angle on the top side.

Got some practice with the plane.