CS-104 progress

[Maria CS20 104]

Hey all, we have some more forward momentum, we have the keel batten installed and mudded down, put first coat of epoxy on forward bulkhead to seal before weather turns to more rain here in North Central LA.  I did put a 3/4 x 4'" board down the center inside of the forward bulkhead because I could not keep pre-cuts I did from warping and even the beam is a little out of square, doesn't look like a snake any more, started keeping beams in the house with goofy weather along with the tiller and center board blank we have yet to cut and shape.  Keel batten looks pretty good no goofy curves and seems to be well centered along the length in the mud we set in place.  Predrilled and put in 1" screws every 10 inches, and then put my 210 pound frame down on top of batten to seat and screw down to hull in the thickened epoxy set hardend two weeks ago, yes we sanded the heck out of the center seam, very rough to allow good mechanical bond set with screws.  Maybe not necessary but like the extra set and we will fill heads with epoxy.  Keel Batten looks really good, I will put silicone brass screws into place for permanant attachment, used 1" drywall for setting, like the back up of good attachment.  Getting ready to cut seat stringers, any problem with cutting 3/4 x 1 & 1/2 inch for more stability and ability to set in more substantial cross members?  I am working toward using cardboard to cut templates for seat sides and bulkheads in the seats, any comments or inspiration?  I really am thinking more substantial deck framing after seeing some of others work, if even only by 1/4 or so an inch, especially on the forward deck.,  We have more pics, but we are more focused on our daughter having 2nd baby in less than three weeks and more with my older sister older by 11 1/2 months having massive heart attack on Friday last.  She seems to being okay for now and son and daughter are with her along with all who can be there, she in in great spirits.  Please keep both all prayers and hopes and give them a your blessings through God in Christ.  Keep ya posted all is really well and we all move forward.  Thanks for the prayers

Jim Atkinson