Passed a big milestone this week. It has been one year since I started my build (I ordered the plans on May 10, 2007). Since that time I've managed to get most of a hull built. I'm behind the point I hoped to be, but probably about with the point I figured I would be.

Got to work on the boat several evenings this week, most of the time was spent trimming the hull bottom flush with the side panels. As before, when you get stuff flushed up, it really changes the looks.

Finished putting the second hull layer on! I know it looks really rough there, but that has all the skin panels on and in place.

Now for lots of trimming (you can tell several of those panels at the bow are hanging over the edge a lot), patching screw holes, fairing, etc. I'm sure it will all take longer than I expect, but it's another milestone. You know, with a big enough bilge pump, I bet it would float right now.

Some parts of boatbuilding get downright repetitive. I skinned the bottom of this thing once. Now I have just about gotten it done again.

 

Well, not much to show, but after a quick family trip to Disney World, I'm into putting the second layer of the hull bottom on. This is one of those "I've already done this" jobs where you are just adding another layer to what is already there. Cut panels, trim edges, glue and screw in place, repeat. When things get up to the bow, it will get a bit more interesting with all the twist there... not entirely sure how that will fit together to make sure there aren't voids, but I imagine it will come together.

As you can see, I have a bow closed up now!

I showed this picture to a very good friend of mine (hello, Shannon!) and the prompt response I got was "Your boards are cut crooked!" Now I certainly know what she meant, and it was all in good fun, but it got me thinking. For all the people that follow along on the web or other remote places and just see pictures and read descriptions, it's not like being there.

In the last week or so have actually gotten some work done.
Hull skinning has progressed well. Got the hull sides all the way done on one side and only short by four feet on the other. Having a side 'completed'really changes the looks of things.

Before jumping into my build, I read about other builds... a lot. It
always seemed like progress was slow, which was often hard to understand.
Now that I'm doing it, I understand a lot more.

Let me get started with a disclaimer. The other day I posted concerning my use of construction adhesive in some locations in my hull build. So far, I've been happy with the results, but long term... maybe not.

Getting other opinions is an important part of many things in life. I have found that this has been especially true in my boat-building endeavors. Early on, I could have used a lot more advice. If you remember, I had problems with things that should have been obvious, like standing up frames and keeping them vertical. As soon as I got some other brain cells involved (my wife and son), we came up with a method that has worked to this day.