tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83180775225660561852024-03-12T16:39:04.794-07:00The $800 LiveaboardThis is a journey into rescuing a boat from the scrap yard and maybe learning a thing or two about boats and myself along the way. Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148543703503471080noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318077522566056185.post-53177830037113388202019-08-01T19:54:00.000-07:002019-08-01T19:54:42.039-07:00DIY roof cargo boxWait, you mean I dont have to buy a Thule or Yakima box? You mean I can use basic stitch and glue boat building techniques to build a cargo box? Well, we will see.<br />
<br />
Part of my need to build my own box is because I have a need to transport something very large, and the commercial boxes on the market will not cut it. While some of them are quite big, they will not fit a Sig Kadet Sr model airplane with a 6.5' wingspan. The cargo box will also do double duty for hauling all the family stuff when we do road trips, so its a win-win.<br />
<br />
When I started doing my research on DIY cargo boxes, I was surprised to find that basically no one has done this. I did find one company selling plans for a DIY cargo box, and their examples were gorgeous. Alas, they would not fit my needs. In all this internet hunting though, I found lots of plans for canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, sailboats, skiffs, trawlers, etc. This got me thinking, "If all these boats exist, and are strong enough for motors and/or the ocean, why not use some of these techniques for a roof box?" I also remembered that my brother had built a camper top for his truck out of foam board and fiberglass, and when I asked him about it, and whether foam board was good enough, or if plywood would be better, he thought plywood was the route to go. This got me back onto the stitch and glue track. It also got me interested in doing this project as a primer for the next project, which will be a paddle board to replace my broken windsurfer board. <br />
<br />
When I found the plans for the <a href="https://www.duckworks.com/product-p/oz-taal-id.htm" target="_blank">Ta'al Touring</a> paddle board, I saw the shape of the board and read the description and instantly though, "Wow, this guy knew what he was doing." In his description of his board, for which he uses 3mm plywood, he references Moth dingies. These are some of the first hydrofoil monohulls in the sailing world, and most were home built from 3mm or thinner wood. These boats also take a lot of abuse because they are flying above the water, and sometimes unceremoniously plunged into the water at speed. This is a lot of force and stress on all of the hull, but these boats continue to chug along. <br />
<br />
With this in mind, I wanted to build my box as lightly as possible. Yes, I could have built it all out of 3/4 inch plywood, and it would have been fine. It would have weighed like 100+ pounds, so it would have been a struggle to get it on the roof, would have killed MPG's, and would have left little weight capacity for planes, bags, or other freight. Also, with material that thick, it is difficult at best to get curves that even approach aerodynamic. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHmC6TCYa8mgvpG5NmClK3L-DeGbEyNbZA3uTjUWvAM8IWpCtRAK85iNPfu4lfemARbGGia8sxB07vtdAa8i9AOHAIa1sQnu_Pk_n36SNT87-KLz3cRMPif1JXFbjW2Pucwy2xd_WGPK7/s1600/20190801_160437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHmC6TCYa8mgvpG5NmClK3L-DeGbEyNbZA3uTjUWvAM8IWpCtRAK85iNPfu4lfemARbGGia8sxB07vtdAa8i9AOHAIa1sQnu_Pk_n36SNT87-KLz3cRMPif1JXFbjW2Pucwy2xd_WGPK7/s320/20190801_160437.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
So with a basic plan in mind, and making it up as I go, I am off to the races to build my one of a kind box. My 3 feet by 7 feet box will likely be the biggest out there, but its got big cargo to haul. To try to reinforce the 1/8th inch plywood I am using, I made a perimeter frame from ripped down 2x4, so its about 1.5 inches square. This will also allow me to mount robust hardware to the two halves of the clamshell, as its going to see highway speeds, and needs to be able to cope appropriately. Also I would like to be able to lock the box for road trips, and I have a few ideas, but we will have to see how it plays out when I get to that stage of the build.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpueLmCm-IP5LHSkkLQBaYAYrEnfs9XW4s17A6gs4ZrvS5d2SZf-qcBS75yV9ODau96dBNH94HamOyru5eVQZ88SKNa89Z2danaGr-jaZkfOtWaU2iPe6CZq5fv5qMlZQuKBECj0w-yO6w/s1600/20190801_114344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpueLmCm-IP5LHSkkLQBaYAYrEnfs9XW4s17A6gs4ZrvS5d2SZf-qcBS75yV9ODau96dBNH94HamOyru5eVQZ88SKNa89Z2danaGr-jaZkfOtWaU2iPe6CZq5fv5qMlZQuKBECj0w-yO6w/s320/20190801_114344.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvDZ6GI_FaOpw-ZGfBPRAHSA9tA_RhsDVLi6V6gvKfZ8xvm97xxdkI127yZfMGllLc1Dumx_mJS0fx2SLD7nKeNQZB-5Y0yw3F6o1knqHSYWYlBsuNRZbzXlrGqMbaTsxgzWC0FzvQbIEG/s1600/20190801_154445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvDZ6GI_FaOpw-ZGfBPRAHSA9tA_RhsDVLi6V6gvKfZ8xvm97xxdkI127yZfMGllLc1Dumx_mJS0fx2SLD7nKeNQZB-5Y0yw3F6o1knqHSYWYlBsuNRZbzXlrGqMbaTsxgzWC0FzvQbIEG/s320/20190801_154445.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZMZAUFMIbXQHbATNzIG1xuoRtzxF7ZVXNx-LqlS5pxPZjI2iWdeHIVakTT6R4Ezkpw3udDQb8HO6Ny6n_rQj3E-QvKMv9PBpS22H0Gc1mohuFwUmWCVNlmyGVgDKSy6voHzTwpng7Yye8/s1600/20190801_134429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZMZAUFMIbXQHbATNzIG1xuoRtzxF7ZVXNx-LqlS5pxPZjI2iWdeHIVakTT6R4Ezkpw3udDQb8HO6Ny6n_rQj3E-QvKMv9PBpS22H0Gc1mohuFwUmWCVNlmyGVgDKSy6voHzTwpng7Yye8/s320/20190801_134429.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Stay tuned for more build updates, progress reports, and general kerfluffles.<br />
<br />Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148543703503471080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318077522566056185.post-53617809074592919252019-06-28T15:39:00.001-07:002019-06-28T15:39:52.404-07:00Thanks to all of you who have hung in there with me. I know there was a fair amount of excitement about this project for a while, and I am sorry to disappoint with the long hiatus. I hope to get back to the project soon, but family life and not having the boat at my own home has really gotten in the way. Thus the boat has been sitting for quite a few years, and the bow shed needed recovering. I got an offer from my brother to help me in exchange for storing some wood in the shed for a project he is working on. I jumped at the chance since hes a rock climber and arborist, so he is used to being up high. We were able to piece together enough covering material from old tarp pieces and leftover greenhouse plastic to cover the holes (well, mostly...... dammed mice). Here are a few pics after we were all finished.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB3rnh9REhzAeR45VbIQYMSXMVDFVz0ClhosGCM_ei0B97ygmWJb_Vib1G7AAYwE83I-VXv-8G6I1f6L2ieVkDICXb7MjH-gK5lTP5DjnydZjFqkN4uqBLu8-AyAZDDe08mvu72us41sNs/s1600/20190628_151306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB3rnh9REhzAeR45VbIQYMSXMVDFVz0ClhosGCM_ei0B97ygmWJb_Vib1G7AAYwE83I-VXv-8G6I1f6L2ieVkDICXb7MjH-gK5lTP5DjnydZjFqkN4uqBLu8-AyAZDDe08mvu72us41sNs/s320/20190628_151306.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0suSP8mAb6EeVHHqFZO14pQmxvrnIZBo3Ljs2kjchNz_GPRrPBpUpJH8HU5sYTM3BjKveKL5jl96mi-0bSsumH05_VXElD4yY1ASdMUlGzTxvke9QYzcr7fU_CqLNoApBde3eNoZSRLBG/s1600/20190628_144005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0suSP8mAb6EeVHHqFZO14pQmxvrnIZBo3Ljs2kjchNz_GPRrPBpUpJH8HU5sYTM3BjKveKL5jl96mi-0bSsumH05_VXElD4yY1ASdMUlGzTxvke9QYzcr7fU_CqLNoApBde3eNoZSRLBG/s320/20190628_144005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYumVa6VC3gEgCPnlSfD8zMjOBr4xnQyJ67Co05K45TlnlFt32qeWH8vnD-bmGoKqP0hGdWsAtaHsOtPz4SDyX5Uu6Otxb8v5ElKoEL0UGHciUGeZ-QeCJ-Nc3fE2XpWUmam1ts_jQO6aA/s1600/20190628_144022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYumVa6VC3gEgCPnlSfD8zMjOBr4xnQyJ67Co05K45TlnlFt32qeWH8vnD-bmGoKqP0hGdWsAtaHsOtPz4SDyX5Uu6Otxb8v5ElKoEL0UGHciUGeZ-QeCJ-Nc3fE2XpWUmam1ts_jQO6aA/s320/20190628_144022.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148543703503471080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318077522566056185.post-65517616201952742022017-11-01T10:15:00.001-07:002017-11-01T10:15:59.786-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsVI8z4zZdT5RhGZgqfCqcoaWIRRD2De5gjwZ874GUFwyg08msOHi4XVWPqd7ShbOBZlLF9tzkOCZ1-jEHM6Ka2hHLAQu15w83JslpkGlY96J39cybUryLDG3uIC1AhksBg-PTr2G2AGp/s1600/20170828_143119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsVI8z4zZdT5RhGZgqfCqcoaWIRRD2De5gjwZ874GUFwyg08msOHi4XVWPqd7ShbOBZlLF9tzkOCZ1-jEHM6Ka2hHLAQu15w83JslpkGlY96J39cybUryLDG3uIC1AhksBg-PTr2G2AGp/s320/20170828_143119.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaQIVlAvshJ7SxsiE0egnMdXEvOApNiqt6Oz875C2QkqJ6Xw_Jsjtmchyphenhyphen-YV3cP9Lnyr6him2MU7F-Dvn_yk06ApBcyV6i0nhIbQDPoYUjhZrRTifuUXmVIf-n6EOe-Z4adsdldgnYO9-/s1600/20170928_101548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaQIVlAvshJ7SxsiE0egnMdXEvOApNiqt6Oz875C2QkqJ6Xw_Jsjtmchyphenhyphen-YV3cP9Lnyr6him2MU7F-Dvn_yk06ApBcyV6i0nhIbQDPoYUjhZrRTifuUXmVIf-n6EOe-Z4adsdldgnYO9-/s320/20170928_101548.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw9oS7GuKmWp9-SStBQxCIJ0j9ICY7vtGc_Cf6EsSe3q5Es_m2blBVuhylpIMobRQ3z_955v4RQACF3W5DTor5zgLJnqtfMaKlK9ZVHT7hNumEiq1P3eAj1YJMC4-eMTdz7wlp0tezFv2N/s1600/20171101_122923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw9oS7GuKmWp9-SStBQxCIJ0j9ICY7vtGc_Cf6EsSe3q5Es_m2blBVuhylpIMobRQ3z_955v4RQACF3W5DTor5zgLJnqtfMaKlK9ZVHT7hNumEiq1P3eAj1YJMC4-eMTdz7wlp0tezFv2N/s320/20171101_122923.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGsyYfFvFNRwkA2vAW7FpJCAa5tQZttC288GOyLiBpg-VVVyeqQnakiCMioU82t0HG6-0gDL2kTgffs2UlqS3yO1l6GpCs1xx2qyrH047PUsAYspqe_vyTj51PcGN1pCV8EHKsDc3FVcU_/s1600/20171101_122929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGsyYfFvFNRwkA2vAW7FpJCAa5tQZttC288GOyLiBpg-VVVyeqQnakiCMioU82t0HG6-0gDL2kTgffs2UlqS3yO1l6GpCs1xx2qyrH047PUsAYspqe_vyTj51PcGN1pCV8EHKsDc3FVcU_/s320/20171101_122929.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148543703503471080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318077522566056185.post-37252767071126677902016-08-03T21:00:00.002-07:002016-08-03T21:00:48.997-07:00The first step to getting help........is admitting that you have a problem. Yes, I admit, I have a problem, an addiction if you will. Instead of spending time, money and effort to finish the boat I already have, I instead found a good deal on another boat, and have started sailing that one instead, while the C26 still sits in her shed awaiting my time. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4mkgcAaKqAcJcQsY9booWyp4JNmnjvFfyr_scHs_qcTMJAi-29fCQjgpBJo5AYgzuPlsC4CtrZoEPGkMH8AkpgAebI3YURcJTGWj3wSRi_ZEsce_ooj0EeSEoE1qCELd8yQILTvYl787/s1600/DSC_2642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4mkgcAaKqAcJcQsY9booWyp4JNmnjvFfyr_scHs_qcTMJAi-29fCQjgpBJo5AYgzuPlsC4CtrZoEPGkMH8AkpgAebI3YURcJTGWj3wSRi_ZEsce_ooj0EeSEoE1qCELd8yQILTvYl787/s320/DSC_2642.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
For those of you with a discerning eye, yes, this is a Clipper Marine 21. And yes, I am aware that there are a lot of people out there who HATE this boat and the brand. Yes, I did my research on typical problems with this boat and knew the risks. I bought it anyway because it was essentially ready to sail, and at half the purchase price of the Columbia C26, with a good trailer, I couldn't pass it up.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhULl1zPI5X3Cks7NOLf3fvmpd8T9z_4uq-oI9AuVA9bYW2LSn1LzStQh4qnIlRzCJadguYwoU18Ayw5fz8RHrFf9LnCshXOw-T1In99JAIuDDep_YNBu3abtC3ympkix6TWUrUw_2Hv4NC/s1600/DSC_2644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhULl1zPI5X3Cks7NOLf3fvmpd8T9z_4uq-oI9AuVA9bYW2LSn1LzStQh4qnIlRzCJadguYwoU18Ayw5fz8RHrFf9LnCshXOw-T1In99JAIuDDep_YNBu3abtC3ympkix6TWUrUw_2Hv4NC/s320/DSC_2644.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Yes, this boat has been somewhat poorly taken care of, but I don't care if the interior needs to be redone. I don't care that the previous owner had used hardware from the hardware store to make new shrouds. I don't care that the boat is missing companionway boards. I want something I can tow to the lake/ocean, pop the rig up, and go sail for the day with my son. I want something that I don't really care if it gets beat up by the kids, because its already kind of beat up. I want something that is cheap, and doesn't need a fortune to keep it on the water. This boat fits all those criteria. It also happens to sail reasonably well too. I would also like to add that I am feeling quite lucky since I decided to pull the Mercury Sailpower (5ish HP) motor from the C26 that has had no maintenance, attention, or run time in the last several years, to use for the new boat. Adding new gas was all it took to get the thing fired up and running. I guess sometimes it is nice to have old tech, since it just works.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYk-m64XGaljpbfOrzXMuiLJVbF-8awPUaZP9IIuTFVYnIzGmduALosJZz9-Qpc7rTBh9aNcIWN1qUokLNR7pJ8a2xf3P9PIaePaLw-IW56C5n86JegxuERXY5iL3EFPmwUwxuxz_ZkaH/s1600/DSC_2646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYk-m64XGaljpbfOrzXMuiLJVbF-8awPUaZP9IIuTFVYnIzGmduALosJZz9-Qpc7rTBh9aNcIWN1qUokLNR7pJ8a2xf3P9PIaePaLw-IW56C5n86JegxuERXY5iL3EFPmwUwxuxz_ZkaH/s640/DSC_2646.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clipper Marine 21</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On the maiden voyage today, I noticed that with the swing keel down, the boat is immensely stable. Walking the side decks (what little there are for side decks) does little to heel the boat, which is impressive since I am not a small man. I expected a much more tender boat without sails up, but should not be surprised since it was designed by Bill Crealock, a well renowned offshore sailboat designer. One of the complaints of this boat is that it was built to a price point, and yes, it shows, but on the same token, for having been built to a price point, it sails like a more expensive boat. We had 5 mph or less of wind, and the boat was happy to glide along under a full main and working jib. A genoa would have been preferable today, but for a relaxed first outing to see what her personality might be, a working jib was enough. Also, we commented that for a family boat, this one was in no danger of being easily over powered. On another day, the spinnaker from the C26 might make its way up the mast for a blast down wind, but that will likely be a solo sail....... <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148543703503471080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318077522566056185.post-39263639857475268162016-06-05T15:30:00.001-07:002016-06-05T15:30:47.207-07:00Lobster boat in Action!In case you have been wondering what we've been up to, we've been at the Lake, the pool, and the ocean playing in the wonder summer weather that has finally come. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AvDAOu-KtJJ95T2GGu-Y6bUefocPKEPOB1sZLrOKbnFy1ylJ8XJc9wB-KBCknyYRantYzb6SV0Ug4S_Lxha9QfSpesyQRqO3fp8mKOdESsbwO2sUZPurbx41kxBxTe-tlHyXk68p035T/s1600/DSC_2405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AvDAOu-KtJJ95T2GGu-Y6bUefocPKEPOB1sZLrOKbnFy1ylJ8XJc9wB-KBCknyYRantYzb6SV0Ug4S_Lxha9QfSpesyQRqO3fp8mKOdESsbwO2sUZPurbx41kxBxTe-tlHyXk68p035T/s640/DSC_2405.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinrdO7rOeApjPQ-baSpl0xg-guBy7R8rI4dhLCN1ZcPi-luWlWt1u2bjtV4jpDIGK6TBuxjakGiIHH-tib1JaoxpMpFxLGYYDmeSoz811fclFaEWJWSJBCDF2tK8wMfZhAhdST3HJiBeJh/s1600/DSC_2404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinrdO7rOeApjPQ-baSpl0xg-guBy7R8rI4dhLCN1ZcPi-luWlWt1u2bjtV4jpDIGK6TBuxjakGiIHH-tib1JaoxpMpFxLGYYDmeSoz811fclFaEWJWSJBCDF2tK8wMfZhAhdST3HJiBeJh/s640/DSC_2404.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXKZqGo-QiPAJjyX3iIsF7LAkgfTajWRztEWZqf9jDD0eP2M8ZVSDKYm9r04G3w0hDg-QapVKV-7e0mwkfn8v63AxLOpEOceX4T20b_-rwIyzjPzb_GpqPK1fGLSE1hrXZCROLTwwVbBQ-/s1600/DSC_2402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXKZqGo-QiPAJjyX3iIsF7LAkgfTajWRztEWZqf9jDD0eP2M8ZVSDKYm9r04G3w0hDg-QapVKV-7e0mwkfn8v63AxLOpEOceX4T20b_-rwIyzjPzb_GpqPK1fGLSE1hrXZCROLTwwVbBQ-/s640/DSC_2402.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
