Todd Stein

Alright, I figured I’d throw my hat in the ring for what it’s worth. Over the years of repairing and maintaining boats I’ve painted with all the top brands and have had For the most part been pleased with the results. After making more than my share of mistakes, I make it my priority to carefully read the Appropriate section of the products MSDS. Turns out some paints aren’t compatible with certain chemicals, duhh. Although I prefer the durability of 2 part LPU’s, I do not like dealing with the noxious fumes In the garage at home. If I were building in a dedicated and separate shop I would more than likely use a 2 part paint. Pettit paints has been my preference, however I read where folks have used Rustoluem and/or Sherwin Williams products with success. I’ve met a good share of old timers who prefer to use exterior latex on their boats. Who knows, maybe I might be lucky enough to get to that point!

Wow, your assembly is very impressive and timely. I wish I had some of your mojo.

I hadn’t thought about recessing nuts, but know since you mentioned it........😆🤘. I think the wedge might be overkill but I figure I could always trim down. I’m currently awaiting U bolts from Amazon for the stern. I still strongly desire a boomkin but it will definitely be of a asymmetric design. Still holding hope to have room for windvane, although I very pleased to hear the boat, once properly trim can often sail herself. Now back to sanding on this windy, windy day. Peace, Out.

Once again I found myself getting to far ahead of myself by temporarily dry fitting the sheer strakes before completing the cockpit seats. Not a big deal of course but I’m really wanting to get the cabin enclosed so I start painting. The mounting block for swim ladder turned out nicely as well as the outboard well which took several variants.

Thanks Alan, It’s very insightful video regarding equipment suggestions. There are several important life saving points you bring up regarding signaling which I have experienced both ways as the rescuer and rescuee. The point I would like to add is the redundant and overlapping nature of your equipment starting with knives. I think the multi tool in all its variants is a must have item, however despite it being stainless requires diligent preventive maintenance (PM). Once again I unfortunately have experienced overlooking the need to properly maintain after an outing. I’d like to succinctly share an experience and lesson learned. April 2018 I was skippering a 19’ performance catamaran on a particularly windy day in early spring. My athletic nephew and I were double trapezed as we headed out into Chesapeake Bay. On a close reach we were really giving it the beans when my trapeze line malfunctioned instantly dunking and separating me from the boat which soon capsized 25 yards away. Although being a moderate to strong swimmer the catamaran began drifting away while crew was attempting to get bows into the wind and re-right. I was encumbered by PPE and PFD and quickly realized boat was drifting faster than my efforts. Within 40 minutes boat was out of sight and being early spring there were zero boats around. I swam to a crab pot float so I wouldn’t drift too far and began using a signal mirror. The only other tools I had were a whistle, knife and chemlight. After floating for 2 hours I was becoming noticeably hyperthermic - loss of fine motor skills and cloudy thinking. About this time my nephew was spotted drifting downwind just offshore Gwynn’s Island and was reported to local Coast Guard Station. Sortied to the reported capsized catamaran, the USCG vessel sighted/recovered me and eventually got my nephew onboard. Boat washed on sandbar and some good Sam’s righted it and brought it ashore. We were very lucky that day and learned some valuable lessons. Now my PFD has most of what you’ve show in the video except PLB and flares. I plan to purchase a PLB once boat is launched. This is a very important aspect of responsible boating which sometimes gets taken for granted or becomes complacent. It certainly changed my perspective on preparedness. “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth” - Mike Tyson

I had a phonecon with Alan regarding boomkin placement and he suggested it can be mounted asymmetrically and doesn’t necessarily need to follow plans. Once I get equipment mounted we’ll see if and how to fit to boomkin. I wanted to have a minimum of 12” from ladder mount to boomkin so one could climb up unobstructed - somewhat.mMore pictures to follow in coming weeks. Hope this will be the end of cold weather and you can shake out the canvas and get out on the water.

After a couple weeks of working on other parts of the boat, time finally came to decide where and how to locate and mount retracting swim ladder and outboard motor well. I was definitely apprehensive about cutting a 3” hole (least it was above the waterline) so I asked my brother in law, Jim to the cutting. I jokingly told him I’d rather have someone to blame if it was wrong, lol. The difficulty was figuring out the correct angle for both the backing plate and the exterior cheek wedge for mounting the ladder. We cut 1” thick mahogany into three 6” x 8.5” and epoxied them together. Once cured I’ll cut out a 3” angled hole after which the piece will be cut diagonally lengthwise. This should give the correct angle to mounting the recessed storage tube and mounting plate. The outboard motor mount and recessed tray was straightforward but needed a few adjustments. I wonder how to minimize engine vibration and I’m open to any and all suggestions. Thanks Steve for the walkthrough video and Jim for the 3D math skills.

Thank you for the excellent detailed description. It was like I was peering over your shoulder pickin’ up what you’re layin’ down. I’m much more confident now and fully understand to process moving forward thanks to your help. One challenge is whether the boomkin can still be utilized. The other factor/concern is installing the swim ladder adjacent to windvane and trim tab port side of rudder. I’m thinking that will be entirely too much but first things first! Stay safe and healthy and look forward to future conversations.

Steve, I’m in accordance with your thoughts as well. At 6’ and slowly shrinking the cabin height appears just right, especially when I can clearly see through the dead lights without having to scooch up or down. I see if that changes when I add foam on the bunks. Additionally I too would like to sail the EC, however there’s a number of benchmarks I need to accomplish. The wife supports my goal as long as I don’t go singlehanded- nfc. Lastly, I’m nearing the point of fabricating the cutout for the outboard well and wanted to ask if there’s any diagrams, pictures or suggestions you could share please? I purchased a used 20” shaft Tohatsu 6HP and plan to transom mount, starboard of rudder. How far below bottom of transom do you suggest for cavitation plate? Outboard has reverse gear so 360 pivot is a non issue. Thanks again for all your suggestions and kind support. This is a special group.

Well now it’s officially been 365 days since I have taken delivery of our boat and throughout the day have been reflecting on this project. In the early days and weeks of this build I initially set a goal to have the boat completed within a year, not fully realizing my novice skill and speed of work. The reality I’ve learned and now fully accept is that it doesn’t really matter how long it takes and I should avoid time lines as a tool of project measurement. Many a friend have taught me to “enjoy the process”, “embrace the build” and “it’s the journey-not the destination “ and many other manner of wisdom. Their words ring true. At times I have been frustrated because I was so messy with taping and fillets or became irritated with myself for making mistakes after mistakes. Aside from my “opportunities for growth” this has been a life long dream and something which has provided satisfaction and fulfillment. I look forward to getting out on the water whenever that occurs and start a new sailing chapter. But for now I’m profoundly grateful to have a project like this to undertake and keep me busy. This has been such an adventure and learning experience and I’m glad I chose to build this boat. Big shout out for all who have helped me and been supportive. Jim - thanks for your wonderful suggestions and talents during our Friday sessions.

Thanks Steve for the pictures and quick response. Your workmanship is very impressive and clean. I especially like the fabricated interior support - good idea! Based on your pictures I’ve got a ballpark idea of the angle the block. I’ll start searching around for a chunk of mahogany or teak to make a block. I’ve added it to my existing quest for Sitka spruce or Douglass Fir for sprits.

I purchased the same ladder from Amazon and received it yesterday. I noticed you made an adapter block for mounting. Would or your son have the approx size dimensions of the block. Also what did you seal it with, butyl rubber gasket or a polysulfide sealant? I appreciate your suggestions.

Nice job Don!

Praying for his safe recovery and the resolute search efforts.

Thanks one and all. I think I’ll go ahead with thickened epoxy sans fasteners.