Double Melonseed Project Underway

[EyeInHand]

I've been building a pair of strip planked Melonseeds simultaneously since early December, and it's been going pretty well. Just finished glassing the outsides of the hulls last weekend. I'm working from a slightly modified combination of the Barto and Chapelle plans.

I found a lot of my early information and inspiration on this forum, and still check it regularly for new nuggets, so thought I should return the favor for others planning a similar project. Here's a link to the running build blog:

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/category/melonseeds/ (http://web.mac.com/eyeinhand/EyeInHand-Journal/Melonseeds/Melonseeds.html)

As soon as I figure out how to post photos here I'll try that.

Cheers!

Barry

[EyeInHand]

Let's see if this works.

Sample progress photos:

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/FlowCoat_6167.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/NorthGlassed_6162.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/BothHullsGlassed_6166.jpeg

[Duncan Gibbs]

Lovely stuff, and TWO no less!! Well done!!

[Thorne]

Purty...Thorne like!

[Lew Barrett]

Beautiful shapes, and really nice images too.

[ShagRock]

Beautiful, sleek and organic! Thanks for posting link to your build log!

[boatbear]

Gorgeous. Thanks for posting.

[EyeInHand]

Thanks! I recognize all you guys from other threads I've scoured.

I'll try to check in more often. I'm on schedule to have them done before the water freezes again - sooner if I lose my job.

[johngsandusky]

You'll be thrilled when you get them in the water. I sail a strip planked 13'2" 'Seed. She's very sweet, if wet in a chop. How much sail are you using? Mine has the Crawford rig, a little more than Chapelle, I believe. It's near perfect.

[EyeInHand]

Hey John. I'm really looking forward to it, and hope they get wet before the end of this season. I want to have two rigs for each boat, starting with a Crawford and adding something larger for light air days. Ideally, on the same mast, so I'm still tinkering with different configurations.

I don't live close enough to the water to take advantage of perfect sailing days as they happen. But, I can trailer to just about anywhere on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay in about two hours. (We plan to do a lot of exploring.) So when I make the trip I want to be able to sail, whether the wind is strong or very light, which means adapting to conditions. The Crawford rigs seem to handle anything you can stand up in.

Did you build your 'seed? Have pictures anywhere?

Barry

[River Sailor]

Very nice job, Barry — and a great builer's log as well. Thanks for giving us a peek.

I often feel overwhelmed building just my one Penobscot 14, and certainly don't take enough time even for that one, judging from my slooooooow progress. My acknowledgement on your pace and beautiful results. I'm curious what motivated you to take on two at a time?!

[EyeInHand]

Well River, there are four people in our family. The 14 foot original version holds two people comfortably. Barto has plans for a 16 foot version that would be big enough to hold all of us, and I considered that. But realistically, all four of us being together doesn't happen as often as it used to. I do have some friends who like to sail, or want to learn, but as often as not I'll be going alone or with my wife or a buddy.

After talking to someone who built and sails both sizes, I realized I personally would be happier with the smaller boat, even though it's a wetter ride. He says the bigger boat is a lot more work to sail solo. The original is easier to rig, launch and drag up on a beach. Also small enough and simple enough that my wife or kids or less experienced friends could handle one if we want to tandem sail both boats solo, or on those occasions when we're all together two people don't have to wait on the shore. Two boats can clamshell on one trailer to haul easily together. And isn't it always more fun sailing with another boat like yours?

The decision to build two at once was pretty simple at that point. Realistically, there's no way I'll take a year to build another boat any time soon. If I'm going to build two boats I have to do them at the same time. Doing two at once doesn't take twice as long - as it would if you built them separately - because, as you probably know, a large portion of your time is spent just figuring out how to do each step, then preparation, and then down time while glue dries, epoxy sets, etc., and thats when you can can work on the other boat. Doing it twice is a piece of cake at that point, and if you're like me, you're always better the second time you try it anyway. Also, some economies of scale come into play, like buying epoxy and fiberglass and wood in bulk, making one trip to the hardware store instead of two, etc..

So far I've been really happy with the way it's working out. Ask me again in August, though.


Nice photos on your website, by the way. And those Penobscots are really nice boats. Good choice. There are so many good boats to choose from it makes it really hard to decide on just one.

[johngsandusky]

Barry, I bought mine at a museum auction. She was built by Ralph Wight in Md. I think you have a really good grasp of their qualities. Enjoy.

[Robmill0605]

Very nicely built. Did you buy the strips or make them?

[CaptJamieJ]

Amazing!

[mcdenny]

Barry,

Going to be great to be sailing along in a beautiful wooden boat and watch her twin sailing along next to you. Great potential for match racing too.

Well done.

[EyeInHand]

Rob, I bought my strips from Noah's in Vermont. They have another location in Canada. I got a dozen or more duds in the shipment, but they sent 20 footers instead of the 16s I ordered, plus a few extra, so I've been pleased with what I got overall.

www.noahsmarine.com

I originally thought I would make my own, but my table saw is not so great - I found I'd have to rip the strips fat and then plane them all to get an even thickness, and that's before routing the beads and coves. I have local sources for good quality wood, but the prices for cedar are so high that just buying the raw lumber was going to cost nearly as much as finished strips. In the end, making them myself just didn't make much sense.

[davebrown]

barry--do you have anything new going on with this build? i looked at the noah website. if i understand their site, they sell their strips in bundles of 55 for around $80. how many bundels are required for one boat? this is a lovely build. i'd like to price it.

[River Sailor]

Barry,

Thanks for your thoughts on building two at a time. Makes perfect sense as you outline it.

I've never sailed in company with an identical boat, but have flown with a friend in identical gliders — Stemme V10's — and that was great fun! I know you'll really enjoy having both boats available for family and friends.

Please keep us posted periodically on how things are coming along with your twin build.