With a coat of epoxy over the paint, I though we were going to be all set with this boat. Unfortunately, the water seems to be penetrating through the back/inside of the boat and peeling the paint/epoxy finish. Lesson learned for the next one.....Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148543703503471080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318077522566056185.post-26837823242522489002015-11-24T21:43:00.001-08:002015-11-24T21:50:41.471-08:00....because every Maine boy needs a Lobster boat!!!Last year for Christmas I "gave" my son this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTVEcE7-m2Thogx1fVpCWpMGDhDpwK24Z0WsMfiMAuk2S5SQD-LMW3J9lyea5W0cYmEOtgchff8iZZZM2klUy9gZu59zTvt4bW2WLm5pefOKOiTcNAOF6LFYZxRiO5epKbR7_IbEgyUk4t/s1600/lobster+boat+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTVEcE7-m2Thogx1fVpCWpMGDhDpwK24Z0WsMfiMAuk2S5SQD-LMW3J9lyea5W0cYmEOtgchff8iZZZM2klUy9gZu59zTvt4bW2WLm5pefOKOiTcNAOF6LFYZxRiO5epKbR7_IbEgyUk4t/s200/lobster+boat+2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CBzZi-A4AqbozGb3ef54BzzD4jNOoQzfs8r6b5wgJJ-NoASdfjhaBHwf_BAMbhBby14yZklvazcdyRevCHUPwopkpxfB2zGvyITuFbQGh37YsjBIYyjTSaonsAT8mwAfCSrpLxmdFj2b/s1600/lobster+boat+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CBzZi-A4AqbozGb3ef54BzzD4jNOoQzfs8r6b5wgJJ-NoASdfjhaBHwf_BAMbhBby14yZklvazcdyRevCHUPwopkpxfB2zGvyITuFbQGh37YsjBIYyjTSaonsAT8mwAfCSrpLxmdFj2b/s320/lobster+boat+1.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Yes, it was 2 pieces of paper with plans for a lobster boat on it. To be fair, he was 4 months old, and probably does not remember me giving this to him. In the last year, when I have had some free time and not been working on house projects or chasing the rascal around, I have been working on this project. The goal was to have it built by Christmas 2015, and (SPOILER ALERT) I have done just that! Mine deviates from the plans a bit, but I went simple since it is going to a toddler, not someone who will take care of a model boat. And, if I am honest, I want him to play with the boat and enjoy it, not just have it sit on a shelf and collect dust.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjPSmY2bYtHdj5Jd2ylQ8cNZuObLUFViD52KawQmiCfMHPRKBooZ8RaI-AOs5-kv32qmZlqnzulj2L7YMqIN27_y9Egooq7QOBTvSawjRFzBIP_MscHSIdBb_gjx7NkxUye6GD1FnZ_qW/s1600/DSC_0600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjPSmY2bYtHdj5Jd2ylQ8cNZuObLUFViD52KawQmiCfMHPRKBooZ8RaI-AOs5-kv32qmZlqnzulj2L7YMqIN27_y9Egooq7QOBTvSawjRFzBIP_MscHSIdBb_gjx7NkxUye6GD1FnZ_qW/s320/DSC_0600.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
If you were wondering why it took me almost a year to build this 20 inch long boat, other than I have a toddler to look after, this is why: This is not a kit, this is not a simple slap together 6 pieces and done kinda thing. I had to cut every individual piece and glue it together. Luckily I had a bunch of spruce kicking around, so the boat was made mostly from spruce, with the exception of the frames, which were modeler's plywood, and the deck house, which was left over 1/4 inch plywood scraps. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBHVnK4OKVhqFSDeQIpaeh7mSLqsbV7u739BovKNj-LGKV2gkRCx246MOu6uNk9OPG_BVL9k0MDeyNp_aWrWalv9vOz7lxGg3IRU-Wyp14Xk4AoqPS6BXh0XpfuFmy86Ph5YumAX_Dn_D/s1600/DSC_0633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBHVnK4OKVhqFSDeQIpaeh7mSLqsbV7u739BovKNj-LGKV2gkRCx246MOu6uNk9OPG_BVL9k0MDeyNp_aWrWalv9vOz7lxGg3IRU-Wyp14Xk4AoqPS6BXh0XpfuFmy86Ph5YumAX_Dn_D/s320/DSC_0633.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
This was also a plank on frame construction, which is labor intensive, but accurate to how actual boats are/were built. To the left are the first two planks in the first layer of planking. Since I didn't do much research into how to actually do this, I struggled a lot with it. Part of my problem was using planks that were much too wide to match the sharp radius of the frames. I was initially thinking that the wider the planks, the faster it would go, but I was wrong. I ended up wasting a lot of time trying to trim down the extra wide planks to make the radius. The other issue I ran into once I had the first layer of planking on was how to clamp the second row of planking. I had a bunch of standard clamps, and as I got to the bottom of the boat, the clamps no longer reached because of the first layer of planking. I had to get creative with weights and hoping that 2 clamps would cut it. Finally, though, I finished the hull planking, and could move on to putting the deck on, followed by the deck house and cockpit floor. Once those were on, it was a matter of paint to seal everything up, and cover up the wood filler that was used for a lot of the gaps and cracks left by my hope and pray method of planking. That brings us to the mostly finished project.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYqwTcXc_PnYUTCUWjKal_YrCRKZrHJmPRHfHs8B02AzwHaoQ6oN2NzHWRAGumyH01PE8R2G6nRCGipedsCR23CZy9zIvX9UwvXoJ1FDd5IRsGyN3q3iZDmfz5-Bnjg0mMl2mKgIFP2LW/s1600/DSC_1898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYqwTcXc_PnYUTCUWjKal_YrCRKZrHJmPRHfHs8B02AzwHaoQ6oN2NzHWRAGumyH01PE8R2G6nRCGipedsCR23CZy9zIvX9UwvXoJ1FDd5IRsGyN3q3iZDmfz5-Bnjg0mMl2mKgIFP2LW/s320/DSC_1898.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
As you can see, there is a fair amount of detail missing from this model that is on the plans. I would have added them, and I might in the future, but more importantly I don't want those little pieces coming off and my son choking on them, so they have been left off of the model. You might also notice that there are windows missing on the port (left) side of the deck house. Again, this is because I was going for strength, not for accuracy or style points. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_M77mi6kITHOG-9JfvFyZlTkXv22coltT0hDtPlfOPJUDXnCKl_rr6wAbiw2Dw75vEw_OmTgKrXqxKW1tZ2nHSXOGKlCz-JZSHzgkq4Iq8vzekhquF97i0UWcpd7EKjS9Chqw1zAcd2ee/s1600/DSC_1902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_M77mi6kITHOG-9JfvFyZlTkXv22coltT0hDtPlfOPJUDXnCKl_rr6wAbiw2Dw75vEw_OmTgKrXqxKW1tZ2nHSXOGKlCz-JZSHzgkq4Iq8vzekhquF97i0UWcpd7EKjS9Chqw1zAcd2ee/s320/DSC_1902.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
In this photo, the frames are still showing in the cockpit area, which could be fake, but let me assure you, they are not. This is most certainly a plank on frame model. While the planks do not show up very well in the photos, they are there. Also, I think it looks really cool to have the frames showing somewhere on the model.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5fz-DLjwFRzv-FVXTnxzdIusGqrorRHk5wm9jK5nkQz9pGHyCdZ7xw6FN7bSk57xXL0C2g3Yu9klW4zp6iR1pGTbK0JgSWwx3DSy0J73epWbIOMN_Q5IAuQUuHsDhY77r5v9v42FyuNBP/s1600/DSC_1904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5fz-DLjwFRzv-FVXTnxzdIusGqrorRHk5wm9jK5nkQz9pGHyCdZ7xw6FN7bSk57xXL0C2g3Yu9klW4zp6iR1pGTbK0JgSWwx3DSy0J73epWbIOMN_Q5IAuQUuHsDhY77r5v9v42FyuNBP/s320/DSC_1904.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
One of the other issues I ran into with building this model was that I was building it on a smaller scale than was originally intended. That meant that some of the planking had to make extreme bends to conform to the frames. Those would have been less extreme if I had taken time to really sand, fair, and shape the frames to accept the planks. I learned a lot here, and I am looking forward to my next project, which is to be revealed later. In the mean time, there is still the fiberglass hull to be finished, as well as epoxy coating the lobster boat so that it will stand up to plenty of play time in the lake/ocean/tub!<br />
<br />
<br />Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148543703503471080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318077522566056185.post-59658339197755326932015-08-24T08:37:00.001-07:002015-08-24T08:37:48.801-07:00For those of you that miss my writing!Yes, I realize that I have not been around and writing much lately. That is because I bought a home, have a kid and wife, and therefore no longer have time for dreams of sailing the 7 seas on an $800 boat. So while I may pick away at the boat process slowly, in the mean time, I have a METRIC-SHIT-TON of other projects keeping me busy. <br />
<br />
So for those of you that are interested, please check out a new blog devoted to land-based projects, <a href="http://landlubberprojects.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Landlubber Projects</a>! Enjoy!Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148543703503471080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318077522566056185.post-82009815847265917222015-07-20T13:22:00.001-07:002015-07-20T13:22:46.394-07:00Portland Tall Ships Festival 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPiPxcCflUG8GXRPQ8X8Rk4E4jL18nQMVNtTdvIMHK2SVSkljt1wl1Y-rZbwnxjZ3EHtDiwXxEVVtnxRQAU_CqszVy36woEdA_KOIpWY2X257pUh9P2y15VwW6H8zFqtuWodjPCLnmHC8S/s1600/DSC_1249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPiPxcCflUG8GXRPQ8X8Rk4E4jL18nQMVNtTdvIMHK2SVSkljt1wl1Y-rZbwnxjZ3EHtDiwXxEVVtnxRQAU_CqszVy36woEdA_KOIpWY2X257pUh9P2y15VwW6H8zFqtuWodjPCLnmHC8S/s320/DSC_1249.JPG" width="320" /></a>It is so nice to live near such a wonderful, interesting and busy city on the ocean. It was 15 years ago that the tall ships came to Portland, so it was a MUST GO TO event for me. I just happened to be able to drag my family along for the two days of events. We started with a cruise to Long Island and back. We happened to time it perfectly so that we were front and center for the Parade of Sail coming down the channel into Portland harbor. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_XRmv9Dc5PL17qPCCVLwNO4Jx5aDwItnSG1x0wj3qXrMrVlz5IokdCH9vA9FJVW-oXLDn6r-yEmpa_40LhQFgpRIbjcYwSKOli0baatUSw3IBG-EdiL8MEtCir3gaZ-bw4lZTZo8w_rp/s1600/DSC_1255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_XRmv9Dc5PL17qPCCVLwNO4Jx5aDwItnSG1x0wj3qXrMrVlz5IokdCH9vA9FJVW-oXLDn6r-yEmpa_40LhQFgpRIbjcYwSKOli0baatUSw3IBG-EdiL8MEtCir3gaZ-bw4lZTZo8w_rp/s320/DSC_1255.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
As you can tell, even my little one had a blast on the ferry boat and being out on the ocean even though it was not really a great summer day. It was cloudy, very windy, and chilly, but still wonderful to feel the ocean swells beneath my feet. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDlSMAK-BnQC1UR5ejpbhhXVa5uJTGAxpepvVSc0MMy9c1I84Wd0p_167FyVVuDVwS2TeCScGQY01YivwFsGbVRuoe3uDuj-b61ANSTDijEhM331TAtr48F0B4bGknggdhjw7dwxhW8bt/s1600/DSC_1264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDlSMAK-BnQC1UR5ejpbhhXVa5uJTGAxpepvVSc0MMy9c1I84Wd0p_167FyVVuDVwS2TeCScGQY01YivwFsGbVRuoe3uDuj-b61ANSTDijEhM331TAtr48F0B4bGknggdhjw7dwxhW8bt/s320/DSC_1264.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
We were even able to see some racing going on between some boats out of Yarmouth. They were rounding the windward mark and with the wind of the day, they were moving along quite well!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
And now for a lot of gratuitous boat pictures!!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL7EgdsJaXcVWlsdp72t1LwxE-LRVUuR0xSjMnBn0JvRMrcfvoTBXZDLbRsDekTaqg9Qz2C1U7Mi5yVwaTnJmGb0AuOeCfGABq6lteaZSJIxwVBim8eOXVoPd9xvXf01lTQ_w7Wzs-F7IO/s1600/DSC_1295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL7EgdsJaXcVWlsdp72t1LwxE-LRVUuR0xSjMnBn0JvRMrcfvoTBXZDLbRsDekTaqg9Qz2C1U7Mi5yVwaTnJmGb0AuOeCfGABq6lteaZSJIxwVBim8eOXVoPd9xvXf01lTQ_w7Wzs-F7IO/s640/DSC_1295.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjrc87xV2Ev6sZrc1vJIYpcOdjOo7SSF_F0ALs3X9XhYRXSQI8hg4lkCs42AZidKnLCESgfVwMbmA3Rpcb-bRMGb2WaGy6IXl2Xdcm4unzAPENZ9WZDrYBFWvv4PNRWoliz1UJW9giEIIf/s1600/DSC_1312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjrc87xV2Ev6sZrc1vJIYpcOdjOo7SSF_F0ALs3X9XhYRXSQI8hg4lkCs42AZidKnLCESgfVwMbmA3Rpcb-bRMGb2WaGy6IXl2Xdcm4unzAPENZ9WZDrYBFWvv4PNRWoliz1UJW9giEIIf/s640/DSC_1312.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhs4H-lqvprC7brOqKtmCQkrZs3DOpo_RgSFpWWhfUQ1wgJrX3EZ_cMKGd17koRUTxRPOE4qDs7QpkU0ILfWtk9VWT7uFLQE9ayjrBLzw1158iadnkOkBjTr94Exj2D5MDeUoqgqPAcxKE/s1600/DSC_1313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhs4H-lqvprC7brOqKtmCQkrZs3DOpo_RgSFpWWhfUQ1wgJrX3EZ_cMKGd17koRUTxRPOE4qDs7QpkU0ILfWtk9VWT7uFLQE9ayjrBLzw1158iadnkOkBjTr94Exj2D5MDeUoqgqPAcxKE/s640/DSC_1313.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
LYNX</h2>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Portsmouth NH</h3>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjOHfsNwYu2M4GjK8SqGhYfY6oGL0xms_aOszfFxv7ElSOYopISL4rC-gVSvreBpIRhHno6pXEJxOzPpiXqxRMnOKuVXgT1Y_MJWOmVJB3N4b2voFVWIIfp-xIytV4YylcdVFjj2IYxem/s1600/DSC_1331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjOHfsNwYu2M4GjK8SqGhYfY6oGL0xms_aOszfFxv7ElSOYopISL4rC-gVSvreBpIRhHno6pXEJxOzPpiXqxRMnOKuVXgT1Y_MJWOmVJB3N4b2voFVWIIfp-xIytV4YylcdVFjj2IYxem/s640/DSC_1331.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7c9zbeYFt5Gu-TOZ4YPV6FmRitAdeDDq7Y0pUkjzg00Is45UsQFnkaip9Pf-gLd8gzniO0qo_KX6EuhKAmgEs8P92CTGgZoK-qjAWjO0gcejCx2tIxAJ32X7LouZqr3KWWDmfU26bgUd/s1600/DSC_1333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7c9zbeYFt5Gu-TOZ4YPV6FmRitAdeDDq7Y0pUkjzg00Is45UsQFnkaip9Pf-gLd8gzniO0qo_KX6EuhKAmgEs8P92CTGgZoK-qjAWjO0gcejCx2tIxAJ32X7LouZqr3KWWDmfU26bgUd/s640/DSC_1333.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZvg7Y9gfL2Hu1Lp4bw1cXYo4QRI7ZG1lfkp-td6vOFCWJF_Yu-3XBRCxhf7NpJyJlf-BvXRimEfDV4hRTrsAB5xip9iPoakKg8BdJg5hONg1JQ8jhQ_5a1_uB-i38hmnHxh_1weNdZ1g/s1600/DSC_1336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZvg7Y9gfL2Hu1Lp4bw1cXYo4QRI7ZG1lfkp-td6vOFCWJF_Yu-3XBRCxhf7NpJyJlf-BvXRimEfDV4hRTrsAB5xip9iPoakKg8BdJg5hONg1JQ8jhQ_5a1_uB-i38hmnHxh_1weNdZ1g/s640/DSC_1336.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIVlM12YGZo2Dk-POkzrc1Ji4lqFTs6En1udFiIeY1vYJ4YDxTklwvjDLAlt_ALd-jeN-Q362HjzFtCT7UM_UXcujp7Na9fUCGFIo9L1l_8AIsTIUypAuqT03NLI_ZipABwnwKULnqVK2I/s1600/DSC_1344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIVlM12YGZo2Dk-POkzrc1Ji4lqFTs6En1udFiIeY1vYJ4YDxTklwvjDLAlt_ALd-jeN-Q362HjzFtCT7UM_UXcujp7Na9fUCGFIo9L1l_8AIsTIUypAuqT03NLI_ZipABwnwKULnqVK2I/s640/DSC_1344.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIob2B8Q6DcCe9sVW3P5f5rCPRZrNfHidoCysXI4XpQGl_6uGUzCOcm_Lz2DXveRjbE0hsozyGeqDWTeo6QWxyRoIe7HrDWbcR7oH5w4QyPd79TuCFLUvFwjbDI2uPZCFQCtYUz6s46ifZ/s1600/DSC_1345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIob2B8Q6DcCe9sVW3P5f5rCPRZrNfHidoCysXI4XpQGl_6uGUzCOcm_Lz2DXveRjbE0hsozyGeqDWTeo6QWxyRoIe7HrDWbcR7oH5w4QyPd79TuCFLUvFwjbDI2uPZCFQCtYUz6s46ifZ/s640/DSC_1345.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg249vzlW1xvJvR3BbwrIOiHJfPkYIS9rSehi7gQOIwpWJLEH5_pNts1VsU_jZgD5nOvh3kRFdcn0Grv8Z-E3iYxtTGT931SQGqcNtKjoQRFxNIMeAO25p-yKZoP4mhPiBgu_N05kLCHxRE/s1600/DSC_1346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg249vzlW1xvJvR3BbwrIOiHJfPkYIS9rSehi7gQOIwpWJLEH5_pNts1VsU_jZgD5nOvh3kRFdcn0Grv8Z-E3iYxtTGT931SQGqcNtKjoQRFxNIMeAO25p-yKZoP4mhPiBgu_N05kLCHxRE/s640/DSC_1346.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMfqJHK2ncKTIS_ArDMGVAd9LrL8puBBBX18mzPBif9YR6zDE01B4p-jmM68ww7VnxCV_8xLUBxD3_ZQ6afs5VOeF1i0q6jO7aGG36euNKP3xcSoB71_i0FVpwRO_pAbFUYa9nMdtTdDn/s1600/DSC_1351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMfqJHK2ncKTIS_ArDMGVAd9LrL8puBBBX18mzPBif9YR6zDE01B4p-jmM68ww7VnxCV_8xLUBxD3_ZQ6afs5VOeF1i0q6jO7aGG36euNKP3xcSoB71_i0FVpwRO_pAbFUYa9nMdtTdDn/s640/DSC_1351.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvLBkO8D7pztvuyk4huc5pw26bI7LW3Q5bx5X6yf0TYufQE3I6gD-1YWw32aSxQ3ru7LUDJut4oner88k4-9xzIktoJBXKSN7Jwv9HloSD_HnFrtPD_6etpfl-sqjN1gfaKTWOa_4thRI/s1600/DSC_1356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvLBkO8D7pztvuyk4huc5pw26bI7LW3Q5bx5X6yf0TYufQE3I6gD-1YWw32aSxQ3ru7LUDJut4oner88k4-9xzIktoJBXKSN7Jwv9HloSD_HnFrtPD_6etpfl-sqjN1gfaKTWOa_4thRI/s640/DSC_1356.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
