Frankenboat

It's been a while since we had time to look at the boat, although we did occasionally go out to re-measure, scratch our heads and mutter about whether our little mess-ups were going to be molehills or mountains. But, today we got some real work done and have new pictures to show for it!

 

This shows the stitching process. Basically, short pieces of baling wire are stuck through pre-drilled holes, and are twisted around from the outside. With enough ties, it holds the panels together well - at least until you start the epoxy/fiberglass process.

 

See how pleased I look? Notice that I took the pictures at the END of the process. :)

 

You can see Dad (foreground) and friend Chuck finishing off the stitches on the port side. Big thanks to Chuck for coming to help hold the panels in place while we stitched.

 

This last photo is the one I think deserves the name "Frankenboat" and no, that will not be the name of our boat! The stitches come out. Next task? Figure out how the heck to pull those panels together to stitch them at the bow! Turns out that 1/2-inch marine plywood doesn't really like to bend. :)

Putting the Bottom on Top

I realize I skipped a big step of the progress.  I posted the side panel completion before I even showed the bottom panels.  So for completion's sake, and because I'm a perfectionist, let me fill in the gap... these were taken this past winter!  (I can tell it's winter because of my crazy long hair).  Many thanks to our friends for their strong, helping hands!