BTW — I really enjoyed your site as well. I've been a desktop publisher and self-taught designer since 1985, and very much enjoyed the process you described with the album cover you made for Vector Trio!

John

[Bill Perkins]

I didn't find strips alone for sale on the site .Where is that?

[EyeInHand]

Ah yes, the Noah's site is a tad difficult to navigate. It's broken into two sections. Well, actually, four. Make sure you're in the US or Canada site, as appropriate. Then hit the "Secure Online Ordering" link, which will take you to the mostly organized products section. Sometimes they don't keep both sites equally up to date. And they're a bit old school, really. Here's a link to the section on bead and cove strips:

http://www.noahsboatbuilding.com/noahusa/items.asp?Cc=Build%2DCedarS&iTpStatus=1&Tp=

If that doesn't work, use their search box and search on strips.

One and a half bundles of 55 16' strips would do a hull and deck for one boat. If I weren't doing two boats, I'd get one bundle of 55 and another bundle they call "short strips" which are a good bargain (hard to find them, but if you call they'll know what you're talking about). They say one bundle of short strips is enough to do a good size canoe, they just won't all be long enough to go the full length of the hull. There are enough short strips needed on the hull and deck that I think you could easily do with one long bundle and the short ones. You can also mix wood types with two bundles if you like doing stripping patterns.

They also sell complete "kits" for canoe builds that include strips, epoxy, glass, etc., and I realized one of these canoe kits with a short strip bundle added in would do a Melonseed.

Thanks for the encouraging words on the boats and website. I've had to take a couple of weeks away from the project for work and, you know, Mother's Day and such, but will be back to it soon. I'm actually doing a bit of "field research" in Florida at the moment, taking a little side trip while here for work to visit the guys of the Gulf Coast TSCA. Great bunch of guys associated with the Cortez Florida Maritime Museum and Roger Allen, all very generous with useful information. I sailed in Melonseeds of two different sizes today, all gaff rigged. Really fun boats, and it's given me insight into a couple of slight modifications that I think I'll incorporate into the plans, which should make the boats more comfortable and user friendly later, so it's been a useful break.

I will definitely post more here as things progress.

Thanks!

[Ron Paro]

Barry,

Thanks for posting the link to your website. Your writing and photos are fantastic, and your 'north' and 'south' melonseeds are looking very good too! I am bookmarking you site to keep following along.

Ron
http://jimmyskiff.blogspot.com

[davebrown]

barry: thnx for reply. therefore, not counting shipping, looks like about $150 for the strips...seems reasonable to me.

[EyeInHand]

Dave, seems like enough for my project was a good bit more than that, but still a good price relative to comparable sources. If you have access to good wood locally you can still come out ahead ripping your own, even after buying router bits. The only wood I could find near here was tres riche, like they wanted to charge finished boat prices for what was still raw wood.

[davebrown]

i think their website was down over the weekend. i read it carefully, and now i see that there are bundles of $500-ish for same. this means around $750 for enough to build one boat. now it's worth it to cut my own.

[EyeInHand]

Would you believe the local guys here wanted about $500 for enough clear planks to do one boat? Since then some Atlantic White Cedar came available for less, and some Eastern White Pine, but none could be had when I needed it.

[davebrown]

i could do a jaunt either up to portland, where WRC is substantially cheaper, and which would be a fun trip for other reasons, or use a heavier but cheaper local wood, like doug fir. weight is obviously going to be an issue with doug fir. whatever i see around here is will require scarfing, unless for more money than it would take to buy from noah's. i think cutting the strips on scarfed planking will introduce, as dynamite payson said to me in a phone conversation, "a significant amount of evil into the boat". i think bob smalser mentioned that our local cedar, here in the bay area, is not useful for planking, since it is even more brittle than redwood. i have seen a few local guys use redwood for strip canoes but...probably not recommended by the designers.

[scudder]

Hello Barry. Nice looking build. I live 5 miles from Scottsville, and thought I'd mention a few local sources of wood that you may not be aware of. Northlands Forest Products in Zion's crossroads carries a wide variety of species and are good folks to deal with. American Cedar and redwood in madison is a source that might interest you as well. And lastly, Red Brook Lumber in Carter's Bridge area.

[EyeInHand]

Somehow missed your post, Scudder. Nice to know there's someone else in the area.

I got my Ash and some Walnut from Northlands. Tried American Cedar, but I guess they thought they were selling gold bricks instead of lumber. Never heard of Red Brook Lumber, though. I'll definitely look them up.

Know anyone locally who can plane 24-30" wide planks?

[EyeInHand]

Maybe now's a good time to post an update.

Got the decks planked and glassed. Ripped the deck strips from some nice Cypress planks I got locally. Stripped and glassed the tops while I still had the molds in the boats.


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/SouthDeckGlassed_7040.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/NorthAftDeckGlassed_7037.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/DecksGlassedTrimmed_7034.jpeg


Took the decks off and set them aside to work on the interiors. Got the insides glassed last weekend. Am still tired from that little chore, but they seem to have come out alright.


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/DarkStrip_7220.jpg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/NorthFloor_7204.jpg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/NorthInside_7235.jpg


Framing, here I come.


More pix here:

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/category/melonseeds/ (http://web.mac.com/eyeinhand/EyeInHand-Journal/Melonseeds/Melonseeds.html)

[scudder]

Can't say I do, but I'd ask Gaston and Wyatt if they can plane something that wide or know any one who can.

[WoodenPontoon]

Wow! Those hulls look great! I just a bit jealous of the size of your shop! Want to trade?????? Great Job!

[EyeInHand]

Thanks! You wouldn't be so jealous if you knew what I had to go through to get it usable. Took us four months of nasty work. Snakes and bats and spiders all had to be evicted first. This is how it looked originally:

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/BenchB4_6422.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Corner-B4_6420.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/LaundryB4_6417.jpeg


I like it much better now.