EL GALEON</h2>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Seville, Spain</h3>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglY6qpXeGFUyXOTkY73mH_D3M6K6kQPvJITLT-X5FvVgXZqAMgRc6YAn8_490zxLEsKIYWtMGMm0cyeTzbSytuPsYcs64umCAkuU9Puy8Kd5rTI8ix1ZrU-y3p4rROQ3TNMqXLhnR66zEs/s1600/DSC_1359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglY6qpXeGFUyXOTkY73mH_D3M6K6kQPvJITLT-X5FvVgXZqAMgRc6YAn8_490zxLEsKIYWtMGMm0cyeTzbSytuPsYcs64umCAkuU9Puy8Kd5rTI8ix1ZrU-y3p4rROQ3TNMqXLhnR66zEs/s640/DSC_1359.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7AsT6v2QCBKDxYXCd4urVU3QmK_ow8CIFg61gVJhpHjE1kNgUzUTWa51ZmzABG6FGArtmzJcAEx6JHVgbAojyDufPc2G1PqYzmlj4No0NAuyb9L1OfYjDQ28B7Ntv86y4tK8HqJ-OH8b2/s1600/DSC_1361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7AsT6v2QCBKDxYXCd4urVU3QmK_ow8CIFg61gVJhpHjE1kNgUzUTWa51ZmzABG6FGArtmzJcAEx6JHVgbAojyDufPc2G1PqYzmlj4No0NAuyb9L1OfYjDQ28B7Ntv86y4tK8HqJ-OH8b2/s640/DSC_1361.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoplrgwdGaxDxY18QCyRFa_a9xorREJVWapkBODsZXgXgyYak1A9b8J1aesSitUgsrEo28LCdgLEYnKwUtAdjad694n1OPY79UoxhFTxvCYacB9jSJMVMioWk9wcBJ3YZ-wqLaKszBOk4v/s1600/DSC_1365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoplrgwdGaxDxY18QCyRFa_a9xorREJVWapkBODsZXgXgyYak1A9b8J1aesSitUgsrEo28LCdgLEYnKwUtAdjad694n1OPY79UoxhFTxvCYacB9jSJMVMioWk9wcBJ3YZ-wqLaKszBOk4v/s640/DSC_1365.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFMvZQ7y6_Nyu0j369Zz6j3vYsQ4pgonY8iVXgn298J8KRBSrsEOx5JhvAr7FKb5GP1kKRLSaAI0oiQS-drJOFIQqFZMr2dinULw9z4E_n5HxZwCMnmq8ISeLUy5hh9Y-L-vMFQTwqGwQ/s1600/DSC_1366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFMvZQ7y6_Nyu0j369Zz6j3vYsQ4pgonY8iVXgn298J8KRBSrsEOx5JhvAr7FKb5GP1kKRLSaAI0oiQS-drJOFIQqFZMr2dinULw9z4E_n5HxZwCMnmq8ISeLUy5hh9Y-L-vMFQTwqGwQ/s640/DSC_1366.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8W4sRREIVWuN4qaRxGAKljep8fvJSb28F4fiLxQ6nM2HWp-d2O2xwomOGU7NQiLhjdb1HQcKfFeFpbr5H0TT7CetLtEDP7RhISqfHAEDZe4vccagXBLKsiAd9jxk_FzSLhNn7pQW8IXD8/s1600/DSC_1368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8W4sRREIVWuN4qaRxGAKljep8fvJSb28F4fiLxQ6nM2HWp-d2O2xwomOGU7NQiLhjdb1HQcKfFeFpbr5H0TT7CetLtEDP7RhISqfHAEDZe4vccagXBLKsiAd9jxk_FzSLhNn7pQW8IXD8/s640/DSC_1368.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglrp84kB4hi3xqDhyphenhyphenD1KeO7Ziwt7DEysXK19-aAtrHyje4c9BIClo4AncrjQDEgc3cNo7LeAHz6t4ehDH5zA_viwdYV5qV0etl1BMmDoopwtK7SjsJ3qWOxPiiigNV2xbH89D8roqgONrc/s1600/DSC_1376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglrp84kB4hi3xqDhyphenhyphenD1KeO7Ziwt7DEysXK19-aAtrHyje4c9BIClo4AncrjQDEgc3cNo7LeAHz6t4ehDH5zA_viwdYV5qV0etl1BMmDoopwtK7SjsJ3qWOxPiiigNV2xbH89D8roqgONrc/s640/DSC_1376.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNax6xdxBwAFKenZkjiNHqGo1vrkBUt26sKSrnL6hsJdU_D9RnBbhQA2pCSzfDpU0QBKfHfpg49B0IJojB4wgheoAzVMGnRJtpK1OHLhfM9sV2lBLr0_iSfFmBvwUPaO3P8S4p1lramwHB/s1600/DSC_1378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNax6xdxBwAFKenZkjiNHqGo1vrkBUt26sKSrnL6hsJdU_D9RnBbhQA2pCSzfDpU0QBKfHfpg49B0IJojB4wgheoAzVMGnRJtpK1OHLhfM9sV2lBLr0_iSfFmBvwUPaO3P8S4p1lramwHB/s640/DSC_1378.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I am not sure the Coast Guard would have been too happy to know they were under the guns of a Spanish war ship, or the guns of any ship, for that matter!<br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
OLIVER HAZARD PERRY</h2>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Newport, Rhode Island</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRiMdhEiyzkLBnLksJU3ePah-Nm8or_SqdTYcGEOhCZ2EyEw7fWqWrCS7Du2d7qQmOja2NFi-rim7_SKuosHI7fPxt2TFjcrPEdovgcBasDqJEZy9UuLZCQoBzleYPKWpARFRICY1FDFVy/s1600/DSC_1397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRiMdhEiyzkLBnLksJU3ePah-Nm8or_SqdTYcGEOhCZ2EyEw7fWqWrCS7Du2d7qQmOja2NFi-rim7_SKuosHI7fPxt2TFjcrPEdovgcBasDqJEZy9UuLZCQoBzleYPKWpARFRICY1FDFVy/s640/DSC_1397.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
My little one trying out his sea legs with Grandma. We will make a sailor of him yet!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJfCoqgzSQYqWwQCyUCmhll7Bdcxc2FlZRaZF0KOYzc5WSOrJHA7FxpIFDcbZShyvXx6O3tM0ShN7ohOpbk4l_80jiloTWIKKyPakJCj7uMy7WeVXyqJLr_P3i0D-MRpZljeNI5FSnw13/s1600/DSC_1400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJfCoqgzSQYqWwQCyUCmhll7Bdcxc2FlZRaZF0KOYzc5WSOrJHA7FxpIFDcbZShyvXx6O3tM0ShN7ohOpbk4l_80jiloTWIKKyPakJCj7uMy7WeVXyqJLr_P3i0D-MRpZljeNI5FSnw13/s640/DSC_1400.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvzFeUFdHN_0wzRdOYM6tr-wUMKxIeBIJY5dDv_jjgQnaNBKNBr-FK76gcS6EgLCHP3w-4fy1DNhlrfTF4uaECEOR-jvvC32kn_qfFZIdPQkFblnTkyLRiFiawjPJDpokdNpDuBMnZk3S/s1600/DSC_1411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvzFeUFdHN_0wzRdOYM6tr-wUMKxIeBIJY5dDv_jjgQnaNBKNBr-FK76gcS6EgLCHP3w-4fy1DNhlrfTF4uaECEOR-jvvC32kn_qfFZIdPQkFblnTkyLRiFiawjPJDpokdNpDuBMnZk3S/s640/DSC_1411.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
After taking a few more boat tours, we walked back up the hill. It is not too often in our modern world that we see so many masts of tall ships, or masts at all, in one place. With Portland Harbor full of sailing ships old and new, I can only imagine this is similar to how the port looked 150 years ago. If only we could see more of sailing ships in the years to come......<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOUmGWf4PWquSl0hKPWjO4nCiVk4e5CeiIF4_FLtQ9lFm_IGejl61xib0XoMu_IyUrwegzX45A2629FHLAOh4jcMsQtW1v0EoqftZyDwQFkjAOfs74yoKOgvC6okCTWykjva7A9IyJQ0JK/s1600/DSC_1433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOUmGWf4PWquSl0hKPWjO4nCiVk4e5CeiIF4_FLtQ9lFm_IGejl61xib0XoMu_IyUrwegzX45A2629FHLAOh4jcMsQtW1v0EoqftZyDwQFkjAOfs74yoKOgvC6okCTWykjva7A9IyJQ0JK/s640/DSC_1433.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148543703503471080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318077522566056185.post-10275996153898451462015-06-23T06:00:00.002-07:002015-06-23T06:00:39.189-07:00Photo shoot?So apparently while I was not around, there was a photo shoot with the boat in the boat shed! <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6mAhzXgNY_Ytn79ZB5gUWx8xstzv4_Udk3cva88NaP7YIRgehxtTT7_KuumngPV1gdwYGS4FyNJFmT2N6BpNtAbCuOYMDe78_DwXl9XpStHW44N2cBtrHAUVdTBzIJi6dhT5-2MXqLmH/s1600/10178063_10206916154207550_1184313456054728110_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6mAhzXgNY_Ytn79ZB5gUWx8xstzv4_Udk3cva88NaP7YIRgehxtTT7_KuumngPV1gdwYGS4FyNJFmT2N6BpNtAbCuOYMDe78_DwXl9XpStHW44N2cBtrHAUVdTBzIJi6dhT5-2MXqLmH/s320/10178063_10206916154207550_1184313456054728110_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148543703503471080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318077522566056185.post-38061506071878907892014-12-02T07:14:00.000-08:002014-12-02T07:14:36.350-08:00Its starting to look a lot like......<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBqDU-dxG89XBwbAxChf3J0J8f5-DSuuf0HYNCVKMwTkO-S04kM_8jPfWU0M6WK6ooC-mnmsSgdUgQp7V2VJA1IWs_9r6Rmcto3a1GcSiREgrEd1x-FlB2QJdDXYhjKmfsMv8RdZUzzHzm/s1600/DSC_0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBqDU-dxG89XBwbAxChf3J0J8f5-DSuuf0HYNCVKMwTkO-S04kM_8jPfWU0M6WK6ooC-mnmsSgdUgQp7V2VJA1IWs_9r6Rmcto3a1GcSiREgrEd1x-FlB2QJdDXYhjKmfsMv8RdZUzzHzm/s1600/DSC_0085.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a>.....a boat house! You didn't see that coming, did you? It ma be December, and we may have had our first significant snowfall, but I am still slowly rolling on the boat project. Think molasses in December kind of slow or maybe even glacially slow. <br />
<br />
If I cover this shed again, I will NOT be piecing together the top. It was too much work and I seem to have some leaks because the tarp is a bit wind beaten, as well and the seams not being extremely well sealed. With that being said, the shed turned out really well. I thought that I might not end up with enough light with the two ends covered with the poly tarp, but with a huge middle section and the vertical ends sheathed in greenhouse plastic, there is more than enough light. <br />
<br />
I am very happy that I did not try to construct the shed without the boat present. It would have been much more difficult. With the boat already in place, I could use it as scaffolding for the building and sheathing process, with the exception of the last two of three bows. As you can see, I had to improvise!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqPTSZFqZSHBBHxjVuNhLVDCIZzXQaGDTi3Sy-jTXurxUWwstTq6X1mWlEJQ29PZN-iZjsHd1PZDkJazOgzxi37MNdDmRMsN1hAcI_WTLxwLBlHHoKnIejhT2bPrV0zmVdrMYkvLo9EC17/s1600/DSC_0088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqPTSZFqZSHBBHxjVuNhLVDCIZzXQaGDTi3Sy-jTXurxUWwstTq6X1mWlEJQ29PZN-iZjsHd1PZDkJazOgzxi37MNdDmRMsN1hAcI_WTLxwLBlHHoKnIejhT2bPrV0zmVdrMYkvLo9EC17/s1600/DSC_0088.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhljZKxBekATZKB2KDVrkA7vOHTLxOliA73hq4TxbzoDI0M2di4715NiKYxfsvSa4-zJkMCgk9D_ufptIqTmLZ4ULlWbwwLRg9riEIiVF7wqm0H8ZGkbRaIlJIV8Mv-BR1UDG3u7DC5MZdk/s1600/DSC_0410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhljZKxBekATZKB2KDVrkA7vOHTLxOliA73hq4TxbzoDI0M2di4715NiKYxfsvSa4-zJkMCgk9D_ufptIqTmLZ4ULlWbwwLRg9riEIiVF7wqm0H8ZGkbRaIlJIV8Mv-BR1UDG3u7DC5MZdk/s1600/DSC_0410.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
The top covering took about one day with two people working on it to complete. The end framing and covering took most of another day. For about a month, the shed did not have a door, nor did it have any vents. Not having vents was a mistake. When I went into the shed yesterday, the entire inside of the shed was soaked with the condensation, as was everything in the shed. From my time working at a local marina, I had some knowledge of shrink wrapping boats, and cutting vents so the boats would not retain moisture and mold. I used those same vents (although on a much larger scale) on the ends of the shed, and by the end of the day, the shed was dry inside. Having the flow though of dry winter air made a huge difference in a short amount of time. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEt1w9V1neStT23wWaLcef9QrYA9ND1GTO4f7OU-QzC68u6zrRWoNrCmOfTVcHjHJvILi3t8X5ylynYx2630fgDk_GEwy-geEFN3B8OL8jU5kkya5iq-LxsXp9SMYJKM_-o273Cp1KwVMU/s1600/DSC_0411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEt1w9V1neStT23wWaLcef9QrYA9ND1GTO4f7OU-QzC68u6zrRWoNrCmOfTVcHjHJvILi3t8X5ylynYx2630fgDk_GEwy-geEFN3B8OL8jU5kkya5iq-LxsXp9SMYJKM_-o273Cp1KwVMU/s1600/DSC_0411.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The other major addition to the shed was the inner liner. With the shed prone to condensation, every time the wind would blow, it would rain inside the shed. With the inner liner up, the outer layer will shed its water to the inner layer, which will run it out and away from the boat. This is going to be a huge improvement, and key for when I start pulling deck hardware and hatches in preparation for prep work and painting. I also had a little time to start pulling lines, sails, PFD's, and other equipment from the boat, since there was now dry space to put it. <br />
<br />
What's next? Cleaning the deck, yet again, followed by scraping and sanding the old paint off the deck and hull in preparation for priming and painting. <br />
<br />Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148543703503471080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318077522566056185.post-11417790190182560122014-09-18T17:26:00.001-07:002014-09-18T17:26:24.544-07:00Amish barn raising?No, this was not quite an Amish barn raising. There were only 2 of us to work on the shed raising today. We didn't quite look like this:<br />
<a href="http://trojancrane.com/files/2011/04/vlcsnap-2010-08-26-02h40m37s31.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://trojancrane.com/files/2011/04/vlcsnap-2010-08-26-02h40m37s31.png" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I am really quite impressed with how easy the bow shed was to build. It basically took me 3 eight hour days to get the shed bows bent, glued, screwed, and through bolted, which was followed by the shed being erected. The only thing left to do is frame the ends and cover it. I will be going to get greenhouse plastic to cover the shed ends and a stripe over the middle for light penetration. I will be using the poly tarp that was on the boat for the majority of the rest of the covering. Here is where we stand at the moment!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqiuZz2zMJjAgj6frriyWenlzqICICggv7yFfHUz1xc9yr6BaLrT_2HCtOeUQdK1UpT1HTKjJbnt560LjS9iOr6izOQ2EvLuQ6LeMZXFNK6LM795vcl7ciSuM7tQMxftnin6udTp-NofX/s1600/DSC_0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqiuZz2zMJjAgj6frriyWenlzqICICggv7yFfHUz1xc9yr6BaLrT_2HCtOeUQdK1UpT1HTKjJbnt560LjS9iOr6izOQ2EvLuQ6LeMZXFNK6LM795vcl7ciSuM7tQMxftnin6udTp-NofX/s1600/DSC_0053.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I do have to thank Stimson Marine in Boothbay, Maine for the excellent plans for the shed. It made it extremely simple to build and erect. I am my mother's child though, and didn't exactly follow the directions to the T, but it still went off without a hitch. Thank you Stimson Marine for such a well thought out design and directions!!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148543703503471080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318077522566056185.post-45395215998402556052014-08-23T21:30:00.001-07:002014-08-23T21:30:20.255-07:00Shed happens.....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMdaKmUmlV_I_ODkw5-0C-BzdntHv0xo_UvEhI5ijgg7SfFqVTntbx6CwczorEAn9mrF_vHSCXeSM78wEoYQsuCf-JijlxheVlSRJtStSvVtB5E8A4VxAelwKsN8qzjA5hzGqeiudsu0mt/s1600/DSC_0779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMdaKmUmlV_I_ODkw5-0C-BzdntHv0xo_UvEhI5ijgg7SfFqVTntbx6CwczorEAn9mrF_vHSCXeSM78wEoYQsuCf-JijlxheVlSRJtStSvVtB5E8A4VxAelwKsN8qzjA5hzGqeiudsu0mt/s1600/DSC_0779.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdrwewt07rLprNhvIJKM9lrNGwWPT6D4AHOfKKZsDBacIzfl1kc0eLBeKUcjeP2S4v7FYBx4ZSCUpnHmFbcnFpvxWVYA9xuiv1xA5LYMkLeARUYLNoJptZq5MsxSmDjmyeGWtMkBnzK8zK/s1600/DSC_0780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdrwewt07rLprNhvIJKM9lrNGwWPT6D4AHOfKKZsDBacIzfl1kc0eLBeKUcjeP2S4v7FYBx4ZSCUpnHmFbcnFpvxWVYA9xuiv1xA5LYMkLeARUYLNoJptZq5MsxSmDjmyeGWtMkBnzK8zK/s1600/DSC_0780.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a>So life has a habit of taking over and not letting you necessarily play when you want to. With that being said, I have still been able to get some stuff done. The shed is finally happening!!!!<br />
<br />
First, to set up the base (sills) for the shed to sit on, I was supposed to be able to just pound the stakes into the ground. I didn't account for the fact that I had a rock bed put in for the boat to sit on. I ended up having to dig the holes for each stake to go in. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqpXep_AAGvDeuzhtWDgq5b7WKnnfIOQbzoPu_K8AG8_lw18jgikd8Fqu_2A7ewxZXPs_VV3DhHX6OYrQ5NTNbZWkw_nIowOE38_6kYq3YVq5fVJ8U65WNx1WzmwTIGAEox6DkYtMKXx7L/s1600/DSC_0781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqpXep_AAGvDeuzhtWDgq5b7WKnnfIOQbzoPu_K8AG8_lw18jgikd8Fqu_2A7ewxZXPs_VV3DhHX6OYrQ5NTNbZWkw_nIowOE38_6kYq3YVq5fVJ8U65WNx1WzmwTIGAEox6DkYtMKXx7L/s1600/DSC_0781.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a> For a few of the stakes, I attempted to use my dad's backhoe to drive the stakes into the ground. Even with 2300 lbs pushing down on the stakes, they wouldn't drive through the rocks. In the end I had to dig 18 holes. The first one was by hand, but using the backhoe for the other 17 made the process go MUCH faster.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTsJuL1OGHhQOz6-uM-T0fI_HSCdroWaUd5ZNXHK_BfQZekx99lZK-GF0k-TJtO7HvvjvU_EmmLQYJ7_mVs7ASSjTdW_2apj-Zua6ZhVms_IVdsgH50_XMDHcy8ZENOY0uakDw7udHBE5n/s1600/DSC_0782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTsJuL1OGHhQOz6-uM-T0fI_HSCdroWaUd5ZNXHK_BfQZekx99lZK-GF0k-TJtO7HvvjvU_EmmLQYJ7_mVs7ASSjTdW_2apj-Zua6ZhVms_IVdsgH50_XMDHcy8ZENOY0uakDw7udHBE5n/s1600/DSC_0782.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a><br />
Once the stakes were all in place, a rail (2 2x6's) was fastened to the stakes. This is what the base of the bows for the shed will sit on, and be bolted to. With 3 foot deep stakes, this should keep the shed from lifting and blowing away. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnXiupnagH_xL4LbD0eYw-m-p-QueW6ULY-iU0WBZdPzvIs8UkdFVGVrSle9U4lbLvpwy59BaPTQFNo9R6fLw5nvvCZcU8BHzh8NyqL1NnSSikgPPMPfZVZRw-dxBFL8efGcnumgT41VG/s1600/DSC_0786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnXiupnagH_xL4LbD0eYw-m-p-QueW6ULY-iU0WBZdPzvIs8UkdFVGVrSle9U4lbLvpwy59BaPTQFNo9R6fLw5nvvCZcU8BHzh8NyqL1NnSSikgPPMPfZVZRw-dxBFL8efGcnumgT41VG/s1600/DSC_0786.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
