Don Silsbe

I think the strip is a good idea, but I would wrap it in packing tape first. Then, it will pop off and reduce the amount of sanding. I’d also be tempted to lay down a small piece of glass cloth or tape, tho strengthen the bond. I’d only do this to the inside, and I’d apply it before screwing on your strip.

@Captain Tim— I don’t use it for removing the mast. For me, the difficult part is lining up the mast with the hole. Here are some YouTube versions of both videos.

Weird. I show one photo and two videos. Anybody else?

I chickened out on adding a tabernacle to my 17 mk 1. Instead, I made a removable mast stepper contraption. I don’t mind walking on the deck, and don’t like hauling around another long stick for stepping the mast. Here are two videos explaining its use. IMG_5837.mov IMG_5841.mov

This B&B product doesn’t get enough press. I included this in the build of my Two Paw 8 which I named Two Bits. It is complicated to incorporate in the build, because it will affect alignment and hull spacing. But once it is done, assembling the two halves is a piece of cake. Plus, no water enters the boat during assembly. Here’s a video my son took of me assembling the two halves. Do you have a stopwatch handy? IMG_9828.mov

A quick and dirty solution to your c/b play issue might be to add one or two thin strips of wood along the top of the inside surfaces of your c/b slot. That would prevent the “horn” part of the c/b from wobbling. You could tape them in place for a trial run. They need to be long enough to touch the horn in its full range of travel.

I’m in the home stretch! I watched some YouTube videos on how to be a contortionist (just kidding), and began the final phase of stripping and painting. On Monday I get to apply primer! This was the easy part. This area was a whole lot tougher. The holes in Bulkhead One are for oar storage. They have capped sleeves made of PVC pipe.

@Reacher—This rig is faster sailing, and quicker to rig than the spritsail rig. I’m just a little old fashioned, and like the looks of the spritsail rig. I added the Bermudan rig because of my need for speed.

Upon revisiting this thread, I realized that I never posted photos of the permanent installation. I glued in new Okoume panels on each side, including openings for storage and Armstrong hatches. I opened up the forward floatation/storage area. While I was at it, I move the oarlocks and seat aft to level the boat for better rowing. I repainted her interior with two-part polyurethane. Finally, I added the Bermudan rig with a masthead float. The little masthead float worked like a charm.

Do you mean this one? If so, it is a Princess 28, and it is for sale.

@Andy Woerner Please introduce yourself to me. I’ll be there with my CS17 Windependent.

@Alan Stewart— How’s the flooding there? I’m sure it’ll all be fine by next weekend. Just wondering.

Good news! I will be attending the Messabout! I plan to arrive Wednesday evening, and launch Thursday morning. Thursday afternoon, I’ll sail to Bonner Bay. Who’s going to be there? Where in the bay do you normally anchor?

Graham is right (of course). On this forum, you will get plenty of free advice. Just remember that it is worth every penny you paid for it. Your biggest problem will be deciding which advice to take, and which to ignore.

I should add that my wife suffered a compression fracture in her lower back about a month ago. I’ve been waiting on her hand and foot. She is improving, but still requires my care. I am hopeful that I can still attend the messabout, but there’s still a chance I must stay behind. Here’s hoping I can come as planned.