[2MeterTroll]

nice boats.

[River Sailor]

Hi Barry,

It's nice to see your recent progress.

Your craftsmanship continues to impress — not only on the boats, but with the writing and photos on your site. I'm curious — what camera do you use?

Keep up the good work, I'm looking forward to watching over your shoulder.

John

[donald branscom]

Thanks! You wouldn't be so jealous if you knew what I had to go through to get it usable. Took us four months of nasty work. Snakes and bats and spiders all had to be evicted first. This is how it looked originally:

http://web.mac.com/eyeinhand/EyeInHand-Journal/Melonseeds/Entries/2008/12/3_Allegory_of_the_Cave_files/BenchB4_6422.jpg


http://web.mac.com/eyeinhand/EyeInHand-Journal/Melonseeds/Entries/2008/12/3_Allegory_of_the_Cave_files/Corner-B4_6420.jpg



I used to have a shop that looked like that.
Dark, scary and insulation hanging down,spiders ,webs,
so I went and got some 3/8 ply and had each sheet cut in half and used grabber screws to put up the 4' x 4' sections. Went very quickly. If I need to get access I still can and it is so much nicer now in my work space and the house stays warmer. TTT

I like it much better now.

[davebrown]

i made the same remark on an earlier post. i am also interested in the camera. this guy is an artist.

[EyeInHand]

Thanks guys, nice to know all the extra work is appreciated. It's fun to do, but fun to share it, too.

For those of you interested, I've been using Canon DSLRs since the first one came out, and they're great cameras. My current one is a 400D, also known as a Rebel XTi. It's fast enough to take pictures in the shop handheld without a flash, which makes all the difference in the world. It's also just below the "Pro" level in the product line, so you don't have to take a tax right off to buy one. I've had it for almost three years now. I do minimal tweaking in Photoshop so they'll display well on the web, but that's it.

The real trick is keeping the sawdust out of it, and remembering to wipe the glue and epoxy off your fingers before you pick it up. ;-/

[EyeInHand]

Wow, didn't realize it's been so long since I posted a progress report.

All was going well, up until Winter struck. Between the weekly snow storms, power outages, low humidity causing my wood to shrink and warp, holidays, etc., I'm about two months behind schedule. Finally got back on track last month.

Been making masts and spars all weekend - the sails have been ordered and the sailmaker needs some specific measurements to custom fit the suit to the boats. Dabbler (http://www.dabblersails.com/) does a great job, so I should have expected nothing less. He's been a great source of information on old style traditional rigs. No photos of the mast and spar progress yet, but here are some from last weekend.

Framing is all done, dry fit and ready for bronze screws and glue.

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/SouthFramingDone_9842.jpeg



http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/SouthCockpit_9841.jpeg



http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/NorthSideCarlin_9830.jpeg



http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/NorthBreasthookHatch_9833.jpeg



http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/SouthSideView_9849.jpeg


More photos and stuff from the intervening months here:

Melonseed Project (http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/category/melonseeds/)


We've been having some terrific sailing weather for the last two weeks, and it's killing me that they're not ready to play yet.

Maybe 4 to 6 more weeks? Man, I can't wait.

[Dave Gray]

Somehow I missed seeing this thread before now. Lovely work! Can't wait to see the finished product.

[Thorne]

Sweet! Keep the photos comin'...

[EyeInHand]

By the way, Thorne, loved seeing you on the cover of Small Craft Advisor last month. That was you, wasn't it? Great photo.

[Thorne]

That was I, or is that me? Anyway it was all about the boat and the quality photo by John Kohnen -- notice that my face wasn't visible. And we won't even start with the massive violations of flag etiquette, shall we...

Back to the Melonseeds, I'd love to see more spar-building pics. Will the sailmaker measure them after completion and start sewing at that time?

[StevenBauer]

Coming along great, Barry. I like the rolling pin modification. :)


Steven

[Russ Manheimer]

Nice to see the progress Barry. What a sight they will be, sailing along in close company.

Russ

[Ed Armstrong]

They are looking sweet!

Ed

[EyeInHand]

More updates, with masts and spars aplenty.

In this episode, our hero relearns the value of the tools of his grandfather (and, yes, grandmother). Or, looked at another way, how clumsy and inept he is with modern alternatives. Also, how bad he is at math.



http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/80poundBoat_9917.jpeg
Tote a boat.



http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/RouterSprit_9954.jpeg
Bad, bad tool. (Or maybe bad tool user.)



http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/MastGlueup_9894.jpeg



http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/DrawKnife-Mast_0024.jpeg
Grandfather's drawknife.



http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/MastwithCheckRing_0092.jpeg
Grandma's rolling pin.

[Ed Armstrong]

Did you actually get that rolling pin thing to work? I tried something similar when making my dinghy's mast (though I use a dowel and threaded rod), but it didn't work well, so I ended up splitting the belt, grabbing the ends, and pretended that I was shining shoes.

Ed

[EyeInHand]

Yeah the rolling pin thing worked great. Was very cool, actually, and kind of fun to use.

The rubber tire inner tube wrap was pretty key (kept belt from slipping and sanding down the rolling pin to nothing) as was getting the lag screw in straight and centered for the chuck to grab. The first try I drove the screw in crooked and the vibration got irritating quickly. Had to re-drill the hole and put in a bigger screw. It was good using a nice wide belt, which helped avoid making low spots as easily.

The other nice thing was using a nylon ratchet strap to support the middle from the rafters. Made it easy to adjust the tension to hold everything steady, but still allowed the work piece to rotate. By just snugging down the screws supporting the ends, the whole piece would rotate slowly on it's own while I worked, which seemed a neat trick, and saved having to stop over and over to rotate it by hand. I would definitely do it that way again.