I was also able to get a hand full of bows made. The first ones were a little strange to build, but once I got the idea of how the jig worked, as well as picking pieces that were less likely to break than others. This shed is going to be pretty cool when I get it done. Now all I have to do is make time for building more bows......Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148543703503471080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318077522566056185.post-49146527304238473322014-05-29T12:53:00.000-07:002014-05-29T12:53:18.200-07:00I know its been a while.....I've had to take a step back in processing that the boat project is on hold for the indefinite future. Even though that is the case, and a huge, hard pill to swallow, I have been working on getting the boat moved to my parents house so that both the boat and the workshop are in the same location. Also, I do not want to over-stay my welcome in my friend's yard. He has been so gracious to let me keep the boat there, and I would not have been able to make the progress on the project that I have without his generosity!<br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Site Preparation!</h2>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3S3bnUv4XE7yj9wQ0vyXs-dfQ6_kRELT9RRPKXddr2Hao3Xss_f_kE7_D4zWJgXbg2bIq4vibFk4Igsah_DnD1-4Lkk3NKVZdkvPXrxZxZTfG52QjmOkNIRkG4D9YSsjp0vnLfOq77kt/s1600/DSC_0341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3S3bnUv4XE7yj9wQ0vyXs-dfQ6_kRELT9RRPKXddr2Hao3Xss_f_kE7_D4zWJgXbg2bIq4vibFk4Igsah_DnD1-4Lkk3NKVZdkvPXrxZxZTfG52QjmOkNIRkG4D9YSsjp0vnLfOq77kt/s1600/DSC_0341.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a>While I might have been able to get away with just sticking the boat in the yard, I did not want to take the chance. This spring the boat sunk into the ground about 6 inches because we had such a wet, cold, long spring that followed a very snowy, cold winter. </div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha0X3N-jxfBJLs9vsJ4eTvPmzniZuLxKbRDw9dF_lnbV-hZl9MIGVXK-lvJKe3PnFBlWp6OxOvzjajuRDJgBysfQuYFjKOfpjMUps7bYzbLKTSvyfZm0cai-7-qEfl2z99W8AKqQn1LjM2/s1600/DSC_0343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha0X3N-jxfBJLs9vsJ4eTvPmzniZuLxKbRDw9dF_lnbV-hZl9MIGVXK-lvJKe3PnFBlWp6OxOvzjajuRDJgBysfQuYFjKOfpjMUps7bYzbLKTSvyfZm0cai-7-qEfl2z99W8AKqQn1LjM2/s1600/DSC_0343.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiE-tYUy9BfRL1RQn-U6_P8r1kwiCLzjiPaIrMsIZGEmDscB7FfXXnEgeQXp9u3XTXA04W3H6utWLSz4Nt-iuplJuk-GGpnlrmduCYGsxVl4x024Ia48YnwVioSxQxGvAiQNbCxDilmk3v/s1600/DSC_0342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiE-tYUy9BfRL1RQn-U6_P8r1kwiCLzjiPaIrMsIZGEmDscB7FfXXnEgeQXp9u3XTXA04W3H6utWLSz4Nt-iuplJuk-GGpnlrmduCYGsxVl4x024Ia48YnwVioSxQxGvAiQNbCxDilmk3v/s1600/DSC_0342.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a>The site we chose to put in a gravel parking area had to be leveled, and there was a pine tree that needed to come down too. It was ant infested, as well as cracked near the base. It had also been struck by lightning at least once, as evidenced by the scar running its height. Taking the tree down was quick, and cutting it up with the chain saw was fun and fast. What took the most time was digging out the stump. We could have cut it off at ground height and left it, but we were concerned that it would then decompose and leave a serious divot in the graveled area. Since the plan is to park the boat right where the stump would have been left, it seemed prudent to dig it up and remove as much as possible. In the process I ended up covered in pine shaving, sap, mud, sand, and probably some petrochemicals as well. Don't take that the wrong way. I am a little boy at heart, so playing with tools (read: toys) is fun, as is getting dirty outside in nature. Like father like son, I suppose. While I was working on cutting and splitting the tree, my dad started digging up the yard to level it. Once he got the topsoil layer off, he gave me a go with the backhoe in digging out the far corner and transferring the subsoil (mostly sand) towards the driveway. I think he may have gotten a little bored standing around, so he got the other tractor out so he could continue to play with his tools/toys!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOlzWPvjY9A2iaROkEk6ubk0g6ASPgUr82_tWsrzA25MlQWfcH5WtUim4fOuTQEhQI-hlsZgm5adwUkP489PD5eUOMXygBEsApyxhINv6tFoyv2GI4oC3yakhv_qgReK5CIlz-MmY7YiOf/s1600/DSC_0348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOlzWPvjY9A2iaROkEk6ubk0g6ASPgUr82_tWsrzA25MlQWfcH5WtUim4fOuTQEhQI-hlsZgm5adwUkP489PD5eUOMXygBEsApyxhINv6tFoyv2GI4oC3yakhv_qgReK5CIlz-MmY7YiOf/s1600/DSC_0348.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Sailing, One Way or Another!!</h2>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4TODayfUMqXkGpp6slL99Y0kMz-S_tU8bePujr7WWd4e1AmjsBirioRJfjz3Z5rqIcWoegnr52OQK79j9vo9UuqZBo5UxjCaaMETZ3bhN5zUGicdehl-fkg8SUSEDvYmz8cYvr2-CZjY/s1600/DSC_0350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4TODayfUMqXkGpp6slL99Y0kMz-S_tU8bePujr7WWd4e1AmjsBirioRJfjz3Z5rqIcWoegnr52OQK79j9vo9UuqZBo5UxjCaaMETZ3bhN5zUGicdehl-fkg8SUSEDvYmz8cYvr2-CZjY/s1600/DSC_0350.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a>To reinforce my sailing addiction, my dad has been working on some of his sailboats. The one on the left was a father's day present to him about 10 years ago. It is just a simple 2 channel RC boat. The boat on the right is a Detroit/Michigan School boat, a one-design boat that is built in Michigan high school shop classes. This one is one that my dad used to chase around the pond when he was a kid. It is not a remote control (RC) sailor yet, but those plans are in the works. Currently it uses a self steering mechanism, so you just set the sails and rudder tension and let her rip!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOo2OJeO4R60tQTzmN0aYm9hRT5Wa0v-rs1WPqbJacYKFdX167KhJOZbSlykcYEq8uETNjsOHSTDLw2fPyQyEa4a0eoSiPZj0WAqNIi-mfPvcrWlaCl4qoqOtDywhK0koKW0ZLmZPXXY4e/s1600/DSC_0352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOo2OJeO4R60tQTzmN0aYm9hRT5Wa0v-rs1WPqbJacYKFdX167KhJOZbSlykcYEq8uETNjsOHSTDLw2fPyQyEa4a0eoSiPZj0WAqNIi-mfPvcrWlaCl4qoqOtDywhK0koKW0ZLmZPXXY4e/s1600/DSC_0352.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a>This hull is one that I have been working off/on for a while. I started with a few layers of hard foam insulation roughly cut, stacked, and glued together. I then cut out a section for a keel stringer (support beam that runs a length of the boat). I have been slowly adding layers of glass and epoxy to the hull when I have worked on other projects. Since it is apparent that I am not going to get to sail my big boat this year, and maybe not for several years, I decided that it was time to finish this bad boy up and see how I did. I will keep most of the foam in the boat for flotation, should it become swamped. I do not want to have to go diving for it. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1k4wVzFi5DO-joPPerfJP-rDWTEJS_A-hypJBMKWny9MEWRyFogyglWIg3PIj0vHeIPSQEGrk2KEVF8O_O0fmtg4QKdznArU3YWEzfTSblwG9y3rxkLV0x6yJf3uOllxd5wehjw4sBo4o/s1600/DSC_0354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1k4wVzFi5DO-joPPerfJP-rDWTEJS_A-hypJBMKWny9MEWRyFogyglWIg3PIj0vHeIPSQEGrk2KEVF8O_O0fmtg4QKdznArU3YWEzfTSblwG9y3rxkLV0x6yJf3uOllxd5wehjw4sBo4o/s1600/DSC_0354.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a><br />
In the meantime, I have to figure out what I am going to be doing for radio gear. I have an old airplane RC transmitter, and I think I can just change the crystals in it to ground frequency to comply with RC rules and regulations. I am not 100% sure on this, so I think I have to get in touch with the manufacturer to see if this will work. If not, then I may have to buy new radio gear, which is expensive, and I really don't want to go that route. More updates to come as the projects continue!!!!<br />
<br />
Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148543703503471080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318077522566056185.post-84373039523621784102014-04-16T10:21:00.002-07:002014-04-16T10:21:56.317-07:00And the verdict is?After a few days of deliberation, I have decided to scrap this season. I know, the season has not even started yet, but I don't have the time to get the boat fully stripped, painted, and re assembled. With that being the case, I will be moving the boat from its current location to my parent's house and building a bow shed so that I can work on the boat year-round and during inclement weather. This was a hard pill to swallow, but I think it is the right choice. Plus, then I can do the things I need to do correctly. I can pull all the deck hardware, do a proper job sealing all of the thru-deck holes, take time to do a proper rather than a rush paint job, and finally finish the interior. This is a restoration project, and since I have learned that everything takes longer than it takes, I am just going to accept that the boat is going to be on land for another season. Its a sad day, but I think it is for all the right reasons.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdzn33E2tWP4j9o__8rKsImgK6-uFvPbMdrV2Q1rcL_0IJxmozQS37AZH9Yk8Kt8oEqnixOKl4q6qtUfkVk1qBet7pXSEY2YQ__VtWHLmIdgqT0tPK9TI-9Xbu7wRqWwUreEy534uS2-C/s1600/DSC_0319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdzn33E2tWP4j9o__8rKsImgK6-uFvPbMdrV2Q1rcL_0IJxmozQS37AZH9Yk8Kt8oEqnixOKl4q6qtUfkVk1qBet7pXSEY2YQ__VtWHLmIdgqT0tPK9TI-9Xbu7wRqWwUreEy534uS2-C/s1600/DSC_0319.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148543703503471080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318077522566056185.post-24690628011692173082014-04-15T08:46:00.001-07:002014-04-15T08:46:13.043-07:00Survey says........fuck........ I have so much to do, and should have had the boat surveyed at the beginning of my week, rather than at the end. <br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Mudding?</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_dawhvl8K2Ug01oQPsPnB8a46e-5Lo4BwuxjxVUQvX3QujzJMC1yCchOaHEm5qee4rg_MWCanM-2VXzz1YBpJTgt8Ngqs4EyH_eYn1ZAysTQD3PgJEqp3XlHErDBO1ihQBcKJRp4EKGoB/s1600/DSC_0317.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_dawhvl8K2Ug01oQPsPnB8a46e-5Lo4BwuxjxVUQvX3QujzJMC1yCchOaHEm5qee4rg_MWCanM-2VXzz1YBpJTgt8Ngqs4EyH_eYn1ZAysTQD3PgJEqp3XlHErDBO1ihQBcKJRp4EKGoB/s1600/DSC_0317.1.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
This is how survey day started. I cut the corner a little bit backing into the driveway and sunk to the axles on the truck. I attempted to get myself unstuck by rocking the truck back and forth like you would in the snow, but I was way too stuck for that. Luckily my wonderful savior of a friend Josh had just left and was able to come back and pull me out with his 4 wheel drive pick up. My advise: Don't try to go mudding in a 2 wheel drive Tacoma, especially in reverse!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
The Survey</h2>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
The Good:</h3>
<div>
There was good news and bad news from the survey. The good news is that the hull is in pretty good shape. There are a few places where the thru-hulls were not sealed properly, so water had gotten into the laminations of glass. This makes them weaker, and prone to failure. The surveyor told me that they were not bad, and I could sail as is this season, so long as I kept an eye on them. He also thought that the rudder was in excellent shape, as well as the bearings for the rudder post. In a look at my breaker panel, he was impressed with what I had accomplished so far, and thought I was doing a good job following the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) standards for boat wiring. He also thought that I was making it unnecessarily complicated with too many functions, but that is minor. All in all, not bad for a boat bought without a survey!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
The Bad:</h3>
<div>
The surveyor made me a list. First on the list is to cut up the floor in the cabin so that I have access to the entire length of the keel. This is not difficult, but it is a real necessity. If you hit bottom in Maine, it is probably granite, so you probably have hull damage. If you cannot get to the keel, especially the forward part of it, then you have absolutely no chance of stopping the water from coming in. Also, because the forward section of the keel is not accessible, there is no way to assess if the beams under the floor to transfer the loads from the mast and bulkheads to the keel are in good shape. If they are not, then I have some serious work to do. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The next item was safety equipment. I need fire extinguishers, VHF radio (he suggested handheld over boat mounted), hand held GPS, radar reflector (on the boat currently), and good quality comfortable PFDs (personal flotation devices, or life jackets) that can and will be worn when onboard. Most of this stuff I knew I had to get, but had not gotten to it yet. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In the outboard well, he suggested that I add a fire port to the small hatch facing forward into the cockpit. This is so that if the outboard catches fire, all I have to do is expose a hole that is big enough to fit the nozzle of a fire extinguisher into. That way the main hatch can stay closed, since opening it would allow a whole lot of oxygen to get to the fire, and probably cause an explosion. This way the whole locker can stay closed, and the fire extinguisher has the best possible hope of putting out the fire due to the enclosed space. A great recommendation that I fully intend to implement. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnsn_TyLwWa8-xEe9GvUikDJiPSpiH0jEMlJUqbEYiMRdI6bSE1OLuxoU7J1aFFJ5KBme0t-JeIF3o7QfMU9b-xflA32u1Eu380HpA6vYTLCePWdVKlMZm-yZTUwNs5o13V55FlRvJvMg/s1600/IMG_1493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnsn_TyLwWa8-xEe9GvUikDJiPSpiH0jEMlJUqbEYiMRdI6bSE1OLuxoU7J1aFFJ5KBme0t-JeIF3o7QfMU9b-xflA32u1Eu380HpA6vYTLCePWdVKlMZm-yZTUwNs5o13V55FlRvJvMg/s1600/IMG_1493.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>The rig needs some attention also. Where the stays meet the mast, they are attached using thin gauge stainless plate steel. Because this holds all of the tension of the rig, the surveyor is concerned that due to the thin gauge, it is prone to failure. Also, the holes to accept the pins for the rig are not quite the right size (too big). This means that the pins will only be touching the bottom of the holes, and have the possibility of then only exerting pressure on the cotter pins holding the main rigging pins into place. That is not something that I want to have fail, because it means the whole rig will come crashing down. Even if no one were to get hurt in such an event, it would ruin your day, so it needs to get addressed.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now to the biggest of the issues. Boats of this age, according to the surveyor, do not rot from the bottom up, but rather from the top down. The deck fittings are old, and the bedding compound is probably suspect. When the bedding compound fails due to age, vibration/flexing, or sheer neglect, it allows water to trace down the bolts and bolt holes. This lets water into the deck, which has a wood core. That coring then rots, and the boat is junk or extremely expensive to fix. It also allows the water to get into the cabin and damage the cabinetry, bulkheads, and other support structures for the boat. This can also happen when the gel coat or paint on deck (or the hull) has cracked or failed. This is where the bad news comes in. I have to paint the entire boat. All of the paint is either bubbling, cracking, or has crazing (micro cracking). This means that there is no longer a barrier between the water and the deck/hull, possibly allowing the water to infiltrate the deck/hull without the need for holes in the deck. What this means for me is that I have to sand and paint the entire boat. The dilemma is this: do I do it correctly (pull all the fittings/hardware to paint under and rebed) or do I do a quick and dirty job to get in the water (tape off fittings and slap some paint on her)? The other concern is that I no longer have The Lady under cover. If I paint her, I need a windless, cloudy day to get the painting done. If I were to pull all the hardware, then I would also need to cover the boat again in order to prevent rain from pouring in all the now exposed holes. Pulling all the hardware would probably take 8-10 hours of work assuming it all comes off very easily. Then sanding the entire boat will take at least as long as pulling the hardware, but probably much longer. Then to paint the entire boat I would need another full day, assuming I can get it done in one coat. Bedding and reattaching all of the hardware would then take another day. So, if I were to do this correctly, it would take me at least a week, and would have to be perfect weather. If I tape everything off, it is still going to take me 3-4 days, again in perfect weather. I could build a bow shed (which I kind of want to do anyway, because they are gorgeous and interesting) but that adds expense and time, but would protect me from wind and weather. Also, when the boat comes out of the water, I would have a shelter to put it in for the winter.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In case you have not figured it out yet, I am having a dilemma. To add to it, my first kid is due in August, so I have written off sailing past August 1. With the amount of work left to do, I think it might just make more sense to build the bow shed and do the work right, rather than try to hurry and get it done, and have to do it again because it looks like poo. Plus, then I can change the hull color (navy blue would look really sharp) which I wanted to do anyway. Anyone have any thoughts?</div>
