Mark Hughes

Yeah, try little British sports cars for an expensive hobby! I've got two and they are draining my boat-building coffers fast. Actually the ads can come in handy. I popped into one and have been shopping it for a trailer!

Ok, that "Scary Sharp" was just plain hysterical! I was laughing so hard, three coworkers and my boss came over to my desk to see what was wrong! The methodology seems sound, I'll have to give it a try.

I know what you mean, Mike. I am a pauper, but my son's excitement at each gift was worth every penny. How did I make out? Well, a bunch of clothes I needed anyway, and about a C-note worth of Big Orange Box gift cards. Now I've been eying that same tablesaw Konrad scored, but I have read mixed reviews...

Merry Christmas to you as well Fintan! You're just checking out, and I'm checking in. I envy you. I still have a long day of work ahead of me. I too have a lot to be thankful for. But unlike you, I only have half of everything I want. I have a boat that doesn't float (yet), a sports car that doesn't run (yet), a lovely wife that isn't in the mood (ever), a beautiful son who doesn't listen to me, two Siberian Huskies that won't come when their called, and a job that doesn't pay enough. Oh well, better half than "half not"! Hope all your holidays are happy and healthy, and you all have a prosperous New Year!

Aye to that, Fintan. I was just thinking that myself as I read this. I am so left handed, I even have a left handed keyboard and mouse at work. I suppose put in the situation I would figure out how to eat right handed though. Better to embarass myself then offend the host.

Priceless, Konrad!

Got the brass bell last year for Christmas. So my boat has her "soul", now if the builder can get healthy long enough to tolerate the elements, she'll have a complete body to go with it! Boat items on my Christmas list this year include West Marine gift certificates, a new plunge router, a small space heater, and a GPS.

Hunting deer with shotguns is not only common, in many areas it is the only firearm allowed for hunting deer. Growing up in upstate NY, you had to go up to the North region around the Adirondacks, or the Southern Tier, around the catskills to hunt with a rifle. The rest of the state only allows shotguns. I believe it has to do with population densities and the range potential of the rifle over the shotgun.

Wow! That is great! Congratulations on the approaching bundle of joy, but shouldn't you be going like gangbusters to finish your PC now? Perhaps you underestimate just how much time you will have for those kinds of things shortly! Sadly enough, I got an unwelcome reprieve from my rush to finish my Vacationer. My wife and I lost our baby a month ago, just at the halfway point. But we have one happy and healthy little boy to remind us that we are still blessed. Enjoy the restful nights now and stock up on sleep while you can! And start filling you house with batteries of every size and description. We quickly discovered that there is no such thing as too many batteries for all the do-dads and gizmos that accompany a baby these days!

I know what you mean about a sharp plane, Charlie. That is how I scarfed my rubrails. Drew in the lines for a 12:1, and planed down to the line. I got a beautifully tight joint that way.

I think you'll find that most people recommend installing the steering before the sides go on. I, of course, did it the hard way...after the sides were on. It wasn't too contortionistic, but then, I'm building a Vacationer,which tends to have a little more elbow room in general.

Just got around to this one. COOOL!! Once you figure out to cue them one beat ahead you can get them in perfect time. some people just have way too much time on their hands!

Well done, Dave! You are the envy of all of us who have yet to get ours in the water! Put the other sawdust and glue projects on hold for awhile and enjoy sailing her.

Howsabout the Mini-Indie plans? My son is fascinated by the pictures on your site, and I keep meaning to ask you if the plans are still available.

Holy Dr. Dimento! I haven't heard that song in over a decade! Sure fits Jake to a "T" though!

Congratulations, Tyler! That was amazing perseverance to get her in the water as quickly as you did, and she looks fantastic! My office gave up the betting pool. But, I've got to get cracking on it now. Swabbie number two is on the way in February, and if I don't get done before that, I'll never get her done after!

Out of curiosity, what led to your decision to omit the dolphin striker? I'm sure with the arch to your bowsprit you don't need it structurally, but it has a nice aesthetic to it.

Congrats Konrad! Looks like you got a Powder Monkey. Now all you need is the cannon!

I'm keeping the upper rubrail permanent, and screwing a sacrificial strip on to it from the outside that can be easily removed when it becomes dinged beyond repair. Not that I will ever need to replace it, as I'm sure I won't hit anything! :roll:

I've been using the PL Polyurethane Construction Adhesive for the rubrails and cockpit construction, and so far I really like it. It dries a cream color, that is barely discernible between the rubrail and ply. It sands fairly well, and is strong as all get out. A bit troublesome to get off skin if you don't find it before it sets, but otherwise been great. Clamping pressure is definitely the key, although it will also expand to fill small voids.

Thanks John. I get the idea and I think I can create something of the sort. Do you have a bracket with a release on your stem for the anchor when it is raised?

Ok, Stuart. I've been searching all over for the information you've had to get for this. I can find all sorts of info on mast and spar length and diameter, but nothing on placement. Can you pass on some of your sources you used to do the calculations?

Well, if it makes you feel better, mine has a similar warp in about the same place. Not quite as pronounced as yours, but definitely noticeable. I was planning on giving it the 4X4 and ratchet strap treatment, soaking it down for a couple of days, and adding two additional bolt holes down through the bowsprit and let the base of the bowsprit keep it in line. I do like the whisker stays, though. Hadn't thought of that, even while drooling over Chris' pictures the first time! Probably the extra bolts and the whisker stays in combination would be just what the Dr. ordered.

John, I've been thinking about some kind of anchor roller for my Vacationer as well. Do you have any pictures of your setup? And did you buy it or build it?

Well, don't feel too lonely. I've had whole years like that. Eventually it gets better and you forget about those days, or it gets worse and you long to have them back!