[ILikeRust]

I don't live close enough to the water to take advantage of perfect sailing days as they happen. But, I can trailer to just about anywhere on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay in about two hours.

Hey, when you make the trip to the Bay, just swing by my place and pick me up on your way! You'll be passing right by my house - seriously. I'm in Short Pump (far western Henrico County), just about 1 mile off of I-64.

A lot of people sail small boats on Swift Creek Reservoir in Chesterfield County, and there are plenty of other lakes and such in the region, if you don't want to make the long trek to the Bay.

Virginia DGIF (http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/fishing/waterbodies/?type=1)lists lakes and boat access points in VA; and there are other sites listing places to sail.

[EyeInHand]

Sounds like a plan, Bill. You are indeed on the way to just about everywhere there's water. From Richmond you can be at a ramp on the tidal York River or the James in about 45 minutes. Just a little longer gets you to Rappahannock.

[CByrneiv]

You mentioned being able to get plans for a 16 foot version of this...

My wife has fallen in love with your hull and decking (I'm rather enamored of it myself); and I need a small rowable sail boat to train my kids on.

The wife and I plan on having a qualified crew by the time they're teenagers, and we're ready to do some passagemaking.

I'm a lucky man... she wants a nice wood 40 footer even more than I do... or maybe a pair of them (one power, one sail).

[EyeInHand]

Yes, the 16 foot Barto plans are available from the Wooden Boat store here. Don Scott did a terrific job on one, finished last year. He has posts on this forum you can find, and a photo album online at

http://s209.photobucket.com/albums/bb294/melonseed16/

The 16 footer might be a bit much for the kids to handle by themselves initially, but would hold you all comfortably - nice for crew training and family outings. Add two rowing stations and put them to work, er, let them play.

[BrianR]

Well Done Mate!!!!

Here's the strip built I made a few years ago. Based on the Barto plans. Stole a couple of good ideas from Roger Crawford's beauties too. 14 footer. "Non-billable Time". I Love her.

[BrianR]

damn.....how do i get my photo in there?!

[EyeInHand]

Hi Brian! May I?

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/BrianR-NonBillableTime.jpeg

I certainly remember when you were building your boat - yours is one of the projects I studied frequently when planning mine. I saved some of your photos for reference, which is why I still have this one.

In fact, I listed you among a group of favored links I posted a while back in a Melonseed Rogue's Gallery, intended to be both amusing and helpful. Hope you don't mind - not everyone makes the cut. There was a fair amount of bragging going on among the chosen for a while as to who had the best portrait:

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/2009/02/17/rogues-gallery/

(I'll be happy to remove you if you aren't amused, or update with a new link if you are.)

[CByrneiv]

Love the contrast between the deep maroon, and the lamination.

That's the color I plan to use for my waterline, painted topside bits, and upholstery on my new project (which I really need to do a post about here soon).

[ILikeRust]

Ha! From the name "Non-Billable Time", I conclude you are a barrister.

My condolences.

I say that as one myself.

[BrianR]

Thanks so much!!!! And yes, I'm a barrister........ :( I didn't know what else to do with myself when I was being forced to leave college.....

[ILikeRust]

Ha! And Whippany, no less.

I was born in Morristown and mis-spent most of my youth in Rockaway Township. Also lived for several years up in Lafayette Township (which most people in Morris County have never heard of - it's in Sussex County).

Finally wised up and left the state in my 35th year.

[EyeInHand]

Probably due for another update here. Been a long summer without sailing, but things are finally wrapping up. If all goes well, the decks should go on in a couple of weeks, followed by trim and finish work. Yeehaw! Can't wait. There just aren't enough days in the weekend.

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/EmVarnishing_0638.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/VarnishingForward_0640.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/SouthVarnishedSide_0641.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/SouthStarboardKnees_0660.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/SouthVarnishedForward_0657.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/SouthVarnishedRear_0648.jpeg

[EyeInHand]

One more:

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/NorthClamped_0600.jpeg

[johngsandusky]

They are striking.

[Ed Armstrong]

Striking indeed. Very nice!

[EyeInHand]

It will always seem a sort of esoteric magic, the things that wood will do. It's humbling.

[WilyBCool]

Your work is why I love wooden sailboats, Art that is functional in a sanity restoring way. Something functional and totally beautiful in a way that fiberglass and metal just cannot accomplish. Thank you for your inspiring work.

[EyeInHand]

Thanks Wily. Calling it my work feels a bit dishonest, though, as the magic is not mine. The credit belongs to some gifted but nameless wizard, working in a tiny shop along a hard to reach stretch of coast, for very little money and limited recognition, no doubt - just the nodding approval of a few local watermen and whatever wages they could scrape together to pay him. I wonder what he would think to know people are still building his boats 100 years later.

[Steve Lansdowne]

Ah! Now I see why the interior is so nicely done. SWMBO!

[EyeInHand]

Steve, I confess I had to look up SWMBO. But if you are referring to my lovely assistant, then yes. Quite.

[EyeInHand]

Not sure if this will work, but here goes. This was shot a few weeks ago:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_38_MktrwlE

Ignore the peeling paint and crumbling siding, which have appeared since the project began.

Yes, that's the door the boats will have to pass through to get out of the basement.

[EyeInHand]

Couple more updates. Decks are on and trimmed flush, hatches are cut. Outer transoms rough cut, to be shaped and faired later.

Nothing left but rudders and tillers, trim, hatch covers, and a thousand little details.


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/ScribingTheHatch_0824.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/HatchCut_0872.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/SouthHatchCut_0878.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/SouthUnderDeck_0922.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/ThickenedEpoxyStrings_0909.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/SouthDeckClamped_0892.jpeg

[EyeInHand]

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/SouthDeckFlush_0950.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/SouthWalnutTransom_0967.jpeg

[johngsandusky]

Beautiful.