<br />
<br />Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148543703503471080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318077522566056185.post-62007341011944123352014-04-15T07:24:00.000-07:002014-04-15T07:24:20.875-07:00I may have lied.So I thought that I was going to get away without drilling any more holes in the bottom of the boat. I picked up my self-powered knot meter today, and have to drill another hole in the bottom of the boat to put the paddle wheel in. The most unfortunate part is that the thru-hull is plastic. I really do not want to use it, but to get a knot meter with a bronze thru-hull is prohibitively expensive. I tried to find a bronze thru-hull to replace the plastic one, but the paddle wheel does not fit in the bronze thru-hulls. (Edit: My dad and I may have come up with another solution so no hole needs to be drilled. More on that later.)<br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Glass Work</h2>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5a0DcXtE9ziVc3o8N3Oawm2cqEEa-73CJUns5mElRrS84W8DzVr-b0VAUL-z8QBaPK6PH7OXQeGJJMkA82OvdmrgsgN6Fq-LbqmnUuMkrOSn_kACXq-PLagRLrYkmbQ4FH1gVMJgjU8Eo/s1600/DSC_0297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5a0DcXtE9ziVc3o8N3Oawm2cqEEa-73CJUns5mElRrS84W8DzVr-b0VAUL-z8QBaPK6PH7OXQeGJJMkA82OvdmrgsgN6Fq-LbqmnUuMkrOSn_kACXq-PLagRLrYkmbQ4FH1gVMJgjU8Eo/s1600/DSC_0297.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a>When I was working on the rear hatch, I did not end up mixing enough catalyst into the resin. As a result, only the top of the hatch hardened. My solution, which turned out to only be sort of a solution, was to wrap the vertical edge of the hatch with more glass and resin in hopes that it would make the resin under it kick. It mostly did the trick, but where the hatch had been rounded on the edge, the resin was still sticky. Again I covered it with more glass and resin, and finally the hatch was ready. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6dlAd29CuOZaz-TMh5T_-lyIdBkkGzmxvtltshKyub2nNo5RHhMWeFr-zIT5Dz-WyN5xRUCIsmX4tBmsJtp564dH2Qsb6TZ0gNBEcsv5s3Mocb8ofeVaBvixn8ClrgaAoWP48SMnHem1/s1600/DSC_0300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6dlAd29CuOZaz-TMh5T_-lyIdBkkGzmxvtltshKyub2nNo5RHhMWeFr-zIT5Dz-WyN5xRUCIsmX4tBmsJtp564dH2Qsb6TZ0gNBEcsv5s3Mocb8ofeVaBvixn8ClrgaAoWP48SMnHem1/s1600/DSC_0300.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a><br />
When I did the first test fit on the rear hatch, it did not quite fit. I routed off a quarter inch from each of the short sides, and now the hatch fits like a glove. The picture to the left is the hatch in place before I trim it to accept the hinge on the back side. I will also be painting it so as to protect the hatch from the weather. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxNsgY9B6m1CdTQGoeOpjIq1DZisj7gYwLZm9EaytHUjLI25hlwP8aIKL8ZtUFYuqTHRWLgSxWCqqXIm0OGk9hNysmIbRsk9DWv700qhuzPN6o0qgSvgOd_sbY-33J5M36R8sJSvzuDtEZ/s1600/DSC_0302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxNsgY9B6m1CdTQGoeOpjIq1DZisj7gYwLZm9EaytHUjLI25hlwP8aIKL8ZtUFYuqTHRWLgSxWCqqXIm0OGk9hNysmIbRsk9DWv700qhuzPN6o0qgSvgOd_sbY-33J5M36R8sJSvzuDtEZ/s1600/DSC_0302.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZVJ_m38kDSKCsYPy9JjgCeFmyZfiT4QWJra1lW5Kn23zAyS1GNEj2TdmE5RZ8mFfelD19YJotLiyOfbTCicHJlIUMF8PoEqHIKo_aTnafjIvzJn44OMD_tVn0xVth3hlvm1naBQUW0RkY/s1600/DSC_0307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZVJ_m38kDSKCsYPy9JjgCeFmyZfiT4QWJra1lW5Kn23zAyS1GNEj2TdmE5RZ8mFfelD19YJotLiyOfbTCicHJlIUMF8PoEqHIKo_aTnafjIvzJn44OMD_tVn0xVth3hlvm1naBQUW0RkY/s1600/DSC_0307.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a>Today, because it was such a beautiful day out, I was able to glass the new support for the main hatch. When I bought the boat, this was a mess. The glass had been broken in a number of places, and because it was broken the cabin top had little support. This meant that cabin top would flex a lot underfoot. While the boat is in the water, most likely the main hatch would be open, and I would be standing on that, rather than the cabin top. In any case, having the support back and glassed into place should make the cabin top stronger. I also took the opportunity to drill the holes for the hatch slide. This way I could fill them in with resin so that when they get redrilled for the screws, they will be sealed with resin. <br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Other Work</h2>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWsPjgD8GPs9ZRvXPIFJHEPDr_i87bE_AQxW9k8PJA1sWzDjbxH1H3k280mDLkMK2jckksUF7W3lkejCWhdG8jB8fizZ_UK5ft73r3DCoD3x5L_vTbxBP7cMKzsRDvo4Hpge6hnhUBUkE/s1600/DSC_0298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWsPjgD8GPs9ZRvXPIFJHEPDr_i87bE_AQxW9k8PJA1sWzDjbxH1H3k280mDLkMK2jckksUF7W3lkejCWhdG8jB8fizZ_UK5ft73r3DCoD3x5L_vTbxBP7cMKzsRDvo4Hpge6hnhUBUkE/s1600/DSC_0298.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a>One of the things that I needed for the boat was a depth sounder (transducer). Because the Maine coast is primarily rock rather than sand/silt/soft stuff, running aground here is a real crisis. I grew up sailing on the Chesapeake Bay which is all silt/sand. When you run aground there, which we did often because the boat drew 6'8" of water, you took a swim break, ate lunch, and then tried to get off the bottom. This was because there was little risk of doing serious damage to the hull in a grounding in sand. The Maine coast is mostly granite, so if you hit an underwater ledge, you better head for somewhere close to pull your boat immediately from the water because more than likely you have a hole in your boat or failure of the keel to hull joint. Without a depth sounder, you have no idea how deep the water is, so have no clue as to when the bottom is coming up. I want to be prepared for this, so I installed the gauge, and routed a channel in the wood paneling to hide/support the wiring.</div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1guBeVmalXLsoJAWf8-Xu5rgOPHE69bZhQitKN8a_T3tOzAlxzq5WGYbfQTpzmFYKM8Wr0tKSlBP0sAgRc0P0CRwu-AdDUjQiAK5n3mFl5Ro9KWKN1iqhQBwp1nOXcmR1oMvO2mHBZ7V/s1600/DSC_0303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1guBeVmalXLsoJAWf8-Xu5rgOPHE69bZhQitKN8a_T3tOzAlxzq5WGYbfQTpzmFYKM8Wr0tKSlBP0sAgRc0P0CRwu-AdDUjQiAK5n3mFl5Ro9KWKN1iqhQBwp1nOXcmR1oMvO2mHBZ7V/s1600/DSC_0303.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
Another way that I am trying to be prepared is by having a good bilge set up. Even though I am reusing the bilge pump that came with the boat (tested and known to work), that is not good enough. I also have the manual pump installed so I can pump the bilge from either in the cabin of from on deck. To add to the safety of the system, I have added a high water alarm. The float switch will kick on an alarm (100dB or so) when the water inside gets to a certain level. This is an indication that there is a leak, and attention to the boat is needed. It is also set so that it will go off well before the water reaches the floor boards in the cabin. There is nothing like finding out your boat is taking on water like your floor boards floating. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYCHmKAV-c8D57nVbXuvLhcbT-Qxzxl8AjX4T2tu9dmPgkZ0yICwAbRzAjc3TeXkBFqCMFo0Vesfr2CMB4p7Sjx1IspXJSq94k-r7nh_mItGPghBAkCm8G1qvbJumSzjHp_93nsEJ5eCTZ/s1600/DSC_0311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYCHmKAV-c8D57nVbXuvLhcbT-Qxzxl8AjX4T2tu9dmPgkZ0yICwAbRzAjc3TeXkBFqCMFo0Vesfr2CMB4p7Sjx1IspXJSq94k-r7nh_mItGPghBAkCm8G1qvbJumSzjHp_93nsEJ5eCTZ/s1600/DSC_0311.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
This is the breaker panel with the new addition of the bilge alarm speaker. I have yet to wire it up, but that is coming soon. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
More Work, Same Post</h2>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdzk0lYqAlkV_Sss3eeXHSut0E2YWcjMUUeOzaLJ9DZMyQgYZBiOPOhby6SxURBvknfMWIeoM1a1EJmKFENOJgJqXtOuJFi4oS1tgmEtwZk_fIwu-UlKG-u9mML41p6mNwpM0NQ8fY2aYZ/s1600/DSC_0313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdzk0lYqAlkV_Sss3eeXHSut0E2YWcjMUUeOzaLJ9DZMyQgYZBiOPOhby6SxURBvknfMWIeoM1a1EJmKFENOJgJqXtOuJFi4oS1tgmEtwZk_fIwu-UlKG-u9mML41p6mNwpM0NQ8fY2aYZ/s1600/DSC_0313.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a>While I was going to create another post for another day's work, I decided that why bother, when I had not even finished this post yet. <br />
<br />
To the left is the rear lazarette hatch with the piano hinge in place. I spent a lot of time playing with my dad's router to make some of these little projects come together. Having access to a shop that has a lot of tools and someone with the knowledge to use them has been super beneficial to my boat project. Plus my dad just enjoys working on boat projects anyway. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOn29iofcasYrf6_JoTO0Xke2I-jv71elbJq0iF2aJTvItQoJ7od5bKofPA4E24mB7sPkMoZJZVUwGjnX5-WaFssKIoNIorv5t27gKnI1X7o5hWCswMEkfwZcKYPfUVIGYSIBSsI5yW4BW/s1600/DSC_0314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOn29iofcasYrf6_JoTO0Xke2I-jv71elbJq0iF2aJTvItQoJ7od5bKofPA4E24mB7sPkMoZJZVUwGjnX5-WaFssKIoNIorv5t27gKnI1X7o5hWCswMEkfwZcKYPfUVIGYSIBSsI5yW4BW/s1600/DSC_0314.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
I spent a fair amount of time researching insulation this winter, probably because it was such a long, cold, gross winter. One of the many things that I discovered was that when doing solid insulation you should tape all of your seams to prevent airflow. I used aluminum tape, but then ran out. Since I was in a hurry, I finished with duct tape even though it is a poor choice. I will go back an fix it eventually.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgfeBlEK3O-ViQupFH2gPXHmBP5kMW0EezsMzNL2WlyrG_0Sv1uLoCkkv7dNh09LCncEvSadj64JeE5a9fd88A-YM2yGVe2rzjeO2e8Hgp3wiuMlrgpYqvZH27CCRyHMzf3CjGG_UIRosc/s1600/DSC_0315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgfeBlEK3O-ViQupFH2gPXHmBP5kMW0EezsMzNL2WlyrG_0Sv1uLoCkkv7dNh09LCncEvSadj64JeE5a9fd88A-YM2yGVe2rzjeO2e8Hgp3wiuMlrgpYqvZH27CCRyHMzf3CjGG_UIRosc/s1600/DSC_0315.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
I have to give credit where credit is due: Thanks dad for crunching the numbers on this battery box and then cutting all the pieces. It made is so I could work on other projects in the meantime. This battery box is going to be fully glassed. Once that is done, it will be able to hold four 6v T-105 golf cart batteries. That leaves me a HUGE battery capacity, so I will probably start with only two 6v batteries, or maybe two 12v batteries. I am a little up in the air about this.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh86-7l5su78l6y6kPtg4E4pZtSuv8m71VIf91NzlJSE6t5mJV4aM4gOqfgEk78KWH2g1R4zxi2EbKubkQ5iJmUrCwLGJ4-8vg8vXHcIvlOEhY0fNKI3qzOfJdKHO6Kn5wEX1drEqH5EGLS/s1600/DSC_0316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh86-7l5su78l6y6kPtg4E4pZtSuv8m71VIf91NzlJSE6t5mJV4aM4gOqfgEk78KWH2g1R4zxi2EbKubkQ5iJmUrCwLGJ4-8vg8vXHcIvlOEhY0fNKI3qzOfJdKHO6Kn5wEX1drEqH5EGLS/s1600/DSC_0316.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
The convertible chart table is almost done as well. The table will have 2 drawers, and the whole thing will be supported on the fold out arms, as well as being bolted to the trim piece that it sits on. There may also be a support block to hold the outboard corner. We will see though. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I feel like I got so much accomplished this week while I was off of work. I have been scrambling to get as much done as possible before the surveyor comes to look at the boat. What I am really hoping is that he does not do his survey and tell me that the boat is a catastrophic failure. It would be devastating, both to my moral but also to the dream of owning an ocean capable boat. We shall see how I did buying the boat basically sight-unseen. Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148543703503471080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318077522566056185.post-10079216995527653432014-04-09T19:18:00.001-07:002014-04-09T19:18:26.773-07:00Something is finally hatching....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4mqnPWHxnXWweJb1DSXXGRqmvo9bWFOV5sLSN5w3XvwGB-oeWPXwsrdLvdlZnQamAcBRMAF7KbU3q6tkBesqqqZQRZzFb1IoPGYlKjogamUBYZqOIf-sM5BJpjIHOD36jXxDhWI1-YKKh/s1600/DSC_0290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4mqnPWHxnXWweJb1DSXXGRqmvo9bWFOV5sLSN5w3XvwGB-oeWPXwsrdLvdlZnQamAcBRMAF7KbU3q6tkBesqqqZQRZzFb1IoPGYlKjogamUBYZqOIf-sM5BJpjIHOD36jXxDhWI1-YKKh/s1600/DSC_0290.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a>In the last two days of work, I have built a hatch in a very beefy manner, as well as get a transducer for the boat and get the boat registered for the summer. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSp0M6PhMnqHV9DSQU8ZVs4sL1bCVFkhqnFsim0cKGS4Au8BL2PdwQLqvTRrF7fZ5rYMKYIm9RLd1oO6qmbmVWyS5XiRloEsf42asXYKKmbbFUnYvM2f5yDxP1pXMvPLwWG9pVHfjYXfO/s1600/DSC_0293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSp0M6PhMnqHV9DSQU8ZVs4sL1bCVFkhqnFsim0cKGS4Au8BL2PdwQLqvTRrF7fZ5rYMKYIm9RLd1oO6qmbmVWyS5XiRloEsf42asXYKKmbbFUnYvM2f5yDxP1pXMvPLwWG9pVHfjYXfO/s1600/DSC_0293.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a>The aft hatch to cover the outboard well is of similar construction to the fore deck hatch, in that it is of very sturdy construction. The idea is that this hatch may have to take the weight and forces of breaking water over the stern deck, also known as "being pooped." While the aft locker is open to the water because the outboard goes through the hull, the water would drain relatively quickly, but 50+ gallons of water at one extreme end of the boat for any length of time in seas rough enough to poop the boat is not a recipe for success. The other idea behind making an extremely sturdy hatch is that it might help to prevent someone from stealing my outboard motor when locked down.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZeLGRRb3YFk7AX5Hn1KfyPavMgRkwjDbfvHpeq-x2_N-UDAvAx5yY4hr3wSKFU_nUo2sGfcOPwTm8D6VeWXWS_9dTGeEnT2QMEisdhWq9rJWWHPUdqk5BvAD0wK8QtkFTgiWwpn68agM7/s1600/DSC_0295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZeLGRRb3YFk7AX5Hn1KfyPavMgRkwjDbfvHpeq-x2_N-UDAvAx5yY4hr3wSKFU_nUo2sGfcOPwTm8D6VeWXWS_9dTGeEnT2QMEisdhWq9rJWWHPUdqk5BvAD0wK8QtkFTgiWwpn68agM7/s1600/DSC_0295.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a>When I decided to round the edges of the hatch, instead of using a belt sander to do the majority of the work, I opted for a draw plane. Yes, it is very old fashioned, but there is something really satisfying about using hand tools that are sharp and do the job. When we live in a world where everything is powered, from our transportation to our tooth brushes, having an old fashioned way to do the same job is refreshing. Even though I finished the sanding of the piece with the belt sander, I felt a lot more satisfaction knowing that it was my eye and steady (or not so steady) hands that shaped the wood before getting a final sanding. It probably also helps that I had a really good idea of how the construction would go, so I could take a little extra time to do things the old fashioned way. <br />
<br />
What is upcoming that I have NO idea how it is going to go is putting the transducer in. I want to do an in hull transducer, rather than a thru-hull transducer. This means that I will NOT be drilling another hole in the bottom of the boat (shocking, I know), but rather building a box or pipe for the transducer to be mounted in within the hull. It will then be filled with water/oil/antifreeze and the sound waves beamed right through the fiberglass hull. This eliminates yet another thru-hull, which is especially good, since bronze transducers are BIG money, and plastic ones for an ocean bound vessel are fool hardy, particularly below water line. The down side is that I will lose some of the deep sensing capabilities, but when the water is several hundred feet deep, I don't really need to know how deep. The depth I need to know is when it is approaching 4 feet, because that is when keel meets granite. If you're not familiar with granite, granite is not what would give in that meeting.<br />
<br />
