Getting Ready to Get Ready....

That seems to be an ongoing state of affairs - getting ready to get ready...

Spent a few days last week trying to figure out what's what, and what I need to do to move forward.

First thing is getting the Jeep running. Life without a car hasn't been all bad but I definitely need a vehicle. Most errands can be done on foot or bike but bringing home plywood or 16' lengths of lumber requires a vehicle. Being mechanically inept, I have asked for help. Hopefully, the Jeep will be running soon.

Second, I need materials - plywood for the hull panels, lumber for the chine logs, gunwales and inwales (not to mention the mast and oars). A bit of lumber for the transom top frame would let me finish that piece. And more in the category of tools or equipment - I need the lumber to make those sawhorses (and just how long have I been talking about those?). As noted above, I need the Jeep to chase around for the needed materials.

Third, I need some tools. I picked up a small cordless screwdriver today (waiting for it to charge so I can finish making up some screw-pads - 6mm bits of ply with a drywall screw to be used in assembling the hull). A ROS is also on the list.

Despite all this spinning of my wheels, I believe I can get things ready and in place to assemble the hull over the Thanksgiving weekend. That is the goal. Once the hull is assembled I can fit it out (mast step and partner, seats, etc.) and get it painted. My original target launch date was to be November 21. There is nothing significant about that date and as time slipped along that became an impossible date. I am now looking at February 2 as the launch date. February 2 is Karen's birthday - a much more significant date in the life of my boat.

So, while I have spent a lot of time "Getting ready to get ready..." I am looking forward to making good progress over the next few weeks.