[Richard Jones]

Fantastic work! I'm sure that you've got everything figured out to get those boats out that basement door. I've built seven boats in my basement without having to take a sledge hammer to the walls, but it's been a tight fit!
Can't wait to see those beauties sailing.

[donald branscom]

How thick are the hull bottom planks?

[EyeInHand]

Donald, the keel planks are 1/2" Ash. The hull sides are 1/4" cedar, same thickness as the deck/hatch cover in the photo above. Quite thin. It's covered inside and out with 6oz glass cloth. The sheets of cloth overlapped across the keel, so the bottom portion has two layers inside and out, for a total of four. Should be enough, but definitely made for sailing through water, and not rock jetties. They're now up to 145 pounds each, with not much left to add.

[Songololo]

Looking great! I've always had a soft spot for the Melonseed....

Quick question: How much do you expect them to weigh?

[EyeInHand]

Looking great! I've always had a soft spot for the Melonseed....

Quick question: How much do you expect them to weigh?

My estimating skills are rather crippled, but with the trim and hardware I'm guessing maybe 165 pounds? The rudder, centerboard, mast, sprits, oars, floor deck, etc., will add to that quite a bit. I'm hoping they come in under 200 pounds total. Would be nice if two guys could carry an empty hull short distances, even if you had to make extra trips for the loose stuff. I'll definitely weigh them again when they're all done.

[Bill Perkins]

This may be unthinkable on your brand new boat ; I will preface my suggestion by noting that the Melonseeds have traditionally carried some deck loads .On my own gunning skiff (a Delaware Ducker ) I adopted a detail from my sea kayak and rigged a shock cord web on the after deck . It looks fine . When the wind has truly died the tiller and rudder get stored there instead of cluttering up the cockpit . This lessens the drag when rowing which I think is significant ,as these are real sail and oar boats like the Melonseed ; a pleasure to row considerable distances at times .

Launching and landing ,especially when under a big Lee , is sometimes most conveniently done under oars ,with the steering gear stowed . The web layout has a roughly square perimeter with an x crossing the center . The forward most leg passes athwartship just aft of the cockpit coaming . If I need to row a short distance with the rudder rigged I just fold the tiller extension against the body of the tiller and take a quick turn around both with the bight of the tight shock cord .This will keep the helm centered ,even if there's a bit of wave action .When sailing I use this to secure the tiller when I need to go forward and fiddle with the snotter or down haul,etc. It's a big convenience .

[EyeInHand]

Interesting, I hadn't thought of that. I do have two cleats to be mounted on either side of the aft deck, thinking that aside from using them for tying off at a dock I would leave a loop of line or shock cord there to tame the tiller. Might be able to adapt that to holding down the rudder, too. I just tried it, and the rudder does ride nicely on the aft deck, though it just barely fits, so I'll definitely keep that in mind for later. Thanks for the tip.

[EyeInHand]

It's been a long cold winter, but progress continues, albeit slowly. One of the boats made a little trip out of the basement for a ride to MASCF, then back again.

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Insertion_1563.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/TheSqueeze2_1572.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/SecondDoor_1573.jpeg

[EyeInHand]

Then work turned to the second boat to get it caught up, starting with some old partially decomposed Walnut:

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/OldWalnut_1660.jpeg


which became cockpit coamings:

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/SideCoamings_1672.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/FrontCoamingClamps_1813.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/AeonFullTrim_1835.jpeg

[EyeInHand]

That got planed down and sanded smooth,


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/PlaningCoaming.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/RearCoaming_1863.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/TrunkTrim_1864.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/CoamingJoint_1867.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/CoamingWalnut_1874.jpeg

[EyeInHand]

Finished the Hatch coaming

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/HatchPieces_1682.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Hatch_1812.jpeg


And Hatch Cover

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/HatchDetail_1892.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/HatchClamped_1894.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/HatchRough_1930.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/HatchLidMastCollar_1966.jpeg

[EyeInHand]

Then finished the Mast Collar

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/AeonMastCollar-0205.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/AeonMastCollar-0201.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/CaesuraMastCollar-0210.jpeg

[EyeInHand]

Then finished the second Rudder

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/RudderParts_1921.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/RudderGlueUp_1938.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/RudderShapedSide_1955.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/RudderStock_1953.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/RudderStock_1962.jpeg

[EyeInHand]

And Tiller, which tips up so you can skoot under when tacking. (The tongue end sticking out the back will be cut off flush later.)

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/TillerRudder-0199.jpeg



http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/TillerRudder-0195.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/TillerRudderDetail-0192.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/TillerRudderDetail-0193.jpeg

[jsjpd1]

Love the rudder! Thanks for sharing all of your nice work with us.

Jim

[EyeInHand]

Hmm, just realized I've been neglectful, and didn't post anything from the first boat at this stage.

Hatch Cover detail:

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/GrippieLip_1148.jpeg


Rudder:

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Rudder_1097.jpeg


and Tiller:

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/RudderTiller_1141.jpeg


Coaming, this one of Spanish Cedar:

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/PlaneCoamingCurls_1177.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/VarnishedDeckPorch-P1010081.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/VarnishedCoamindDetail-P1010078.jpeg

[EyeInHand]

Oh my, and of course, the moment that had me worried for a year and a half . . . Will they fit out the basement door?

Indeed, with a half inch to spare on either side:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iND_oCz1rWw

[Ed Armstrong]

Looking great! Those melonseed curves are beeaauutiful!