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-ESWc-0zD9QM%2FU0XD9kkJcmI%2FAAAAAAAAA1s%2Ff61Kjo-Cc_A%2Fs1600%2FDSC_0293.JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSp0M6PhMnqHV9DSQU8ZVs4sL1bCVFkhqnFsim0cKGS4Au8BL2PdwQLqvTRrF7fZ5rYMKYIm9RLd1oO6qmbmVWyS5XiRloEsf42asXYKKmbbFUnYvM2f5yDxP1pXMvPLwWG9pVHfjYXfO/s1600/DSC_0293.JPG" -->Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148543703503471080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318077522566056185.post-24758968683431714272014-04-07T19:45:00.001-07:002014-04-07T19:45:25.404-07:00Spring is finally here........ so I am in a race to the finish to get my boat wired, finished, and ready to go in the water!<br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Portland Boat Builder's Show 2014</h2>
<br />
To start, I went to the Portland Boat Builder's show again this year. I was somewhat disappointed with the turn out by vendors, but was still quite happy to walk around and see all the shiny new things, as well as some beautiful old things as well. While most of the vendors I had talked to last year, there were a few new ones that I had not seen. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJJxHYpzPTORDg7Oj4dcZlar2OFblFFpb8OLGjHdzgAvMBRf0GHxc1tQ5weM5AcCQfHixZa8YpvpvtjdvKZB1YtccXH9LaBTG7z9x2kGkTEiFSGgUGKeh5bHH_j3D9Gzvt_oNbJSXonU7/s1600/DSC_0278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJJxHYpzPTORDg7Oj4dcZlar2OFblFFpb8OLGjHdzgAvMBRf0GHxc1tQ5weM5AcCQfHixZa8YpvpvtjdvKZB1YtccXH9LaBTG7z9x2kGkTEiFSGgUGKeh5bHH_j3D9Gzvt_oNbJSXonU7/s1600/DSC_0278.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
I am pretty sure this artist was not here last year. The birch bark over wood frame canoe that he built (left) was absolutely stunning! I overheard him telling someone about how all of the seams are sealed, how the bark gets treated, and the number of hours that went into the boat. While I would never buy a canoe like this, i can certainly appreciate the craftsmanship and hundreds of hours that go into a project on this scale and detail.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBkjLx9VAKqGY5BnLyrNCuWmihyphenhyphenVRq7cqu-jrBmzTHBwOzQAmJd3gaWAPerr6Co7dgdqt0r7c5fMnIh0DE2MjPgd-2Hrg3DfLRcczKmZhaFJr9Yp36l09vRb39iFUt5uKlvAmjYeU2nh_P/s1600/DSC_0276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBkjLx9VAKqGY5BnLyrNCuWmihyphenhyphenVRq7cqu-jrBmzTHBwOzQAmJd3gaWAPerr6Co7dgdqt0r7c5fMnIh0DE2MjPgd-2Hrg3DfLRcczKmZhaFJr9Yp36l09vRb39iFUt5uKlvAmjYeU2nh_P/s1600/DSC_0276.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
The level of craftsmanship was not just limited to the boat builders. This vendor was working in composites, and had a number of creations on display. This trunk top was one, with the compass rose done all in carbon fiber in the original molding of the piece. They also had a full carbon fiber cello that someone had commissioned them to make. What a stunning instrument it was too. Absolutely flawless. I only wish they had someone there playing it. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnXSBiWnniSdJj8VixRUy7lLbiUN7ejsgYiimacQnkZNBGEACqEynR7Ditj7ETafl2ZVhBtrjAi0axwJ27qDJxJRg-zZT5RWX2rHTeEEvoTLKW4oFSLvqd-r16d6rnHJjbMq2MKjailhYm/s1600/DSC_0280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnXSBiWnniSdJj8VixRUy7lLbiUN7ejsgYiimacQnkZNBGEACqEynR7Ditj7ETafl2ZVhBtrjAi0axwJ27qDJxJRg-zZT5RWX2rHTeEEvoTLKW4oFSLvqd-r16d6rnHJjbMq2MKjailhYm/s1600/DSC_0280.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
This winter, since it has been a long and cold one, I have been looking into electric propulsion. Mostly I have been looking at people building DIY electric cars, motorcycles, and go carts. I had forgotten about electric propulsion for boats. I was reminded today of talking with a number of vendors at last year's boat show about electric propulsion, and that I was interested, but it was not the time for me to invest in the tech, as I had to get Lady Lucile ready for the water before beginning to try to be a relatively early adopter for all electric propulsion. When I saw this boat (photo right) at the boat show, I was impressed by their "sail drive". While I did not get the details about this, I am pretty sure the electric motor is in the pod with the propeller. While this would make maintenance of the motor hard if there was a problem, I still find it to be a very neat set up.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Weekend Work</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQH4QohuHsVyc5S1kA3wfUvXdvLYpMnYImONei67cCNiCEbFGRT2YGroV1k-q_2jOG_Xn4UvrKrZQ4b1Rr_YzArk717u1WVV7NWHYPrqOMKavruNLXc1Mq-JPhaLNsVbvtzoiWJB8fYGQ/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQH4QohuHsVyc5S1kA3wfUvXdvLYpMnYImONei67cCNiCEbFGRT2YGroV1k-q_2jOG_Xn4UvrKrZQ4b1Rr_YzArk717u1WVV7NWHYPrqOMKavruNLXc1Mq-JPhaLNsVbvtzoiWJB8fYGQ/s1600/photo.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
I've been very lucky to have a dad that loves projects, and more importantly boats, as much as I do! Because my knowledge of electronics and wiring are limited (but ever expanding), I have been relying on my dad for a lot of advice and straight up help. He always seems to have an answer, or at least is willing to go look for one when he doesn't. I only hope I can be as great a dad as my dad is to me!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9kO6c9gVSG4i6v1HPyMSEcJ72JJu7xgmLNjW4LUPVCrcpTOg6JRFvkBReO9nF_I9ryk2aYiNdc76NQ2YYXS-l40OIUIWH3jasH3DvnHy2A3cEQAth_0ghP2XHof7extynNsQzlCTQzPJ/s1600/DSC_0220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9kO6c9gVSG4i6v1HPyMSEcJ72JJu7xgmLNjW4LUPVCrcpTOg6JRFvkBReO9nF_I9ryk2aYiNdc76NQ2YYXS-l40OIUIWH3jasH3DvnHy2A3cEQAth_0ghP2XHof7extynNsQzlCTQzPJ/s1600/DSC_0220.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Before we get into the wiring of the boat, I finally got the new main sheet block set up and ready for use. I also got the quick release hook set up for recovery operations, although I hope to never have to use the main block for that purpose. I think because I have grown up as a sailor, and spent my life around a lot of sailors, I know how valuable it is to be prepared, to think outside the box, and be prepared to wing it when all your plans to go shit. With plans to sail a lot this summer, and to teach my girlfriend to sail my boat, I need a system for her to bring me back onto the boat should I become incapacitated in the water. While I have not worked out the flaws in this system (aka- still an untested system) at least I am working on something.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Wiring!</h3>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3FLO183frzUVSMokHZ_bNeiZOjIgJvUU_r86LHaPM9sddPTFrwsI_nBcrecKEII6-nSYywY7WzBevr2cb9rbAjc_U8q4c0hw-VuTOnDCwbfnDrgu3rE4WDsSpAmZjjwtARQxhvMHJBL7/s1600/DSC_0224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3FLO183frzUVSMokHZ_bNeiZOjIgJvUU_r86LHaPM9sddPTFrwsI_nBcrecKEII6-nSYywY7WzBevr2cb9rbAjc_U8q4c0hw-VuTOnDCwbfnDrgu3rE4WDsSpAmZjjwtARQxhvMHJBL7/s1600/DSC_0224.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
Some of you my remember the home brew AC electrical system that was on the boat when I bought it. It is gone now. However, when I was tearing out junction boxes connected by extension cords, I noticed that some of the 12v DC wiring was of dubious quality also. Note left that the wires are connected with wire nuts (the black things). While this is okay for home wiring, this is just asking for trouble in marine wiring. Not only is it an invitation for corrosion, but it is also an invitation for sparks, which lead to explosions if you have a gasoline inboard engine. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghScfw2XYkziOywhX8jJMI8OtRAPghQ0019Xml4kDn7w84_LZA0IzU5hL6mScjjL3e0tuWai0KJ6JUiaiCVZY5lbxRk-jN1ycxNboW637AbqpDUNMReEipcBY3VUqyHMzDL2hyphenhyphen4yEis9nd/s1600/DSC_0226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghScfw2XYkziOywhX8jJMI8OtRAPghQ0019Xml4kDn7w84_LZA0IzU5hL6mScjjL3e0tuWai0KJ6JUiaiCVZY5lbxRk-jN1ycxNboW637AbqpDUNMReEipcBY3VUqyHMzDL2hyphenhyphen4yEis9nd/s1600/DSC_0226.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a><br />
Fortunately, this particular boat does not because I knew from looking around that most all of the boat of this vintage need new engines. To protect the boat from explosion hazards, as well as corrosion of the electrical system, I opted to maybe go a little beyond what is required and use crimp connectors with heat shrink, adhesive lined tubing (the blue things, left). The adhesive in the shrink tubing seals the connections from the outside world, so it makes it very difficult for corrosion to take place. Hopefully this wiring job will last another 50 years for this boat! Unfortunately, there is still much wiring to be done inside the boat, which will hopefully be fully (or mostly) done by weeks end. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5kmYWxO1X2GtOAgw0nfi39fQdfaW-OItzaYschSN6ihCSJbjPu6n-D9vtPsyWytSSMVqqBfnMb0kINaxEqnvhyphenhyphenhUgWO3vq7p9__JntvtzcXjPmtcMrZiygPccvB4V4rbpaKab0D4atO-4/s1600/DSC_0285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5kmYWxO1X2GtOAgw0nfi39fQdfaW-OItzaYschSN6ihCSJbjPu6n-D9vtPsyWytSSMVqqBfnMb0kINaxEqnvhyphenhyphenhUgWO3vq7p9__JntvtzcXjPmtcMrZiygPccvB4V4rbpaKab0D4atO-4/s1600/DSC_0285.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a>Probably the most important job to be done was to get the mast rewired and the lights replaced before the rig is put up. The lights on the mast were both broken, with the steaming light (the light used for navigation when the boat is under engine power, rather than under sail, right) had been repaired with a screw on bottle cap. While I appreciate the ingenuity and resourcefulness, I decided to get a new steaming light (black unit, far right) that has a fore-deck light built in. This meant running new wiring (triplex), although I was going to run new wiring anyway, because I did not want to get the mast up and rigged only to find out that the wiring was bad, and the lights did not work, meaning either the rig would have to come back down, or I would have to go up the mast to run the new wires. Neither option really seemed like a good idea, so rewire the mast dad and I did. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2nQosiK6-hm9keUczU2oTLgJt_oGnH_fbkgYh8R8h9hYItJduh5U2dg5BQaf97wXWidmaY7aN58DhbLyOUJ9gjKCdA4X8g_kCkjUE6Pj5AqFapScaI3lMoOKonfyqs24mIdG-3DgV1He/s1600/DSC_0282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2nQosiK6-hm9keUczU2oTLgJt_oGnH_fbkgYh8R8h9hYItJduh5U2dg5BQaf97wXWidmaY7aN58DhbLyOUJ9gjKCdA4X8g_kCkjUE6Pj5AqFapScaI3lMoOKonfyqs24mIdG-3DgV1He/s1600/DSC_0282.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We also rewired the anchor light (or mast head light). There was no lens left on the previous unit, and it was a chance to upgrade to an LED unit to conserve some power. There is a little controversy about LED lights and if they are as visible as incandesent light bulbs, but I figure if the US Coast Guard has approved them for 2 mile visual range, then they must be just fine. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDwCJiDS-6mSSW8hVHBH4PgP1s-jy7vCQTXffwkxwzsgKyAKR-KoiQVXtmYh1y09uxoQan4LuNiSK8a5EVfm-dCIDkE2yszW4EVfoosm3LHPnbVe3kifdjUAPwKMdlYxrW15k9W3YhALJH/s1600/DSC_0289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDwCJiDS-6mSSW8hVHBH4PgP1s-jy7vCQTXffwkxwzsgKyAKR-KoiQVXtmYh1y09uxoQan4LuNiSK8a5EVfm-dCIDkE2yszW4EVfoosm3LHPnbVe3kifdjUAPwKMdlYxrW15k9W3YhALJH/s1600/DSC_0289.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a> Originally the mast also had a coax cable run for the VHF radio. It was in terrible condition, so it was also removed from the mast. While I do not have any coax cable to go in for a replacement yet, I do have a runner (aka- a string) in place to pull the new cable through when I get it and a new antenna. The old antenna looked to be in great shape until I accidentally dropped an anchor on it and the fiberglass shattered into many many pieces. I will be buying a metal whip antenna to replace the shattered one. Of note also in the picture to the right is the loop of wire at the top. I though it might be prudent to have extra wire at the top of the mast should I decide I want to replace the mast head light at some juncture down the road, and have to cut away the old light.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
The Plan of Attack</h3>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFnaHRc5CtM10Nr1glRUVkfJdtFhIUhfLUHJrlzCoyb0rD1lVgH60aTuZassGuRuqG5RIFFdDQwubQLPZEUQ26MDgCgsZ-Sq4rQukZ3wUxTwVsbUt_wThfItDahHYBACJlNKN8w0kJx_5/s1600/DSC_0273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFnaHRc5CtM10Nr1glRUVkfJdtFhIUhfLUHJrlzCoyb0rD1lVgH60aTuZassGuRuqG5RIFFdDQwubQLPZEUQ26MDgCgsZ-Sq4rQukZ3wUxTwVsbUt_wThfItDahHYBACJlNKN8w0kJx_5/s1600/DSC_0273.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a> This week I will be working to get the breaker panel mounted and wired, build the 5th and final hatch for the rear lazarette, re-register the boat, as well as get the chart table finished and mountable. I am hoping to get all of this done, but I have been at this project long enough to know that these projects take a lot longer than I want them to. Take wiring the mast for example: with two of us working, it took us all day to run 2 wires and a runner for the coax. Obviously we ran into snags that we were not anticipating, as well as problems that could have been avoided had we done a bit of measuring before fully diving into the project. Sometimes in your eagerness to get started on the project, you forget some of the basic things that can really save you headaches down the road. <br />
<br />
The plan for next week is to get the boat surveyed so that I can finally get insurance, and get the boat in the water for the first weekend in May! This year, no dirt bikes til the boat is in the water!!!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148543703503471080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318077522566056185.post-56459836964663049912014-02-01T12:47:00.000-08:002014-02-01T12:47:51.328-08:00This Post From My Accidental Man Cave!So mostly this blog is about the rescue and restoration of a wonderful 50 year old boat. Sometimes though, side projects creep in and because I think they are interesting, fun, or compelling, they end up on the blog too. Earlier this week I was working at the dining room table with a Dremel tool, slipped and gouged the table. That got me to thinking. "If I continue to use the dining room table as a work table, I am going to destroy it. How can I not do that?" The solution was to build a work table for the apartment. I also wanted to do it on the cheap (under $61, which I did). I have been watching youtube.com videos on people doing interesting things with what is generally regarded as junk. That was when I stumbled upon people making things out of pallets. Bingo, cheap hardwood! Plus, because it is already distressed from being used as a shipping pallet, I do not have to worry about not wanting to beat it up now that I have a finished project. Here is where the accidental Man Cave comes in. I wanted a bar height work table, as I generally prefer to stand when working on projects. Since I made a wrong measurement on the leg length, the table edned up a bit taller than I wanted. When I slid it into place, it fit over a chair we were going to get rid of. When I was working on putting hooks on the inside of the table, I sat in the chair, and realized that I had a space under the table that was usable as sitting space. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlsU9nJBOknIVq7YbMKIUfwHGfZVQF9iXfhr7S9QlsL2QshAsa4HPUI8MZ8OLgLfCraWHOTNojsR4zuY3jdtfHZfF1Fklj-lXkd0TMZJbbTX_ssgSAGp6VXYMbL2BtwI1egLy8pNOQPOk9/s1600/DSC_0062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlsU9nJBOknIVq7YbMKIUfwHGfZVQF9iXfhr7S9QlsL2QshAsa4HPUI8MZ8OLgLfCraWHOTNojsR4zuY3jdtfHZfF1Fklj-lXkd0TMZJbbTX_ssgSAGp6VXYMbL2BtwI1egLy8pNOQPOk9/s1600/DSC_0062.JPG" height="132" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijboyFYaAXbscSOIcTJh8fpkZ4mHygftG5J6X1o0MlDwYRoLxeIen3IjptV3PNPsktMbtvnSfMBpn68_IqafXbBpL-R9jPuckKlsWa5xWk66bA30x2D8HPHG0l9xre5nzLpw9gJhjmkANy/s1600/DSC_0060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijboyFYaAXbscSOIcTJh8fpkZ4mHygftG5J6X1o0MlDwYRoLxeIen3IjptV3PNPsktMbtvnSfMBpn68_IqafXbBpL-R9jPuckKlsWa5xWk66bA30x2D8HPHG0l9xre5nzLpw9gJhjmkANy/s1600/DSC_0060.JPG" height="132" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0Jr5DeuFFnIAdoXdt3xEkDRBijFC6bt5i8oLP8K59EVoV3qx0pg1DMMpxLT8A4YP2ObghYYMq0nC7BHfNV2RT74MPcy4_Bounm85AyGwhC9tBjpR41kppxS91z-Tmsq3IQerQvkLmGL5/s1600/DSC_0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0Jr5DeuFFnIAdoXdt3xEkDRBijFC6bt5i8oLP8K59EVoV3qx0pg1DMMpxLT8A4YP2ObghYYMq0nC7BHfNV2RT74MPcy4_Bounm85AyGwhC9tBjpR41kppxS91z-Tmsq3IQerQvkLmGL5/s1600/DSC_0050.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
