Adios

Just an update. We finished getting an aluminum T-top installed with the help of High Speed Welding in Wilmington, NC. They did a nice job, I have put about 30 hours on the engine getting used to how it handles and working bugs out of the software. I'm almost there. We went out in the harbor recently when it was blowing 16 kts G26 kts for a surprisingly dry and stable ride. I have yet to put in the decking material but have decided to go with Seacork. Teak is too heavy (and expensive) and I cant bring myself to put fake teak or paint on this pretty wooden boat. Does anyone have experience with Seacork? I plan to venture out to some of the nearshore reefs in the near future and see if I can put some fish in this boat.

Test Launch yesterday. I was nervous about the waterline because of the changes made along the way and because of the tendency for novices to overbuild. I floats nicely about 2" below the waterline with a 25% fuel load. The engine proved too high and we had too much prop pitch (20) , so we are making some adjustments.

Okay We have an engine!

Thanks for the comments. I'm not sure about the weight but will wait until after the engine is on to adjust the trailer. The engine goes on this week and , weather permitting<,a test float this weekend.

A quick update for anyone interested. The paint job is done! Most hardware and wiring is finished. I'll take her for an outboard motor this weekend and then a test float will follow. This has been a much longer project than originally anticipated but also very fun and rewarding.

Final fairing and awlgrip primer outside, ready for topcoat. We just finished final fairing inside and primer will go on as soon as the weather is right. Im finally getting close to having a boat and look forward to rigging and the big splash.

Sapele toe rails and out the door! We still have lots to do. Hardware, engine and electronics are all here and ready to go. There are a lot of small details, including all of the hardware cutouts to do before painting begins. I hope that I only have a 2 to 3 months to go. For those interested, I will keep posting. Thanks

5/4 inch teak coverboards. These were installed with gflex epoxy, no fasteners and the 22 ft radius bend was quite a challenge.

Overboard scuppers (incomplete, obviously) and a livewell. The livewell was built of gelcoat and glass over a mold to fit in the transom well.

center console and seating, glass over divinycell.

The deck glassed

I have not posted in quite a long time. 8 years into this project, it finally nears completion. Work, family life, other responsibilities and a dose of project burnout have caused this to take much more time than I ever imagined. This past weekend was a big event. The boat came out of the garage for the last time. The console and seating box were installed, final fairing complete and she is off to the paint booth for a dose of awlgrip. I will post some picture along the way. A springtime launch looks like a realistic possibility. The engine bracket and swim platform completed.

Thanks for the nice comments. I'm going to try to finish laminating the transom this weekend and then get on to the glassing. I send more photos as things progress.

I was about to the point of ordering an Armstrong bracket. Graham was kind enough to send me plans for a built on bracket, adapted from the 256. This has delayed me by a couple of months but I think will be worth it. No corrosion, stronger and better looking, too. It required cutting out slots in the transom to extend the keel and stringers. These are now installed, the bracket is planked and I'm now laminating the outboard bracket.