Ed

[Michael Wick]

Barry,

I decided that I would finish my 16 foot Cortez Melonseed, MOGGIE, in time to trailer her to Cortez, Florida to race against the other 'seeds in the Mullet Cup. The only trouble was that I didn't tell the boat. When I said we were going to be finished by next week, I swear I heard laughter. She isn't finished, but she is making good progress whenever the weather is half-decent. I have started decking, and painting, and have set up the rig. All I can say is that she will be ready, soon. See www.traditionalsmallcraft.com (http://www.traditionalsmallcraft.com). Mike Wick

[EyeInHand]

Ah, Mike, Mike, Mike. I was counting on you to get there and whup him. Now we both have to listen to Lucas gloat for a whole nother year. He'll be merciless, you know.

Due to a lovely (but unexpected) vacation, and now taxes, I won't make it either. I was hoping to get to a couple of other spring events, too, but those are looking tentative, as well.

Next year?

I was actually feeling like I really was pathetically slow, thinking you could start so late and finish so soon. So knowing you aren't done yet, either, does make me feel a little better. Thanks!

[jim_cricket]

Hey Barry,
What about that Eastern Messabout thingy in June in Maryland? They'll be ready by then right?
Jim

[EyeInHand]

Hey Jim, yeah they should be done well before then. I figure I only need four to six weekends at most to be completely done. (Finished the taxes last night, so I'm feeling suddenly liberated and optimistic.) But which messabout thingy are your talking about? Not sure it's on my radar, and sounds like it should be. There's the one in Urbanna, and then the WOOD Regata in Rock Hall back to back in May, but doesn't look like I'll make those.

So how bout the Matinicus? Is she on any kind of schedule? Must be hard to stay in the shop except on rainy days when you've got a great boat like Cricket that's ready to play. You taking Cricket to the Small Reach again this year? She made an awful lot of friends there last year I hear.

[EyeInHand]

Toe Rails!

Dang, these are a lot of work.

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/ToeRailDrilling-0435.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/ToeRailDrilling-0437.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/ToeRailsRough-0447.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/ToeRailSanding-0452.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/ToeRailPairs-0460.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/FinishedToeRails-0461.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/category/melonseeds/

[Duncan Gibbs]

Beautiful as always Barry! :)

[EyeInHand]

Thanks, Duncan. Just wish I could make it go a little faster, or at least make more time to spend on it.

[EyeInHand]

Toe Rails done, installed and plugged this week. Weird seeing the decks trimmed like this after two years of looking at them naked. The rub rails and finish trim will tie it all together more when they get installed, I think.


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/ToeRailsClamped-0509.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/ScupperDetail-0492.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/ToeRailPlugDetail-0520.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/ToeRailsDone-0533.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/ToeRailsDone-0536.jpeg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/ToeRailsDone-0532.jpeg

[EyeInHand]

Got a lot done over the holiday weekend. Had plenty of help, too, which makes a big difference.

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/CaesuraStem-0908.jpeg

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/RoughTransom-0905.jpeg

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/SmoothTransom-0916.jpeg

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/EmilyTylerMe-0927.jpeg

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/AeonVarnished-0956.jpeg

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/AeonVarnished-0958.jpeg

[EyeInHand]

Couple more from last weekend:

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/AeonVarnished-0955.jpeg

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/AeonVarnished-0957.jpeg

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/CaesuraVarnished-0962.jpeg

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/CaesuraVarnished-0964.jpeg

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/AeonVarnished-0967.jpeg

[SBrookman]

Barry, just wow! Looking real fine. Might want to trim that transom some more...;-)

Not much progress to report on mine, still making molds and after 3 attempts finally have the stems rough cut. At least I have Vika to sail sometime this summer.

[EyeInHand]

Thanks, Steve. You know, I could tell there was something odd still about those transoms - just couldn't quite put my finger on it. I'll get right on that.
:p

[EyeInHand]

Rub rails added. Transoms trimmed and glassed. Painting done. Coat of Le Tonk on the new wood, second and third coats going on everywhere this week. Getting close!


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/CaesuaraStarboardDetail-0988.jpeg

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/AeonStarboard-1001.jpeg

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/AeonTransom-1031.jpeg

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/AeonShiny-1068.jpeg

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/CaesuraShiny-1070.jpeg

[EyeInHand]

Primed

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Primed-1092.jpeg


Faired

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Primed-1087.jpeg


Taped

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Primed-1109.jpeg

[EyeInHand]

And painted

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/AeonFullSide-1206.jpeg

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Caesura-1201.jpeg

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Aeon-1177.jpeg

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/CaesuraBow-1229.jpg

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Caesura-1228.jpg

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Aeon-1221.jpg

[Sailor]

WOW, that paint looks awesome.

[EyeInHand]

Turned out better than I expected, that's for sure.

[SBrookman]

Another wow, or wow, wow! But why the beautiful paint? They were looking pretty good bright.

[EyeInHand]

It was a painful decision, to be sure, Steve. Paint on the outside of the hulls was a compromise. As the builder, I have to take the lazy reputation of the owner into account - he's terrible about maintenance. Y:o I left open the option of a change of heart til the very end, just in case, but he wants to use them hard and not be afraid to drag them up on a beach. Paint on the outside will make scratches easy to see for a touch up. From inside the boats, though, all you see is bright finished wood.

[George Jung]

Very nice - and timely! After building kayaks for the kids, I've wanted to build a melon seed; yours is gorgeous.

The build record is wonderful; thanks.

[donald branscom]

A beautiful job! Thanks for sharing your photos.

[Falcon500]

Been away for over a year, your boat(s) are amazing, I started building another Merrymeeting Bay duck boat, cedar strip and 'glass, then life happened (it's a b*$#& ya know). Any way I am glad the way I'm building mine is almost exactly the same as you are/did, as i was just going by heart, the plans were for carvel planks....

I'm also glad to see your planks are 1/4" and mine are 7/16 roughly, i only guessed on that too, my boat is more considerable as i have 1/2" ash floors every two feet and nearly two feet in breadth, also I'm going to be installing twin ash keels

[davebrown]

Your photos remind me of what a hack I am. Finish work is my white whale. Spectacular, spectacular job.