I got the opportunity to cut into the head liner on the boat to see if the mast support beam is ok or not. Unfortunately the beam is encased in fiberglass, so I cannot tell what condition it is in. The upside is that now that it is open, I can see once the rig is up whether the beam flexes or not. I also found out that one of the the mast step bolts misses the support beam. Sometimes I really wonder what they are thinking when building production boats....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohZC0g3gj_OytLYaQ4Phh5Ol-03VG0X5EeRtmDtxEjvo_vtrRd8ES__3NQbEhyqWjpeEmnuiN9Q-1MXEn33T4caWej17e9UuBYywI5ycF86Vv7u_8xeJj5PWolCzoFsEcQU1qR1d03FZF/s1600/DSC_0052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohZC0g3gj_OytLYaQ4Phh5Ol-03VG0X5EeRtmDtxEjvo_vtrRd8ES__3NQbEhyqWjpeEmnuiN9Q-1MXEn33T4caWej17e9UuBYywI5ycF86Vv7u_8xeJj5PWolCzoFsEcQU1qR1d03FZF/s1600/DSC_0052.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
I also got the opportunity to clean up the wiring on the back of the fuse panel. I will be adding a 12v auxiliary port to the panel soon. There may be a battery gauge going in soon as well. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXAfEwieoKz9rJ5Zq1WtwtQWz0qGW3WpqmOOaPQjrUBhx3Btv7RXNVYHSN0ayUixPzb_zrxqcaVOgu0hSziaV_42xd9J3cvEVzqxg3ZqT7urTUn3s_YV6BIaTXv8QzXIgNJ8hkyO3P6Pk/s1600/DSC_0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXAfEwieoKz9rJ5Zq1WtwtQWz0qGW3WpqmOOaPQjrUBhx3Btv7RXNVYHSN0ayUixPzb_zrxqcaVOgu0hSziaV_42xd9J3cvEVzqxg3ZqT7urTUn3s_YV6BIaTXv8QzXIgNJ8hkyO3P6Pk/s1600/DSC_0053.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
I have also had the opportunity spruce up the front of the panel as well. It is a nice teak framing that will be epoxied and through bolted to the frame. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148543703503471080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318077522566056185.post-74335143520297462942014-01-26T11:22:00.001-08:002014-01-26T11:22:29.927-08:00Wire me up!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwjHn2R3xNo-TgxIccWd-f24TIiu9r3g21dW2l-KPbTAE9TvBqG925S9vgABeaREehn7ALZV4xK8icb6V3kIghl6YiTvbN_V6fNBtvbusVZDyNgKPvZTgn-i63T7kWeudWkpzk_xl5BaKp/s1600/DSC_0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwjHn2R3xNo-TgxIccWd-f24TIiu9r3g21dW2l-KPbTAE9TvBqG925S9vgABeaREehn7ALZV4xK8icb6V3kIghl6YiTvbN_V6fNBtvbusVZDyNgKPvZTgn-i63T7kWeudWkpzk_xl5BaKp/s1600/DSC_0040.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a>What better to do with a winter Sunday afternoon than to wire up some breaker panels? While this project is not entirely finished, it is much farther along after this morning's couch session! One of the things that made this project take a while is that all of the connections have to be shrink wrapped to prevent corrosion. The connectors I got are specifically for marine applications. They not only are shrink wrap, but they also have a heat activated glue that seals the connections when the shrink wrap is sealed.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRVl4KDSZ5TAv0kteIo-Y2sj2yqudsN9TIu4GPWemridkF-MbFjoo5stI5UIr74q7bfuL3oLLCB2-yQ3ILECNPvlceWJ92tdkp1kMqDIOX7urSEwNzs7vviJSEVnX4huI2_P8f1i1pWKhu/s1600/DSC_0041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRVl4KDSZ5TAv0kteIo-Y2sj2yqudsN9TIu4GPWemridkF-MbFjoo5stI5UIr74q7bfuL3oLLCB2-yQ3ILECNPvlceWJ92tdkp1kMqDIOX7urSEwNzs7vviJSEVnX4huI2_P8f1i1pWKhu/s1600/DSC_0041.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a><br />
After sealing the wires, I had to connect the wires for the two breaker panels to a common point. This makes hooking up the batteries easier. It also allows for more expansion of the electrical system should I, or someone else down the road, want to add more features/tech gadgets. By putting the whole setup on a hinged door, access to the whole system is easier as well. This should make for a much more user friendly system.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwrxGwjkNIx6H4zVRyU_Uy_FWqNyAm_MhTax5FqHb_9EJeGkJC5JUyDzeYJqBgNnVl1Fp5l8dYi3G_Keb_gWisdyjJwATHwxLZ4_fSBHtjvTp8XZFEMLeZztLgbYnHKWcQeiDe92S7AAAm/s1600/DSC_0043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwrxGwjkNIx6H4zVRyU_Uy_FWqNyAm_MhTax5FqHb_9EJeGkJC5JUyDzeYJqBgNnVl1Fp5l8dYi3G_Keb_gWisdyjJwATHwxLZ4_fSBHtjvTp8XZFEMLeZztLgbYnHKWcQeiDe92S7AAAm/s1600/DSC_0043.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDSO5ZFjf9q-y15_hQu-4-SSzhKGz0oBST-ChgWuA4tK2NfqEssvA_wEuBTyZw0O61nAbrEi6YaDMdUC_-W_NlB4YgPMaTBax-ShicmAH0dVEysJKjlCQhEUaZgYQvs98i81xCbOQ38w4O/s1600/DSC_0044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDSO5ZFjf9q-y15_hQu-4-SSzhKGz0oBST-ChgWuA4tK2NfqEssvA_wEuBTyZw0O61nAbrEi6YaDMdUC_-W_NlB4YgPMaTBax-ShicmAH0dVEysJKjlCQhEUaZgYQvs98i81xCbOQ38w4O/s1600/DSC_0044.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESo8XMz-wO8HrG6TAy8b9_cUDPdKf8JB4yjhj7SinP3iUsWQkIX3pbzANGPOLwMsjO0zaqcZM-qtrNY16gohb57TPY0SLJ_NFsLf7pYtmjL2Coov_F_dkPBOoJczfOwINHTJOxztDulZI/s1600/DSC_0046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESo8XMz-wO8HrG6TAy8b9_cUDPdKf8JB4yjhj7SinP3iUsWQkIX3pbzANGPOLwMsjO0zaqcZM-qtrNY16gohb57TPY0SLJ_NFsLf7pYtmjL2Coov_F_dkPBOoJczfOwINHTJOxztDulZI/s1600/DSC_0046.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
Something else I am working on is a main sheet recovery system for the boat. I am a pretty big guy at 6 foot tall and about 215 lbs. While I am a competent sailor, accidents happen. I am very much hoping to teach my girlfriend to sail this summer, and to be able to continue to go sailing together well into the future. The recovery system idea is based on the idea that I knock myself out and go in the water. There is no way that Jenny could pull me out of the water on her own. With the main sheet block and tackle system set up at 6:1 ratio, hauling my ass out of the water would not be too difficult. To accomplish this, I have a bronze quick release on the bottom of the block that could be released to allow the boom to be swung over the side and lowered to clip onto my PFD or have a sling already attached. With the cam cleat attached to the block system, hauling on the line from deck will automatically feed the line through the cam cleat, and prevent me (or whatever is being hauled on deck) from falling back into the water if the hauler looses their grip on the line. While I still have a few kinks to work out of the system, this is the first step towards that end goal.<br />
<br />Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148543703503471080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318077522566056185.post-92151971604427134052014-01-19T15:57:00.001-08:002014-01-19T15:58:42.368-08:00Done Taking a Break(er)!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzKuWOerLoA1Lmps1H4h0aoN6kkHAMDaJPyfPdf-eD3hbpZ8G4zgn11JsNUvuyrxXks4_02LJA-0JiOnH2fHTI8TCFWzUdVGdwJWOF9n-i6tTkkZ7QcsfTrJl0FigpP1cQryRpwn61gcuJ/s1600/DSC_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzKuWOerLoA1Lmps1H4h0aoN6kkHAMDaJPyfPdf-eD3hbpZ8G4zgn11JsNUvuyrxXks4_02LJA-0JiOnH2fHTI8TCFWzUdVGdwJWOF9n-i6tTkkZ7QcsfTrJl0FigpP1cQryRpwn61gcuJ/s1600/DSC_0017.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a>Now that the craziness of the holiday season is over, I have more time to get back to the boat. I have started on the wiring. I have been doing a lot of research, and now am in the process of actually doing. The breaker panels have been set up to cover all of the functions that I thin the boat needs to have, or I want to have. It took me some looking to figure out which functions have to get wired up together, but I think its ready to go. I am looking forward to getting this all in the boat and out of the dining room.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fY9fvFUzgOg7uTDhzvSCES5NBHqvjFziwDpkGGayiR59eysePGAW5Pab46uiJRT2vykx0qucBDWwahBt2V86JcQ6vJlwQb5nFzitBLwSKWMTXG2o-1nmjjzD0avVCaKhJHE9EIGRo2TP/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fY9fvFUzgOg7uTDhzvSCES5NBHqvjFziwDpkGGayiR59eysePGAW5Pab46uiJRT2vykx0qucBDWwahBt2V86JcQ6vJlwQb5nFzitBLwSKWMTXG2o-1nmjjzD0avVCaKhJHE9EIGRo2TP/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
As you can see, the wiring is already a mess, and I have not even added my wiring to it yet. I have a bus to add so that I can connect the power from the batteries to the two independent breaker panels. Also, should I want to add other non-switched features, it give me the ability to add on without adding more hardware to the panel set up I have going currently. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I know some of you have been chomping at the bit for more updates, and they will come soon. Hopefully fast and furious! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148543703503471080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318077522566056185.post-20089677461851975462013-11-03T13:11:00.000-08:002013-11-03T13:11:22.277-08:00More Construction!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3QpvTxsMgOSmobz4D2_G1LA-zCiKvT1bRnPfejXX8tdUr50KKqHEFE5WzMSuulmnb86RyA1aHejkO3JgB2gWSj4cHRWYJ_zOtbX0qeT7DrPSigOd7fJJ9WFrUU_QUuUwgcHOm2T_YUGrm/s1600/IMG_1821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3QpvTxsMgOSmobz4D2_G1LA-zCiKvT1bRnPfejXX8tdUr50KKqHEFE5WzMSuulmnb86RyA1aHejkO3JgB2gWSj4cHRWYJ_zOtbX0qeT7DrPSigOd7fJJ9WFrUU_QUuUwgcHOm2T_YUGrm/s1600/IMG_1821.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>So I spent a fair amount of my week of my week off from work thinking about my project and looking through electronics like Navigation lights, VHF radios, depth sounders, knot meters, etc. The trend in the nautical world is to network everything together and rely on that networked system for all of your information for navigation. I think this is silly, and would rather keep everything as simple as possible. When people only rely on the GPS rather than using their eyes, it can lead to running their boats aground, or worse, run them to their death. Things like solar flares and sun spots can throw off the GPS as much as several hundred feet. When you are used to making a passage within several hundred feet of an offshore obstacle, with your GPS telling you that you are in one place, when the reality is you are not where you GPS is showing. With that as a possibility, I would rather rely on dead reckoning, piloting, and navigation skills.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADXWqVCKhHhpf88Tht1qxEf4hV25mCDkHNxbZfzv2_d403SQkL48g7TAN4GzIbbhYma_QjuFQdfeUQ8ri8BdJT-afuDvOrMlfDtuRKCil9Nu-HsELo6i2mgVfemJG-r9cCnMsVnW2jeYi/s1600/IMG_1822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADXWqVCKhHhpf88Tht1qxEf4hV25mCDkHNxbZfzv2_d403SQkL48g7TAN4GzIbbhYma_QjuFQdfeUQ8ri8BdJT-afuDvOrMlfDtuRKCil9Nu-HsELo6i2mgVfemJG-r9cCnMsVnW2jeYi/s1600/IMG_1822.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Since I feel the need to have a chart table, as well as retain the original 4 bunks in the boat, I have come up with a convertible chart table idea that is finally moving into the building faze. I am also working on relocating the fuse panels to a location where they are accessible, rather than at the front of the boat where they were from the original owner/manufacturer. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7l9HBzsDorMARsGjfomvZRudCwebNIbiZZac5c1fqy2wVNH7OOvj_tJyxribJF4atzeoL8XQoPt6btD1xPnHfkSphyphenhyphenjZxIxu_0NO3ShEmB4vqv-Nl4vBwnhZ0C8R9_IslPYjaG2hrvyS/s1600/IMG_1823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7l9HBzsDorMARsGjfomvZRudCwebNIbiZZac5c1fqy2wVNH7OOvj_tJyxribJF4atzeoL8XQoPt6btD1xPnHfkSphyphenhyphenjZxIxu_0NO3ShEmB4vqv-Nl4vBwnhZ0C8R9_IslPYjaG2hrvyS/s1600/IMG_1823.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
The fuse panel will be hinged so that when electrical gadgets want to be added or removed, it will be easy to access them. Also, there will be bookshelves going in next to the fuse panel to hold all of my nautical information. This refit has made the bunk narrower, but it will make a great sea bunk because it is narrow. The catch 22 of that is this: when you are at sea, probably going to have the chart table up for navigation, rendering the bunk useless for sleeping (unless you are a small child). <br />
<br />
Originally I was going to raise the bunk 9 inches to the level of a proper seat for the chart table, but realized that going to that extreme of customization would make the boat less appealing for resale. Instead I decided to make a box to sit on, but my sister made a great recommendation for the seat. I am going to make a fold away seat that is mounted under the fuse panels. I think it is a better solution to the seating problem, as it just folds up out of the way, rather than having to stow a box somewhere. <br />
<br />
It feels good to be moving along. The next major project is rebuilding the mast support, but I do not have any information on what the beam is made from, nor the best way to get it out and replace it with another one. What makes it tricky is the one piece headliner that was obviously put in before the deck and mast support were put on. If anyone has information regarding this problem, I would greatly appreciate the help!<br />
<br />Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148543703503471080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318077522566056185.post-66048994375764154522013-10-24T15:56:00.000-07:002013-10-24T15:56:34.163-07:00This is a HUGE step in the right direction!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijORruZI9_C4ja5ZSQJRd7ffgfoxO95_eVHBQdHE7dUlJc6Sme5mN2wqvv8Dz8jFv2HEYYifFYGbWtGCBw9jO_dZ8CPLa9CFbW7RqwWc2Gd3EdYwQNukiiriif-HrIBBosGXT3MmKymtOU/s1600/IMG_1818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijORruZI9_C4ja5ZSQJRd7ffgfoxO95_eVHBQdHE7dUlJc6Sme5mN2wqvv8Dz8jFv2HEYYifFYGbWtGCBw9jO_dZ8CPLa9CFbW7RqwWc2Gd3EdYwQNukiiriif-HrIBBosGXT3MmKymtOU/s1600/IMG_1818.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a>Reconstruction has begun in earnest. As you saw in previous posts, I ripped the old, rotten bunk out of the boat. This week I have been working on rebuilding it with the new convertible chart table modification. <br />
Originally I was going to raise the bunk about 6 inches to give a good seating position for the chart table, but after doing measurements realized that I needed to raise it 9 inches. No, I didn't look at my notes upside-down! I then realized that this boat is probably not going to be the last boat that I own, and more importantly, even though it could be a seriously capable offshore cruiser, most of the boating population will never lose sight of land. Therefore it makes many of the major upgrades for offshore cruising unnecessary or even useless to the casual sailor. Even though upgrading the boat to offshore capability puts the boat on a much higher level of safety, I would never see the pay back. It makes more money sense to leave the boat as close to stock as I can. Obviously I am making a few changes, but I think that even for the casual cruiser they are positives! <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPMshye84DXHXiuKnt-Zd2Wh30bwmaHesuU2TOVaNK3Tc2Z7JjQMvkOIRDbXBwoOhNCbp3QOpRdzr9YHvWkmMKYsRWIRFrKicoERoOoOQeBw5Lo-_EM0ncyELtsqLWyX3jG0kOjDbHx_ES/s1600/IMG_1813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPMshye84DXHXiuKnt-Zd2Wh30bwmaHesuU2TOVaNK3Tc2Z7JjQMvkOIRDbXBwoOhNCbp3QOpRdzr9YHvWkmMKYsRWIRFrKicoERoOoOQeBw5Lo-_EM0ncyELtsqLWyX3jG0kOjDbHx_ES/s1600/IMG_1813.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>Because I am trying to leave the boat as close to original as I can, I had to come up with another idea for the bunk. The bunk is going to remain at the original height. With the chart table up, it will put it at about neck level for me, and I am 6'1" tall. Therefore I need a box to sit on. I think that I can build one that will fit under the convertible bunk so that when not in use, it is storage. Then when you want to use the chart table, lift it up into position, and pull the box out and put it on the bunk. It seems like a really simple fix to a not so easy to explain idea. <br />
<br />
<br />
I am so excited to be building rather than ripping out old, rotten wood, or removing old, dubious quality installations done by the previous owner. There is such a contrast in the plywood (Russian, 5 ply Birch) that the bunk is being built out of when compared to the rest of the boat that has aged somewhat poorly. Like with most thing, a coat of paint is going to go a long way to make things look better in the cabin, but it is still really surprising to see the contrast. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvuqI4rpi-8iGKtysYwRxNl9nc_fmsXkGCsHo-PXNbajdEH3REKKNkZslolU68lxFKyIu-6-LV-NpR28xvnwgN-TiDjcv9ITg09hFnaLEyGk9_lv0g74tlCk0lOC1Z3LlNl9Ggs-xtCQt/s1600/IMG_1810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvuqI4rpi-8iGKtysYwRxNl9nc_fmsXkGCsHo-PXNbajdEH3REKKNkZslolU68lxFKyIu-6-LV-NpR28xvnwgN-TiDjcv9ITg09hFnaLEyGk9_lv0g74tlCk0lOC1Z3LlNl9Ggs-xtCQt/s1600/IMG_1810.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
