Kennneee

Stunning! I am totally impressed! Ken

Link to complete album https://goo.gl/photos/42vU3BKQDsnMxbPp9

Hi All, It has been a long time since I sat down to share my progress on Rosie. The decks are on, sheer line tweaked and foredeck faired to look correct, anchor well in place, some ceiling added in the forward cabin and tank coffin compete. I also added a strip of wood with a rolling bevel to the forward 16’ feet of the sheer. This will make the Sapelle rub rail easier to bend in place since it is no longer needs to be twisted into shape. The price we pay for a beautifully flared bow. There is floatation in the bilge areas which may have been a waste of time. Hope never to find out. I will begin the interior framing very soon. Need to make some decisions on the layout. Things are moving along. Ken

BEAUTIFUL! Take a victory lap!

Carter, The first part about the master designer is spot on. The second is an act of kindness. I never expected Graham to sail here so who knows if a trip to the desert could be possible. Carlita is capable of some unexpected feats:). Ken

I attended the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival this year. Got to meet Graham in person and see his beautiful CARLITA. There was a pretty constant stream of people admiring his boat and the clever details that seem to be in every corner of his boat. The self steering system was a real crowd pleaser. After the show Graham sailed his 17' Core Sound to Salt Spring Island were we live. We tracked his progress via his SPOT link. Seeing CARLITA come into view was s beautiful sight indeed. Beauty and function! Got to know Graham a bit and besides being a WIZARD he is an exceptionally nice guy. What a treat to share some meals, hike and have him look my Outer Banks over and point out some of his thinking on design. Here is a link to a few more pics. https://photos.app.goo.gl/QgFVmWgUK9yqSgBF2

Wow! Stunningly beautiful. Any input on overall performance?

I quit using drywall screws years ago. Pocket screws are more expensive but I reuse them over and over. I usually predrill but it is often not necessary since they will drill themselves. Never had one break and the heads don't strip like phillips can. Once you wuit using Phillips you won't go back. If they get stuck In cured epoxy I give them a blast of heat with a heat gun and out they come. I use plywood washers when there is a lot of load to pull a plank in but often don't need to since they have a washer head. I actually like them to make a very slight impression in the surface of the wood. It makes filling the hole easier, particularly on horizontal surfaces. The indentation keeps the resin inplace as it soaks into the hole and accepts filler better. Bottom line is what you think will work best for you. They are available at most woodworking supply houses and Amazon. Pocket joinery has become quit common. I find that the prices can vary quite a bit. I keep a number of different lengths with 1" being the most used length on this project. Cheers, Ken

I quit using drywall screws years ago. Pocket screws are more expensive but I reuse them over and over. I usually predrill but it is often not necessary since they will drill themselves. Never had one break and the heads don't strip like phillips can. Once you wuit using Phillips you won't go back. If they get stuck In cured epoxy I give them a blast of heat with a heat gun and out they come. I use plywood washers when there is a lot of load to pull a plank in but often don't need to since they have a washer head. I actually like them to make a very slight impression in the surface of the wood. It makes filling the hole easier, particularly on horizontal surfaces. The indentation keeps the resin inplace as it soaks into the hole and accepts filler better. Bottom line is what you think will work best for you. They are available at most woodworking supply houses and Amazon. Pocket joinery has become quit common. I find that the prices can vary quite a bit. I keep a number of different lengths with 1" being the most used length on this project. Cheers, Ken

Carter, I agree with Russell. Worked well on my OB26. They tend to blow out a little wood when the come through to the inside plank but that is easily filled later. Screws and staples are a good combo. I use square head POCKET SCREWS. Much better than drywall screws. The square head and built in washer are a big advantage. Ken

Carter- looks really nice! Love seeing your pics. Ken

Yikes! Changed the battery in my motorcycle today and had a new respect for the " acid bomb" that I swapped out. Thanks Dave.

Thanks again Egbert!

Egbert- thanks for the input. Any pics of your tank installation and venting? Your choices make a good case for an aluminum tank. Don't need to do it twice. Did you add foam for floatation? I have assumed that I would use some rigid foam under the cockpit deck but I am having second thoughts. The price here is absurd for the foam and not sure if it is the best path anyway. Might build airtight floatation chambers instead. Any thoughts appreciated. Cheers, Ken

Ken, Thanks for the input! Ken

Carter, The boat looks good! For the stringers I just rigged up a simple steam box. A high output kettle and a piece of scrap PVC pipe I had laying around. The pipe gets a bit noodle like but works fine. I have a bigger steam box for larger pieces of wood but this set up was perfect for this application. I was using air dried Yellow Cedar which bends nicely. Kiln dried fir, for example, is a bigger challenge. I did one piece of the the sheer clamp at a time. Let it sit for a few hours after steaming and then glue. Getting sticky is a way of life for the modern boatbuilder:). cheers, Ken

Thanks Oyster!

Oyster, Yep, planning to glass with 6oz using DWX epoxy. Duckworks claims it has UV inhibitors but I don't totally trust that. I have had really good luck with BRISTOL as a long lasting and durable top coat. Keep the comments coming! cheers, Ken

Oyster, A little late in the game to not be foolish. The engine will have a 25" shaft. Thanks. cheers, Ken

Hi All- More questions for the Bluejacket Brain Trust. Time for me to find a fuel tank for my OB26 build. Going back and forth on plastic vs aluminum, which I am sure some of you have done as well. I am familiar with the potential for odors from plastic and possible corrosion from aluminum. Any input from your experience including tips on venting the tank space would be greatly appreciated. I am likely to use either a Yamaha or Suzuki 90 for power. I am wondering if anybody can give dimensions on the depth of the splashwell needed for these motors? Any input on preference for either brand? Build or buy pilot house windows? I know some have had issues with home built windows leaking and being noisy. Your thoughts and experience would be helpful. Is there a support group for guys that have trouble painting over wood? I spent years in the tropics aboard my sailboat chasing brightwork maintenance. Actually my wife took care of that end of things until we painted over the wood (ouch). Now, in British Columbia and fully intending not to have bright work on this boat, my hands are quivering at the thought of painting over the beautiful Occume cabin sides. Coatings have gotten better, less sun are the rationalization I am using. Anybody want to talk me off of this cliff? Anybody else want to discuss this affliction? Confidentiality assured:). Thanks again for the help!! Cheers, Ken

Thanks Dave!

Steve, is there much 3:00am thinking in this plan? Seems to be my planning time these days. Ken

Steve- WOW! Your boat looks awesome. I think I might get a stomach ache trying to figure out want all of those conduits are for. Would love to know what you are planning. Keep the pics coming. Enjoy! Cheers, Ken

Dave- Thanks for the kudos. Funny you should say all that since I periodically look at your Blujacket build and have moments of near panic looking at all of your thoughtful and amazing detailing. I think we all have a lot to learn from each other and that is the beauty of this community. I thought of calling you the other day to get some advice on a few of your details. I am away from home for a few days trying to think about somthing other than my OB26. BUSTED! What am I doing on this site?? Cheers, Ken

Steve- The Festool stuff is really pricey but saves lots of time. Dominos are WAY stronger than biscuits. I have used them in lots of applications and never a failure. Check out the chairs in the link below. For years I did complicated and time consuming chair joinery and made these with dominos. They seem bulletproof. The time saving on this set was worth thenprice of the machine. https://goo.gl/photos/WgFq3WJjAQjQLLiPA cheers, Ken