[EyeInHand]

Thanks. Speaking of life . . . no, let's not go there. Sounds like a sturdy boat you have going, Falcon - I assume you'll be using it as intended, for hunting? While these will have muddy dogs in them, for sure, at 1/4" thick I'll be keeping these hulls clear of rocks.

And Dave, I'm a hack, too, though I am becoming a rather persistent hack. And the work always looks better in pictures.

Speaking of pictures, here are some more from this weekend. Flipped for final (for now) coats of Le Tonk varnish. Finally got the hatches and tillers and rudders done to match.

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/CaesuraTopsideVarnish-1259.jpg

http://eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/CaesuraTopsideVarnish-1263.jpg

http://eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/CaesuraTopsideVarnish-1260.jpg

http://eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/AeonTopsideVarnish-1269.jpg

http://eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/AeonTopsideVarnish-1264.jpg

http://eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/BothBoatsTopsideVarnish-1271.jpg

[Sailor]

I'd almost venture to say that your boat stands are even more pimpin than mine. And mine have tassles on them! Nice.

[EyeInHand]

And mine have tassles on them!

Ok, I got to see them, pictures?

[SBrookman]

Just another WOW...floating (someday) furniture, eye candy. Can't wait to see them sailing.

Transoms...everything is looking fine...but...ok, there is something about those stems. Maybe it's the lighting.

[EyeInHand]

Steve, you're such a perfectionist. Jeesh. I'll take another look. I'm sure it's the lighting.

[Falcon500]

Thanks. Speaking of life . . . no, let's not go there. Sounds like a sturdy boat you have going, Falcon - I assume you'll be using it as intended, for hunting? While these will have muddy dogs in them, for sure, at 1/4" thick I'll be keeping these hulls clear of rocks.


Well yes, hopefully ducks, maybe a dog i dunno, and i even carved up a set of (three) oars. I'm not sure about drilling the hole for it in the transom only an inch above the waterline.

Someday i'd like to build a purty one like those, i might have to re-loft it though, i had trouble with an unfair spot near the "shoulders" near the bow.

[EyeInHand]

Maybe I just didn't look hard enough, or there's a secret place where you find these things, but I couldn't find any rudder hardware that seemed right. Tried my hand at making it, brazing solid brass with silver. Was kind of cool. WoodenBoat #215 has an article about it that was really useful. Hoping the brass will hold up. These will be on a trailer when not sailed, and I've sealed the metal with a clear coat, so maybe if I keep up with that it will be OK.

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/HardwareFilingDetail-1280.jpg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/HardwareDrilling-1285.jpg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/RedHot_1322.MOV.jpg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/PolishedBrassDetail-1364.jpg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/RudderHardware-1376.jpg



http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/RudderShoe-1403.jpg

[G.Sherman]

OMG!

[Ed Armstrong]

Nice work! I'm envious. My one attempt at silver soldering following the instructions in WB was a failure. I suspect I had the wrong solder or flux.

[EyeInHand]

Thanks G.

Knock on wood all mine seem to have a good solid bond. I've wacked several with a 2lb deadblow hammer to make some "adjustments" and they've all held. I imagine a lot of things can go wrong, but the most common is some contaminant on the metal. I sanded each surface to shiny metal with 1500 grit sandpaper literally seconds before applying the torch. Not sure about different flux types, don't know enough about it, but this is what I used:

http://www.harrisproductsgroup.com/~/media/Images/Products/Alloys/Brazing/StaySilvWhite.ashx?bc=ffffff&mw=150

Stay-Silv® White Fluxhttp://www.harrisproductsgroup.com/en/Products/Alloys/Brazing/Fluxes/Stay-Silv-White-Flux.aspx



Some more info on the process used here if you're interested in trying again:

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/2011/07/20/hardware-the-hard-way-part-2/

Fun, but definitely a learning experience.

[EyeInHand]

Recent updates, floor decks with a latchy catchy thing:

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/FloorCatch-1446.jpg

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/FloorLatchClosed-1443.jpg

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/FloorLatchOpen-1444.jpg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/FloorsForwardCatch-1461.jpg

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/FloorsForwardCatch-1457.jpg

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/FloorCatchCaesura-1451.jpg

[EyeInHand]

Installed:

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/FloorsDone-1456.jpg

[EyeInHand]

Names, sheer stripes and little flourishes applied:

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/CaesuraNameDetail-1472.jpg

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/CaesuraBowDetail-1467.jpg

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/CaesuraSternRudder-1476.jpg

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/CaesuraWideView-1465.jpg

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/AeonNameDetail-1471.jpg

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/AeonSternRudder-1469.jpg

[Sailor]

Has the Smithsonian called yet?

[EyeInHand]

Well, if they do, they can't have them. We've got too much sailing to do.

And I paid them fair and square for those plans. Not MY fault they only charged $15.

[shade of knucklehead]

Those two are sweet, I can't wait to see pics of them in the water.

And I love the walnut, I don't think its used enough in boats, it has such awesome grain...

[Sailor]

They truly are works of art. I hope you enjoy them to the fullest. And I also hope whoever has them when you no longer do cares for them as they should be cared for. They're gorgeous.

[SBrookman]

Barry, please stop it! You've already set the bar too high for mere mortals to emulate, never mind us wood butchers. I'm now calling my build a melonrind, just so there won't be any comparisons, not that there would be any.

Very beautiful work. Are going to get some sticks and sails on them anytime soon? Hope to see them at the MASCF.

[EyeInHand]

Well thanks, guys. There are plenty of mistakes. Always are. My grandfather used to tell me, with enough caulk and paint, he looked like a pretty good carpenter. That would be me, too.