I ended up going with the Russian Birch plywood because I needed something that was as close to on par with marine grade plywood, but didn't want to pay something close to $100 per sheet. The other consideration was that the bunk is not a structural piece of the boat, like the main bulkhead was. Therefore I think I can get away with a slightly lesser quality ply to get the job done. Plus, it is going to be painted with oil based paint and in the cabin, so it should not have water issues. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5CV2a49eMAkxen76IpamNmZ8xscUhEgzNj-MVfhLKFD3PBbeVWQSFKKgmDGJsmbFCQUBmPit4_P1fqkOPas-h_-c9ViSMeiLJBkvbNCx-YzHY7igG_xuX2G_2PQkyONuToqRPhmk6vdBm/s1600/IMG_1819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5CV2a49eMAkxen76IpamNmZ8xscUhEgzNj-MVfhLKFD3PBbeVWQSFKKgmDGJsmbFCQUBmPit4_P1fqkOPas-h_-c9ViSMeiLJBkvbNCx-YzHY7igG_xuX2G_2PQkyONuToqRPhmk6vdBm/s1600/IMG_1819.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Since I desire storage under the bunk, rather than just wasting the space, I had to put in a top loading hatch. It was cut from the bunk. Once the hatch piece was out, I went on the glue and screw in tabs for the hatch to sit on. This means that the hatch will be supported around its entire perimeter, which makes the hatch able to support the weight of a sleeping person, as well as make the bunk more structurally sound overall. The hatch was oversized, as it makes loading and unloading much easier. It also allows bigger items to go under the bunk. In the true fashion of this build, I am going to try to reuse the old bunk hatch covers for the floor area under the bunk. It I think will add some interest, and maybe even a little storage for small things underneath. We will see if this actually pans out, but it is the idea of the moment. <br />
<br />
All in all, I am very happy to be back to working on the boat, and pleased with the progress I am making. This coming week should provide me ample time to get things done, as I am on vacation from work all week. I am looking forward to more building!<br />
<br />
<br />Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148543703503471080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318077522566056185.post-81740860282524601682013-10-17T17:41:00.000-07:002014-01-11T05:03:46.896-08:00A Chat with Geoff Trott about the "AirHead" Composting Toilet!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC809-f0nXbKBu06ULfCdWLirv_jpoqDMh7jtLZfmq9vVuiyUOIUuPrmbimEG5BuWOoVisuyXSVyE93dm1JzjRfmd01lI4sJ96GMCjV9lpvTsN8eGAesHUWkVevpG1InwpGAVtaqIe9i3d/s1600/photo-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC809-f0nXbKBu06ULfCdWLirv_jpoqDMh7jtLZfmq9vVuiyUOIUuPrmbimEG5BuWOoVisuyXSVyE93dm1JzjRfmd01lI4sJ96GMCjV9lpvTsN8eGAesHUWkVevpG1InwpGAVtaqIe9i3d/s1600/photo-5.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
I had the opportunity to sit down with Geoff Trott, the general manager of Eos Design LLC , manufacturer of “Air Head” Composting Toilets. I was not really sure what to expect when interviewing someone for the first time, let alone someone who makes something that I know so little about. First, here is a summary of the “Air Head”, but more information can be found at www.airheadtoilet.com . The “Air Head” is a composting toilet for boats. While traditional marine heads (toilets) flush in some manner or another (auto vs. manual pump) and have holding tanks for all of the waste, the Airhead is a single unit that fits where your traditional marine head would go and skips the extra holding tanks. This is important, especially on a boat as small as mine, because those holding tanks take up a lot of room. The compact design makes it good for RV’s and Tiny Homes (tinyhouseblog.com) with limited space or septic hookup. The space consideration was something that helped to lead Geoff to develop the Airhead.<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Geoff is a really interesting guy to talk to. While this was an interview, it felt a lot more like two old friends catching up after 10 years on their current projects, even though this was the first time I met Geoff. Geoff has been sailing since he was 16. He did some J24 racing when he was living in Connecticut, and has had the dream of living on a boat for years. Geoff is an engineer by training. When he left college, he wanted to help people, so went into corporate pharmaceuticals. After working for a while and having all the trappings of a corporate job, he realized that his life was missing something. This led him to leave the corporate world and buy a boat to live on. His first boat was a Wauquiez Centurion 32. This might seem like an insignificant detail, but this boat led Geoff to develop the Airhead. When he bought the boat, it did not have a head or holding tanks. The reason for the lack of holding tanks was because it was a European designed boat and overboard discharge even into the 90’s was the norm. The US was actually ahead of the curve on no-discharge rules. To comply with US regulations, Geoff bought a porta-potty to use. He would empty it about once a week, but found that it was difficult, messy, and the marinas were disinclined to let him empty the porta-potty in their bathrooms. He also couldn’t pump out the porta-potty at the pump-out station because it was not designed for it. With all of this frustration, Geoff started to think about different options. If he put in a 10 gallon holding tank with a traditional marine head, he would get 10 flushes and then have to pump out the tank. This was highly impractical. Then his thoughts turned to composting toilets. <br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Conventional wisdom in the 90’s for composting toilets was that you needed a large mass of biomass to compost. Therefore conventional composting toilets were quite large, too large for most boats. Additionally conventional composting toilets also created strong odors at the vent exit. This is where Geoff’s innovation came in. Composting toilets generally do not separate solids from liquids. When thinking about this, he thought about how animal poo does not smell once it dries out. If he could figure out a way to dry the solids, maybe he could get rid of the smell. He decided the easiest way to go about it was to just separate the liquids and solids when going into the toilet. In all of the research he did, it didn’t seem like it was going to work. Not to be deterred from his project, he made a prototype and started to use it to see if the proof of concept worked. Once he figured out that he needed a constant airflow through the solid’s tank, the smell of the composting toilet was pretty much all gone, This turned out to be a great solution to his boat with no real space for the traditional marine head. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujbolnGqjrL8RQFq8H9-XOwAHUudRKBEXfh3I5lQglMOnZK5xaPQZWEr_ABBQ7NFllUyzc1Se2XHZX7a8M2zA6KO84sEZZZn-YaqtQlalhRPa80KkTe_H1pNgbhRx_rmohf6Deqan2oYI/s1600/PICT0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujbolnGqjrL8RQFq8H9-XOwAHUudRKBEXfh3I5lQglMOnZK5xaPQZWEr_ABBQ7NFllUyzc1Se2XHZX7a8M2zA6KO84sEZZZn-YaqtQlalhRPa80KkTe_H1pNgbhRx_rmohf6Deqan2oYI/s1600/PICT0009.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When I asked Geoff if he made the head only as a space saving device, or, if it had an environmental component as well, he told me that it was both considerations. He had been interested in environmentally conscious technologies such as composting toilets and alternative energy, such as wind and solar. This interest developed from a love of the outdoors and concern about where the world is going. “I made a personal observation from 20 years of revisiting a pristine wilderness (Lake Colden, Adirondacks), and seeing the change due to human impact in this remote place. For even in these preserves with only foot traffic from people who generally care about the environment, the local ecosystem seemed to be stressed. Imagine human impact at a larger scale and how that might effect our world”. He believes in “carry in carry out” hiking and camping and sees waste disposal as something that needs to be addressed on a larger scale. As a surfer, he takes issues with cities dumping sewage overflow straight into the ocean. This not only affects him as a surfer, but it also contaminates beaches near the out flows, as well as shellfish that get harvested nearby. This certainly does not seem to affect the people who swim at the East End Beach in Portland. If, by using an “Air head”, it takes waste out of circulation, the removal of waste is a win in Geoff’s book. It also complies with no discharge rules in US waters. This is a plus to beach goers, surfers, marine wildlife, and pleasure boaters. <br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>One of the other components of environmentalism that is present in this product is that it is made in the USA. This means there is less transport involved in getting the parts for final assembly, meaning that the toilet has a smaller carbon foot print. Also, by being made in the US, the quality control is better, and it creates jobs here in the States. This does get reflected in the price, but it appears that you get what you pay for. A competitor’s product ( Natures Head, which is an obvious copy of the “Air Head”), had seams between parts that did not meet, and had design flaws because it made opening and emptying nearly impossible in confined spaces. In general it is a not so well thought out head. For $125 less, it does not look like the money saved is worth the hassle.*<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig5C33LnccmHk3TIc3ynXSjlL8Nlvbv35quvtGWbubebgrxelkHzkPEa8LjYZwdH8sFPN55R8y386TAfKGVjzI0FVGwi4Fe7Rg3zNKZQFm6MwCFLMipNpK4QPutOMaQD5iruK1qHXB44GN/s1600/PICT0048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig5C33LnccmHk3TIc3ynXSjlL8Nlvbv35quvtGWbubebgrxelkHzkPEa8LjYZwdH8sFPN55R8y386TAfKGVjzI0FVGwi4Fe7Rg3zNKZQFm6MwCFLMipNpK4QPutOMaQD5iruK1qHXB44GN/s1600/PICT0048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMaSjeOzfGhtsHT5lfZ8lifQ0otu5eW9LiaKd4nOityJNQrhqYGZyv-kMSN5O8r7PT3L9nxprvCq-_iXzwRuw78jhTPvkZEZYMJB77swEooOO_4NL81FjRQfrFnk0XSgGmy4E3XqGVgRK3/s1600/PICT0354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMaSjeOzfGhtsHT5lfZ8lifQ0otu5eW9LiaKd4nOityJNQrhqYGZyv-kMSN5O8r7PT3L9nxprvCq-_iXzwRuw78jhTPvkZEZYMJB77swEooOO_4NL81FjRQfrFnk0XSgGmy4E3XqGVgRK3/s1600/PICT0354.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
I also talked about Geoff’s 40’ Pilothouse sloop project. The boat is a Radovich designed boat with a fiberglass hull and wood deck. It was built and sailed primarily in California, but was then trucked to Lake Champlain. With the exception of the deck and deck support structure, the boat is in quite good shape. The deck was pretty much a total loss. It was plywood with teak screwed into it. The joinery between the teak pieces and the fact that it had been screwed directly into the plywood made the plywood sub flooring fail from the infiltration of water. This then led to leaking into the cabin and ruining bulkheads. The support beams were another story all together. They had been laminated pieces, but instead of being laminated vertically, they had been laminated horizontally. This gave them little strength, which meant that when stepped on they flexed downward underfoot. If that was not bad enough, when the boat had been wired, they drilled holes in the cross beams to allow the wiring to be run fore and aft, thus creating weak spots in the already weak frames. On top of all of this, some of the supports were eaten away by termites. This is quite the project he has for himself, but judging by his eye for quality control on his Airheads, the sloop is going to be gorgeous when finished.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiV4i1iXFjxEHfDm6JjiQhB3NBuDsSM0Q6z545u1vh5K-4jiiwyAs8KYSMc6oGzWhs0_YWgVJp61HddZ9b4UI2Ectnmm2egUo357ATsryLE0p6QZmAXHM6V3MTbZNWEJSNLCuQUzk7XLoJ/s1600/PICT0355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiV4i1iXFjxEHfDm6JjiQhB3NBuDsSM0Q6z545u1vh5K-4jiiwyAs8KYSMc6oGzWhs0_YWgVJp61HddZ9b4UI2Ectnmm2egUo357ATsryLE0p6QZmAXHM6V3MTbZNWEJSNLCuQUzk7XLoJ/s1600/PICT0355.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Before I went to do this interview, I asked friends on Facebook what they would want to ask someone who makes composting toilets. The best question I got in response was this: If it is a composting toilet, what does your dog drink? Geoff laughed when I asked him, and thought about it. He recalled that he had a dog when he was in the development and testing phase, and that the dog did not even seem to notice the Airhead, so never developed the bad habit of drinking from the toilet.<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>All in all, it was a great experience to go and chat with Geoff about his product, project, and life aboard boats. I want to thank Geoff for taking the time to show me the shop, interview him, and write about him during his peak busy season. I certainly hope to run into him this summer when I am out on Casco Bay.<br />
<br />
*This all based on evaluating one unit of theirs that I have seen and is my opinion. <br />
<br />
<i>Note: This interview was conducted and written in the summer. My apologies for taking so long to get it out to all of you hungry readers! </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
If you want more information, please check out <a href="http://www.airheadtoilet.com/" target="_blank">the Airhead website!</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-sHnZfNfHutw%2FUmB__4iWIdI%2FAAAAAAAAAuo%2Fx1bxJ1OTWN0%2Fs1600%2FPICT0048.JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig5C33LnccmHk3TIc3ynXSjlL8Nlvbv35quvtGWbubebgrxelkHzkPEa8LjYZwdH8sFPN55R8y386TAfKGVjzI0FVGwi4Fe7Rg3zNKZQFm6MwCFLMipNpK4QPutOMaQD5iruK1qHXB44GN/s1600/PICT0048.JPG" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-GDgH0OAXbag%2FUmCAKGYPFoI%2FAAAAAAAAAuw%2FyfbRe3WytuM%2Fs1600%2FPICT0354.JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMaSjeOzfGhtsHT5lfZ8lifQ0otu5eW9LiaKd4nOityJNQrhqYGZyv-kMSN5O8r7PT3L9nxprvCq-_iXzwRuw78jhTPvkZEZYMJB77swEooOO_4NL81FjRQfrFnk0XSgGmy4E3XqGVgRK3/s1600/PICT0354.JPG" -->Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148543703503471080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318077522566056185.post-76620629591055556412013-08-18T13:54:00.000-07:002013-08-18T13:54:15.463-07:00To destroy or not to destroy, that is the question.It is more simultaneous destruction and reconstruction than destroy or not to destroy. The port bunk in the main cabin is out, and the shelf behind the head is built and installed. It used to be a salt water sink, but I saw no use for it there, as there is the galley sink that you can almost reach while sitting on the head. The space looked more suited for storage than a second sink. Plus, I am going to be installing a salt water pump for the galley sink. The port icebox also came out while I was in deconstruction mode, as the drain from the icebox fell apart in my hand when I tried to take the drain hose off. It also means that I can try to better insulate the box while it is apart.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9_hY3Ky9Zk_MsYljOYYKzB4YNmTtlHnvzk_DvKTqRstjd1h-O6oFeWVzej0FEzCT17Kkj0Hrxu-hurD5xqPB6RxBe9CFwcE1J1c48lsOrPndRxWl-RovEQyKkZAJkIvBkn2nbKPUOVNw/s1600/IMG_1768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9_hY3Ky9Zk_MsYljOYYKzB4YNmTtlHnvzk_DvKTqRstjd1h-O6oFeWVzej0FEzCT17Kkj0Hrxu-hurD5xqPB6RxBe9CFwcE1J1c48lsOrPndRxWl-RovEQyKkZAJkIvBkn2nbKPUOVNw/s640/IMG_1768.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Y_iJFs4NvFzmKcuIzR3Eobf-UPpQdtLde04X9cNqBTAR1C3D8D3aO4vL_CM-nLiIwhq83eVk_pxbZ9L8VY_eXQ9D01UuNJW97iB2MdZZgNSiHoNeRGQTec60qmLi5xybtqehaEPkV99h/s1600/IMG_1769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Y_iJFs4NvFzmKcuIzR3Eobf-UPpQdtLde04X9cNqBTAR1C3D8D3aO4vL_CM-nLiIwhq83eVk_pxbZ9L8VY_eXQ9D01UuNJW97iB2MdZZgNSiHoNeRGQTec60qmLi5xybtqehaEPkV99h/s640/IMG_1769.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2vh3mZDOyW_iVPuOyeoOCfrUEvK9cxqoxKMaybtxVg44LSZii3D67xcLrcGgBOpcalr-uldgRP-KfhPZEp7kQWF9U_GFfjZc2ecVS4R3m0Uzm2dk6IzD5xzC5W33_a4giAZHRu6-ai0-E/s1600/IMG_1771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2vh3mZDOyW_iVPuOyeoOCfrUEvK9cxqoxKMaybtxVg44LSZii3D67xcLrcGgBOpcalr-uldgRP-KfhPZEp7kQWF9U_GFfjZc2ecVS4R3m0Uzm2dk6IzD5xzC5W33_a4giAZHRu6-ai0-E/s640/IMG_1771.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148543703503471080noreply@blogger.com0