Planing down the Coaming
Knowing the boat would be handled a lot today, I stayed up late to plane down and sand and prep the Cockpit Coaming, along with any other sharp edges likely to get dinged and chipped off, or cut into a hand carrying the boat up the stairs. The fit would be so tight, an extra half inch on the Coaming is a pretty big deal.
The Spanish Cedar was amazing under a sharp plane, making six foot long curls of pleasant smelling shavings. I wanted to use all native woods originally, but now I understand why mahogany is so well-loved for boat building. Just a dream to work with.
I didn’t feel up to more of a challenge than simple overlapping butt joints, but they came out tight and neat once planed and sanded flush, which is great by me.
The rain came early, but the wind never showed, so this afternoon, working on the front porch workshop annex, Terri and I put a coat of Le Tonkinois on the Deck and Coaming. Then we both just stood back and went “Wow.”
We keep going to the front door tonight to look at it again, glowing golden under the porch light. Even in the lousy light, it looks good. Honestly, when things turn out this well, who cares if the only tropical storm of the season messes up your plans – we just can’t be that disappointed that they won’t be ready for St. Michaels this year. In fact, we drove to town and treated ourselves to dinner just to celebrate.
Tomorrow we’ll add another coat, and start packing for the trip. If it dries well enough by Friday, we may even bring the boat along anyway.
You’re not kidding WOW! I was to head down this AM but postponed until tomorrow. You 2 are welcomed to join me on Slip Jig. See ya tomorrow
Kevin
Thursday, September 30, 2010 – 01:48 PM
Thanks, Kevin. We’re a definite yes on your offer. Would love to catch a ride on Slip Jig. Never been in a Navigator or a Pathfinder, and I’m sure it will make me jealous. See you tomorrow night.
Barry
Thursday, September 30, 2010 – 04:48 PM
Congratulations, beautiful work. steve
Thursday, September 30, 2010 – 09:39 PM
You should take her to the show. Many people don’t see a boat at it’s first triumph. You will never be as proud of your creation as you are right now.
Next year only the insiders will know the difference between a production boat and a personal victory.
doryman
Thursday, September 30, 2010 – 10:54 PM
A baby-boat comes to light!
…out of curiosity: how much does it weigh?
Friday, October 1, 2010 – 05:05 PM
That’s jaw-droppingly beautiful, Barry. Bravo.
Saturday, October 2, 2010 – 12:24 AM
Thanks, guys! About 140 pounds, Giuseppe. Not too bad.
Got back from St. Michaels last night, and we’re all still tired and happy. Will go through all the photos tonight, and post some in the next day or so. Regardless of weather and traffic barriers getting there, it was a really great time.
Monday, October 4, 2010 – 01:03 PM