Weather permitting (and as long as the doors are wide enough) tomorrow they exit the basement. We'll have a little potluck cookout to celebrate after. Y'all come.

Then the masts can get stepped and trimmed, the spars varnished and rigged. Then theres's the trailer to tend to. Should get a couple of good sails in before St. Michaels.

[Philip Maynard]

They look really good, something special.

[EyeInHand]

Thanks, Phil. Really appreciate all the advice you have along the way, too. The big question left is: Will the centerboards work?

[EyeInHand]

Some photos from the Boat Birthing Party. Just squeezed out of the basement.

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/BoatBirthing-18.jpg



http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/BoatBirthing-20.jpg



http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/BoatBirthing-21.jpg



http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/BoatBirthing-24.jpg



http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/BoatBirthing-26.jpg


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/BoatBirthing-97.jpg


Many more photos here:

Boat Birthing (http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/2011/08/23/boat-birthing/)


http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/2011/08/23/boat-birthing/

[Duncan Gibbs]

Terrific stuff Barry. I for one really like the painted hulls as they appear even more handsome than left bright.

Well done and looking forward to the splash photos.

[EyeInHand]

Thanks Duncan. Once the deed was done, I have to agree. There's enough beautiful wood showing elsewhere we don't miss it on the hulls at all.

[EyeInHand]

So, here's something a little different:

From the start of this project I had an old video camera stuck up in the corner of the basement. It was set to record 1/2 second of video every 10 minutes, and was on whenever I was working. By the time I was done, I had the whole 2 1/2 year project in a time lapse video, condensed down to one hour. I compressed it further, down to five minutes.

It's pretty cool. There's some description and explanation here:

http://www.eyeinhand.com/Marginalia/2011/09/12/time-lapse/


And here's a link to video on Youtube:





http://youtu.be/kuO0ZeqyLHY

[johnw]

That's too cool! Now we want to see them sailing.

[EyeInHand]

Working on that sailing part as fast as I can. Just a few more details left. Modifying the trailer over the next several days to carry both boats. We did take one over to a local pond to do a wet test - try out the oars, rudder/tiller, centerboard mechanism, etc. Was a lovely little outing. These boats row like a dream.

And amazingly stable. My wife and I both stood up and walked around each other without fear of falling in. Granted, it was a flat calm, but still . . .

[johnw]

I've been lurking on the thread at least a year now, I can wait a little longer.

[Ed Armstrong]

That video is totally awesome! Great job!

[ILikeRust]

I found that video completely riveting. I'm being serious. Fantastic!

Got a new water heater in there, didja? hehe.... Really interesting to watch.

And +1 on the sailing pics. Can't wait to see these beauties in the water.

[davebrown]

You and Lagspiller get my vote for the two greatest build threads of all time on this here forum.

[EyeInHand]

Wow, thanks guys. Glad you like it. It has been a blast, for sure.

Those Norwegian boats are incredible. Such amazingly beautiful shapes, and wood doesn't like to get into any of them. No idea how they manage to do that.

We may have a nice easy breeze here the next two days, just enough to fill the sails safely if Murphy is working overtime. Went out for a second row today, with adjustments made after the first trial run. Have one more detail to work out. If I get that done in the morning, might just get the canvas tied on tomorrow.

[simonmags]

Fantastic, love the detailing on the paint and the mix of Varnish and Painted surfaces, they look Terrific! Enjoy the sailing, thanks for posting so many photos.

[Michael Wick]

Barry,

I've got the deck on and just need to install the coamings (already built). I am determined to be ready for St Mikes. See you there. Mike Wick

[EyeInHand]

Excellent! Can't wait. Been messing with this double-decker trailer for days.

Terri and I got one sail in the other day, though, when that cold front blew through. Was very gusty, blustery, wind changing directions, slapping us from one side, then the other. It was a blast.

Fortunately, the little pond we chose for a test run is only 100 yards wide, so the water stayed deceptively calm. I did manage to make Terri swear once. Passed the point where the wind was funneling down from the north and converged. I could see it was stronger and coming from a different direction, but thought it would backwind the sail. Instead, it grabbed the sail full by the lee and launched us headlong toward the rock cliffs. Did a quick 390 degree spin into the wind about a boat length away from a stone cold kiss.

Don't know if you saw the video yet, but here tis:


http://youtu.be/7iU9wK1Zxow

Most people who know me, or know what a first time sailing a boat is like, can see how nervous I am the moment I clip on the sheet, but only takes a minute to relax and enjoy the ride.

[johnw]

Wonderful! you look like the cat who ate the cream.

[SBrookman]

Congrats Barry, you done real good! Please keep avoiding those cliffs so we can them in person at St. Michaels.

[jsjpd1]

Very, very nice! Congratulations.

Jim

[Bill Perkins]

An inspirational presentation (the whole thing) . I’m more likely to try brazeing than casting metal . I’ve even bought some low temp silver solder (TIX). We’ll see.

I couldn’t tell if you ‘d chosen oarlocks yet ,but I’ve got to lobby for my favorites. For a boat with side decks that will also be rowed frequently (the traditional gunning skiffs and many other good boats ) I prefer the type of oarlock with a small eye cast to one horn .This is for a lanyard which runs from the lock ,across the deck to the cockpit , then to a termination just below ,like to a carlin . The idea is to keep the lanyard as short as practical ,and completely out of sight and out of the way when the lock is stored. I use parachute cord.

So rigged the lock can be installed or removed with one hand , the skipper stably seated on the centerline . The lanyard is long enough for the lock to be stored below in a preexisting or purpose made holder. To bring it out you just yank on the lanyard ; no need to look or grope around .

To me one of the pleasures of such boats is the ease with which they shift from one mode of propulsion to another. If the wind drops light or you’re passing through a lee out comes one or both oars to help the boat along . The wind picks up again : oars and locks are stowed again in a trice.