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Posted

OK, I admit it. I'm a boat building addict. I'm in the middle of a life re-org. A divorce. Selling my house. Moving to a rental. Looking at a job change and a move next year, and what do I do?!?!? Pick up a Wooden Boat to see what I can build next!!

Hmm, I have a buddy that would like a rowing shell......over to CLCboats to take a look. Yeah, I could whip together one of those. ....Another friend, was talking about a kayak, hmmmm. I wonder what kind they'd like? Yeah, yeah, I could build one of those over the winter, after all it's like 7 months before the lakes thaw. I got nothin' but time....

Ohhh, I got it bad! I did all the basic fixes on As You Wish that were needed. My life is in boxes and all I can think about is gettin' back in the boat shed. Oh man, is this addictive.....Where was the Surgeon General's Waring?!?!?!? :lol:

So, what's the fix ladies and gentlemen? Just keep on buliding?

--John M.

Fairbanks, AK.


Posted

Yep, you got it. Just build another boat. One more a little biggger, one a little better, and oh yeah one of those strip canoes just for grins. :D

Posted

Ok, having gone through a divorce, I can tell you life will get better; if you look at the positives and the growth potential.

Beer? well, I have a differing opinion lately (though I love the stuff) as I have obstained and intend to continue down a sober path. Alcohol during this time may not be a wise thing to pursue.

Building another boat would be a wise thing IMHO as it is productive and will give you a sense of purpose.

It sounds like you are doing well, judging by the 'tone' of your post. I wish you the best and trust me; things get better. (I thank my ex quite often for the divorce. ;) )

Posted

I agree with captain Jake. Since my divorce I have been doing better financially, spiritually, and emotionally. Not to mention I can now build boats.

Posted

Thanks guys! Yep, I've already gotten to the getting better part, as the capt. deduced from my post. I'm moving forward. I was just struck by how quickly I gravitated to building another boat. I had pulled As You Wish back into the garage to do the winter maintenance, and had most of it done. Built a cover for her too, to keep the snow off this winter. But, the offer on the house has interrupted the 3rd attempt at building those dang cockpit coamings :? I guess I'll get to them eventually. The new place has a heated one car garage, so I might be able to try them again or work on another project.

Maybe I'll pull out the station loftings I made for that wood strip canoe. That is the one that morphed it's way into the Weekender. I might be able to build that over the winter.....after all, we have another 6 months of it up here :lol:

Thanks again guys for the support,

--John M.

Here's some pic's of the cover. Figured if I could build a prom gown for my daughter WITH a pattern, I could build a boat cover without one. (the boat wasn't nearly as picky) :lol: They didn't have enough duck cloth in one color, so it ended up looking a bit like a chocolate dipped banana :) But what the heck, I was just glad it fit.

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Posted

It appears that you've struck on just the thing to do. A manageable boat project; filling the void of time creating something functional and beautiful; now that's good therapy.

As I remember the important part is the time filler. A male left on his own with excess time can come up with untold numbers of bad ideas :!: It's how come they invented Mag wheels and red convertibles.

Posted

Mark,

Years ago I became a true believer in 'sawdust therapy'. When the stresses at work built up too much, it was off to the woodshop for me. Made a lot of nice furniture in response to that treatment. Enjoyed every bit of it. Even passed the theory on to a co-worker. He's a convert now too.

As far as the "void of time" thing goes......I ain't got any of that right now. :) I had some of it a while ago, and working on As You Wish was great therapy. Had a heck of a crack in the keel after the first year on the water. Flipped the boat by myself with block and tackle. That was an adventure :!: Cut away the fiberglass (shoulda listen to everybody who said "Don't cover the keel with fiberglass. It won't last"). Filled it with epoxy, then finished with thickened epoxy and painted. She's back on the trailer now and ready for the water again. Hope to take her to the wooden boat festival in Homer next spring.

--John M.

Posted

Wow, what a nice cover! I like the way the line around and through the grommets serves as the tie down for bungee cords. I use cheapie car covers and put extra grommets in them, but it always tears at the grommets eventually.

The lacing up the back is nice too. What did you make the cover out of?

Posted

Frank, the material is called duck cloth. It's what Carhartt's are made out of. Overalls are made out of it too. It was about the heaviest material the fabric store had and about as heavy as the sewing machine could handle. It took a total of 14yrds. of 60" wide material. Quite a wrestling match there at the end.....Gave me a new respect for sailmakers.

I picked up a can of canvas waterproofing treatment at a tent and tarp business a couple weeks ago and put that on it last weekend. It should be ready to go out in the weather soon.

I got the idea for the design from Bill Paxton's boat that I saw at the Minnesota messabout last summer. I liked the way it slid like a sleeve over the bowsprit, so I incorporated that into the one I made.

--John M.

Posted
Wooden boat festival in Homer first week of May. I already took the time off, I will be there.

I didn't know they had a wood boat festival in Homer! The first week of May would make us have our boat ready for Memorial weekend (when the lakes in the interior usually are thawed.)

I wonder if the halibut fishing is going on then?

Posted

Yep, I've done all the sewing in the family for years. For some reason the sewing machine had it in for my wife. All she had to do was get near it and it would jam up or break a needle. :wink: Even when I was using it. She finally gave up and just stayed away whenever I was using the machine.

It was quite an honor when my daughter asked me to make her prom dress a few years ago. Definitely tried to do my best work on that one. Not quite like hacking together a boat cover. :)

--John M.

Posted

Thats right Mark, boat show, think boat show.

May 1 Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby begins - Summer long sponsored by the Homer Chamber of Commerce. Monthly cash prizes. Call 235-7740 for more information.

5 - 8 13th Annual Kachemak Bay Wooden Boat Festival - Boat exhibits, rowboat races, demonstrations by boat builders and a kid

Posted

OK, you did it to me! All of this talk about building more boats! ;) I called B&B this AM and ordered another set of plans. I had a nice chat with Carla at the same time BTW! :)

Then I had to call and order another 3 gallon kit of epoxy. I started to clean out the shop a bit.

I have to get started on something as SWMBO is getting remodeling ideas again. :shock: I am hoping the plans and epoxy get here pretty quick. :shock:

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