charleston shellback update

[gray duck]

Winter weather has been borderline for painting and varnishing. Good for sanding but that is depressing by itself. Do I hate sanding epoxy more because of my Scotch blood? You know using up a sheet to sand about the same size surface area.


I decided to make my tiller out of black walnut that I cut down because the tree was dying up top and leaning over the house. Main problem was not being able to find anyone that could/would mill it up - took a year of asking around. I finally found the man, Albert Thompson, over on James Island. Super nice guy with a portable mill. He cut the native live oak timbers for the The Spirit of South Carolina - and they were some huge trees.
stump

up on trailer - solo with winch

cutting time - lot of waste since it sat on ground for so long

at home

stacked

[gray duck]

tiller cut out - that wood is tuff!!!


nice grain

painted boat and flipped back

gudgeons

[gray duck]

checking for tiller fit - so it won't hit rails

gluing up 1/4" cheek pieces

fits over top of rudder after few hits with my friend Mr belt sander

bow hungry for some waves

[gray duck]

I just got my sail in the mail from WB!!!! Looks very nice - met approval of SWMBO. The push is on. Need to check the tides for launching party.

[Thorne]

Sweet!

Don't forget the camera(s) for the launch, press some bystanders into service as cameramen if at all possible...you'll be just a tad distracted.