Bob Taylor

I have those on my travel trailer, no complaints.

When I registered mine in Galveston County, they wanted receipts and any pictures I had of the construction. You wouldn't need to have a ton of paperwork because they just want to make sure you're not trying to register a stolen boat. Once they see that it's home made, it's no big deal.

We'll be awaiting your progress reports and scheduled christening!!! Hopefully there will be two more Vacationers finished this year in the Houston area. I can almost smell a fleet being formed!!!

Where in Texas?

OK Craig, I was looking at some pictures last night from a TDY I had some 20 years ago to Tyndall AFB and found a few from a trip on a pontoon boat some of us rented. We were in a waterway just south of the base marina and there were dolphins all around us. Two of them came right up to the boat looking for a handout. I then realized that I NEED to go back and spend some time there. You pick the time frame, venues and layover spots and I'm there!!! Maybe John down here in Houston will be finished with his boat by then? How about it John? Sugar sand beaches, emerald water, refreshing adult beverages, pilaging..............who could pass this up?????

I've caught Bluefish off Galveston about twenty miles out when I had a stinker. Kinda oily fish, makes you want to call OPEC and make a deal.

Oh, I remember those days!!! Mix a batch of epoxy, set it down to answer the phone, watch it catch on fire. Good times!! You've done a nice job there and your efforts will be rewarded soon. The first sail removes from your mind all of the more unpleasant aspects of boat building. The sticky fingers, splinters, sanding dust EVERYWHERE, expense (time/money), etc. I assure you, the memories of the "not so fun" activities will fade quickly and you'll be consumed with wanting to get out on the water. People will go out of their way to come over and ask you about your new gem. The key is to not slow down!!! Your at a phase now where things start coming together really fast. Plan, execute, assess progress, press on!!!!

I used steel for my deadeyes and sure am glad I did. There can be some tremendous forces on the shrouds with no warnings. The steel might be a bit harder to work around the disc but you'll never have to second guess the strength. Aluminum when bent sharply IS going to crack eventually, then it will be swingin' in the breeze.

Go for it Frank!!! I just need more boat pictures hanging around!! Cell phone, pager and wrist watch tell me what day it is. I just want boat pictures!!!

Going to Kauai myself in October, no place like it!!! A week there and a week on Maui. Places like that drop my pulse down to about 9 BPM.

I've been where you're at!! You're closer to finishing than you might imagine!! Yeah, the cockpit is a chore to glass but you'll thank yourself later for doing a good job now. What is your color scheme?

Hey Frank!! Any news on the new calendar??????

Bill, Last month I went on a cruise that stopped over in Key West for gas and directions and saw that tall ship. They use it for evening cruises and such. Sure looked nice in the sunset, after copious amounts of alcohol.

I've cooked once on my Vacationer, in the cockpit. A camping stove is easy to use on a seat and stow darn near anywhere. We use a plastic contaner with a lid to stow dish towels and soap for washing galley stuff and it also follows the stove to a hiding place when not needed. The open cabin will accomodate a queen size air matress without the galley on the plans. I think I put some pics on Terry's website that show how I rigged for stowage, might give you some ideas.

Hold fast Frank, these days will certainly be tough but we all are destined to endure the rough times to make us appreciate the good ones. Been where you're at, survived, so will you.

Would bribery have any influence on your cover decision?

Here are a couple of pics of the floatation I installed in Sultana: http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid18/pe04ac4a478b3b35634734635677ff4a8/fdcd823e.jpg.orig.jpg http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid18/pc9cc5b0cddfe65f83114fb44d864b020/fdcd8244.jpg.orig.jpg Might not work since its Imagestation. I'll see if I have them on Terry's site......Yep, they're there on the Vacationer picture page.

Hey Craig, If you get to Houston and need a break from the drive-by shootings, you can come a bit further south and visit Sultana!!

Only when I use a VERY steep ramp do I encounter problems with the chain and striker interfering with the winch. The bow sprit extends over the top of my van when towing but doesn't ever get close enough to hit the roof. I'll see if I can get you a photo of my setup, it seems to work well, so far!! Oh yeah, I HIGHLY recommend lift rollers!!!

I spent some time in Panama a few years back and got to go panning in a mountain stream for a few hours. Gold and silver flakes in every pan!!! Just enough to keep me out of the bar for a day!!! Iguanas swam by frequently which keeps you on the look out for those big ass snakes!!!

I fashioned a mast boot from some naugahyde I had left over from another project. They sell these commercially but I wasn't about to pay the cost!! Caulking and some hose clamps did the trick!

I also used the parrel beads but installed a few extra hoops that rest at the bottom of the mast just above the boom in case I break one. I also made a "girdle" out of sail cloth that laces arou7nd the mast hinge to keep the hoops from snagging on the way up.

I used a spade bit with a drill extender. The extender was only a few dollars and was well worth it. I attached a S/S eye nut to 3/8" allthread for the bow eye and attach point for the chain.

Prepare for an adventure!!! Sawing, sanding, gluing, painting, cussing, bandaging, rinse and repeat if necessary. As she starts to take shape you'll become "one" with the experience. You will foresake all others and deprive yourself of human luxuries to work on the boat. Yea, it can be a dark path, bit frought with tons of self satisfaction.......and start drinking, heavily. It helps with the sanding!!

OUTSTANDING!!! Just aim the cradle toward Lake Granbury and give her a push!!! Can't wait to see her rigged and scootin' across water!!! Have you given though to colored sails?