Steve Downs

Thanks for the heads up. I'd love to go back and see that area again. I spent 3 years in Massachusetts when I was in the Army in the early 70's and we were able to tour all around that area of New England. Beautiful country!

From the waterline to the top of the mast I have 14'-1 1/2". I forgot to add that on my last post. :oops:

I've never made sails but I have made flags out of nylon with the different colors sewn together. I would imagine that it would be very similar. I'll find out for sure when I get to that point.

I come up with just shy of 18' on my drawing. Around 17'-9" actually.

Hey Jeff, what's your location in Utah? I'm always interested in another Utah weekender.

Jan, yes I'll carve right on the stem itself. I started carving my trail boards today during my lunch hour and it went well, it's going to work just fine, I hope.

Jan, I wish I had a boat to take pictures of. As of now I only have parts that I have been working on in my spare time. I'm thinking of taking a picture of those though. I'll see what I can do. I'm still working on my workshop trying to get the roof up before it snows but it's a slow process working alone. I can only get help on the weekends so hopefully I can get the trusses up this Saturday and button it up before long, then I can start on my boat. I'm thinking of using plywood for the keel and poplar on the tip of the stem so I can carve a figurehead. It's a ways off but it seems like the faster I go the behinder I get. Good luck on your boat. Have you picked out a name for her yet?

Jan, congratulations! You are flying on your boat. You go girl!

Wayne, thanks for posting the pictures. I'm always so inspired to see how other folks projests are coming along. Makes me want to get busy and get my boat to that point. There seems to be no probles getting crushed walnut shells here in Podunk. There are lots of gun shops around here that sell it. Good luck on your launch date and keep us posted with more pictures. Thanks again!

Jan, I'm sorry, it was in the BYYB Forum, not this one. I get confused sometime. Sorry about that.

Jan, I asked the same question the other day and Ray answered it rather well, he even had pictures. It is located in the "Added Ballast" section from a few days ago. Good luck.

Barry, in my travels as an entertainer I've run into a few of those riding groups you were describing and it's absolutely amazing the difference it makes in those kids attitudes and abilities. I can only imagine what sailing could do along those lines also. My grandkids are really looking forward to taking a ride in my boat and the 13 year old is anxious to learn to take the controls and make it work - and I'm anxious to teach him.

So what's the deal. The plans call for polyester but everyone seems to be using epoxy resin. What's the difference? Does one last longer or is stronger or what? I'm so confused.

Congratulations Charles, you've started! That's great. I can start on mine as soon as my workshop is finished. I have half the trusses done. As soon as the roof is on I can get the siding on and I'll be ready for the winter. Then I can finish the inside at my leisure and get started working on the boat. It's going to be a long cold winter but I think I can get a good start. Keep making sawdust! I'm right behind you.

We had "The Odd Couple" and "Barefoot In The Park" at our Niel Simon Festival this summer. Great shows! I've seen a photo of the steering system using the Nelson (?) method and it was all done before the sides were installed. I'm thinking I'm going to use that method.

Dave, I would like to see that layout also. I'v been thinking about open seating on my boat because we all have such long legs and that may be a lot more comfortable. You did a beautiful job on your boat!

Arnie, congratulations on selling your Weekender plans. I found your ad in the classifieds a couple of days too late or I would have bought them. I had already ordered a set from Stephensons. I'm glad to hear that another woman wants to build one. That's great! My daughter is a great builder. She's finished her basement with bedrooms for her two boys and the girl, made a climbing and swinging and sliding toy out in the back yard and even a doghouse. I'll be anxious to hear how she's coming along. Welcome aboard Jan and good luck.

J, I can certainly empathize with you. I'm having trouble getting started with all the rules and regulations my wife has come up with. She wants my tools out of the garage because I just track sawdust into the house. I have to build a workshop out back to keep my tools in and some sort of cover to keep the boat under during construction (amazing what we will do to keep a marriage intact) and then I can get started. We took a cruise up the inside passage a couple of years ago. You live in some beautiful country! Good luck!

Just wanted to throw in my two cents. What I use on any outdoor wooden items such as ladders and wood wheelbarrow handles, etc. is boiled linseed oil. It will dry and last a year or two. Just a thought.

Thanks to Ed and Ray for your comments. I did build a canoe several years ago using cedar strips and I was amazed how the process came together. It worked beautifully for me. The glassing was a good experience and didn't give me a lot of problems. I very happy with the product. It just too bad that I got older and my knees gave out on me and I couldn't kneel to paddle any more. I gave it to my son and he and his family use it quite often up in Rexburg, Idaho.