NOT TOPLESS ANYMORE!

I was so excited when I got the top glued on. I climbed inside and sat down, looked around, and was a little amazed that I built this. I have tried to concentrate on the "pieces" and not the project as a whole, because when I do that I get overwhelmed. So, I have always taken it one step at a time. Baby steps.

The fiberglass goes on next before the other part of the railing for the sliding hatch.

Okay, enough patting myself on the back, and get out there and fiberglass that top I'm so proud of.

LAST OF THE CABIN TOP FRAMING

Tonight was an exciting time. I got the last of the framing for the cabin top glued in place.

At the beginning of this build, I was using System Three epoxy. Now, I am using West System, mainly because I can get it locally, and at a discount. Discounts are always good! I have found that I don't have as long before the West System starts to set up, even using the slow hardener. In a way, this is a good thing, but sometimes I am working slow and have mixed up too much. But, all in all, I like the West System Epoxy.

Tonight, I turned around and this little dog was standing there staring at me. She lives across the street, and rules the neighborhood. She has been coming over to visit me more and more, and now feels comfortable enough that she curled up on a dirty rag and took a nap while I worked. I don't know her name... I call her "Mamma" because she had a couple of puppies not long ago. We are becoming good friends. Maybe I'll take her sailing one day.

HANDRAILS

I have the aft cabin top pieces cut, sanded and ready to glue. Actually, all of the framing is cut, but not all perfectly shaped and sanded. I ran across this article on how to make handrails in the June 2011 issue of WoodenBoat magazine.

I want a small handrail on either side of the opening at the aft cabin top. My first attempt at drilling the 1 1/4 inch holes, splintered the wood real bad. And my jigsaw is on it's last leg, so I will take these to my work and use our nice DeWalt jigsaw.

I will also put handrails on either side of the cabin top. As clumsy as I am, I need something to hang on to while getting to the bow. And you can never have too many places to tie stuff to.

Okay, this is what happens when you don't go back and check to see if the pieces you are gluing have slipped out of place. See the line, the brace is suppose to be even with that line. It is glued really good, and I'm not going to ruin both pieces trying to rip it off. SO, I will get creative in order to make it right.

I can see the light at the end of the tunnel now. For a while, I was bogged down and just couldn't get motivated to work in the garage. We've had some warm days, and I've been dreaming of sun, wind, sand and sailing! I want to be ready!

LIFE RING

My brother, Kelly, is almost as excited about my boat as I am. When finished, we are going to take her on a 3 day weekend cruise, beach her and camp out two nights. Kelly helped me move recently, and I promised him a trip for his help.

I just had a birthday, and Kelly got this personalized life ring for me. I love it. And what TARDIS would be complete without a Sonic Screwdriver? I got that for Christmas... from my brother! He is so cool!

For those of you who are not Doctor Who fans, why aren't you? It's just about the coolest TV show there is. Google "Doctor Who" and be enlightened! It's a wonderful new world!

CABIN TOP - PART 3

I did get some work done this weekend. I am making all the pieces, and will do a dry fit before I start to glue. The back section will not be made according to the plans. There will be a removable hatch board for easy access to the cabin and better ventilation. I ran out of solid lumber today, so only one side piece was made.

The seat has been made, along with the brackets that it will sit on. I notched the bottom of the seat, and added a stop on the bracket to hold the seat in place when folded out. They have not been sanded down and "finished", so they do look a little rough in this photo.

Tomorrow I will make another run to the lumber yard and get supplies for this week's work. I need to burn the midnight oil if I'm going to do the Texas200.