Progess and Set Backs

So, I cannot complain about not posting for a week as it has now been weeks since I last updated this journal! Well, that's done so no sense in carrying on about it.

The progress has been slow but steady. The four frames are ready to be installed and give form to the hull. If only the hull panels were ready for assembly...

Components of the centerboard case have been cut and both side pieces for the case have been coated with epoxy. The outside cleats have been glued to the side pieces. The interior spacers have to be milled to size but that will have to wait until later in the month. Deciding what size those spacers should be presents the interesting problem of measuring the thickness of the centerboard. Since the board is a foil shape and relatively long, the thickness is not easily measured. Compounding this issue right now is the fact that the board needs to be glassed and faired before I can determine how thick it is. The spacers need to be 2mm thicker than the board.

The terminology I'm using needs some clarification. The Goat does not use a centerboard, it uses a dagger board. However, the plans refer to and describe the "center case" and I have morphed the word, "center" into "centerboard." I should shift gears mentally and start using the correct terminology, "dagger board."

I have reached a stage of construction where I need to consider what hardwood to use for the transom top frame, the knees, the gunwale caps and the skids. There are a number of woods to select from, Honduran Mahogany, African Mahogany, Cherry, Padauk, Maple, Mokore (also known as African Cherry), Walnut, and others. For the look I want - a rich dark brown to offset the hull's yellow - walnut is probably the best choice. The biggest drawback to walnut is an old superstition that walnut used in building a boat brings bad luck. The thing about superstitions is they are only valid - if at all - if they are believed. Since I didn't even know of this superstition until a couple of weeks ago when reading a WBF thread, how deep seated can this "superstition" be for me? I need to give this some thought.

I have decided to make my own oars. There are plans available and the articles I have read explain in pretty good detail the process of making oars. I am looking forward to that project.

Getting ahead of myself a bit, I ordered the study plans for the Penobscot 17 - a very good looking boat I am seriously considering for a future project. I guess once a boat builder, always a boat builder.

Set backs? Well, yes but the major set back is not as negative as it may sound. I have decided I do not have the time, space or resources to get the boat ready for the Timothy Lake excursion. I was pressing and making mistakes. I do not wish to make a major mistake and this decision relieves me of some of the self-imposed pressure to get it done!