I know, I know... I haven't posted anything in a LONG time!

I have taken a little break in the build. I needed to back away because I was just burnt out. I am taking this time to enjoy being with my friends and just chillin'. And, I will start to prepare for the TX200.

The TX200 is a gathering of small sailboats that will put in at Port Isabel, TX on Monday, June 11, and finish the trip at Seadrift, TX on Saturday, June 15. Charlie Jones has welcomed me as crew on his boat Traveler. Charlie is a seasoned sailor and I feel it will be an enjoyable trip.

Traveler is a 19' CLC Sharpie with amas. I'm told she was a hot boat, so amas where added. Now she is a trimaran.

As far as work goes, I have been very busy. Oh... you don't know what I do? Well, let me tell you. Last August, I began working in Kemah, TX at a canvas shop. We build canvas covers, cushions, upholstery, enclosures, T-tops... if it's soft and on a boat, we can build it. I have sewn all my life. I did work for three different needlepoint stores, and did that for 17 years. I was assistant costume designer at Midland Community Theatre for 2 1/2 years. Now, I work with canvas and vinyl mostly. And I LOVE my work. Every job is different. I get to go out to the marinas when we pattern or install.

More will be posted about the TX200 as the date draws closer. Right now, I am going to get comfortable, find a movie on Netflix and settle in for the night. Okay, where did I put that pop corn...

FAIRLEAD

Zoe... may she rest in peace... had a built-in fairlead. It looked really cool and I wanted TARDIS to have one too. I took a 1 3/8 inch bit and drilled the hole. I didn't know what angle was best, so I just started drilling and hoped for the best. I didn't realize I was digging into the deck about halfway through, so I used my extension to finish.

It turned out to be a very clean trench. I was pleased. The 1" PVC was trimmed to the right length and then shaped before I glued it into place. I thought it would be easier this way.

After the PVC was glued in, I applied 4 layers of fiberglass and then faired it. Some more sanding it needed for a smooth finish. My neighbor stopped by yesterday, and then a friend came over, so my sanding was cut short. I felt like I needed to post my progress this morning, so the finished product will be posted at a later date.

TILLER

I've been working on the tiller. It is 7 layers of solid lumber glued and clamped. I didn't think I could handle all 7 at one time, so I did 2 or 3 at a time. It turned out nice.

The handrails for either side of the companionway are now cut and ready for the finish.

MAST CONSTRUCTION

I just realized this week, that I never posted anything about the making of the mast. So, here goes.

On page 12 of the Paradox plans, are the drawings for the mast. When I first looked at them, I had that "deer in the headlights" look. I studied them for several days before I finally said, "Ah, I get it."

There are two views of the mast. It appears as one, because the horizontal lines continue from one to the other without a break. The drawing on the left, is the side view from port. This gives you the dimensions for the width of the side pieces, and the thickness of the front and back. The back of the mast is flat, so all measurements are taken from this side.

On the right side of the drawing is the view from aft, or forward, because they are the same width. The view is of only half of the mast since both the port and starboard sides are the same. If you look closely, you will see the CL written on the center line between the 500 and 900 marks. This view will give you the width of the aft and forward pieces, and the thickness of the side pieces.

I wanted running lights on the masthead, so I secured 1/2 inch plastic tubing in the center of the mast, exiting out the center of the masthead and the port side in the vent trunk. This will let me easily run wires to install the running lights, and to do any repairs later if I need to.

The plans call for a block to be installed within the mast head for the halyard. Through my research, I learned that several have abandoned the original design, and attached a block on the outside of the mast. I decided to go with this method. Seemed easier and better.

TILLER & RUDDER STOCK

Through the whole build, when I came across a part that was a little difficult, I would put it aside and go on with something that was easier. It has now come down to all those more difficult jobs.

Yesterday, a friend of mine came over, handed me a bag and said, "here". I opened it and squealed with excitement. Obviously, he saw my worn out jigsaw! I get to use his to finish my build. By the look on his face, I guess he has never seen a woman get that excited over a power tool.

I have been putting off cutting the hole in the transom for the tiller. It seems wrong to cut a big hole that close to the waterline. The pintle and gudgeon was ordered from Duckworks, and I installed it today. The lower gudgeon is not completed yet, so I just drilled a hole in scrap wood to simulate the gudgeon. After marking approximately where the tiller will meet the transom, I drilled a couple of holes. With jigsaw in hand, I started the cutting. And it cut so smooth!!!!

The tiller will be made next. Hopefully, that post will be up in a few days. We'll see...

Sliding Hatch - Part 3

The sliding hatch is well on it's way to being finished. The underside is glassed, and the last piece is curing as I write this.

The companionway hatch board is cut. A window will be put in it later.

My neighbors have been curious enough to come over and see what I'm building. And, I get the same questions:

"How did you learn how to do this?"

"What made you want to build a boat?"

"Did you do this by yourself?"

"How long have you been working on it?"

I don't mind answer all the questions, I enjoy showing the boat off. It makes me feel good that people admire the work I have put into this project. I looked back on my notes, and I started TARDIS on May 18, 2010. I do hope to have her in the water by May 1, 2012. Wish me luck!

Sliding Hatch - Part 2

Today I cut out the ply and glued the fore and aft beam to the hatch. Tomorrow, after it cures, I will glue on the sides and the mid-beam.