Visible Progress

More progress... and even more important (to me at the moment) is that the recent progress is visible! Okay, having said that, I must admit to having precious few photos of the "visible progress to share. I'll see what I can do to remedy that.

The hull has been primed with the first of two coats of primer. The foils have received two coat and are now waiting for the first color topcoat.

I decided to revert to my original color scheme with a bright yellow hull and blue gunwales. When I left California the flat blue paint I had didn't make the "take it" list so earlier this week I bought a new quart of blue paint - this time in a semi-gloss finish. I've been experimenting with the blue on the skids. This paint showed one of the same characteristics I didn't like with the old blue paint: it doesn't cover the white primer/undercoat very well. Since I'll be painting the gunwales, inwales and inwale spacers, I want better coverage. When at the hardware store this afternoon I had them tint the white undercoat blue. Looks like that solves the problem and I ought to be able to use two coats of the semi-gloss instead of three or four.

The varnishing is coming along. I would prefer less time between coats but one coat a day will have to do. Below is the "varnishing room (formerly known as the garage)." Being able to use this space makes life easier - I can sand in the barn without worrying about contaminating the varnish.

DSCF4532, originally uploaded by bob.wessel.

Tonight I began work on the sail! No, I'm not sewing yet but I assembled the patches using the double-back basting tape. Tomorrow I will begin testing (developing) my sewing skills.

Yesterday I drove over to Avon Sailboats in Rochester Hills to see about blocks to rig the downhaul and to buy the running rigging for the boat. Avon Sailboats is a first-rate operation. They are very knowledgeable and have an extensive inventory of parts and line. Lindy is also the driving force behind the Creekfleet Sailing Club. While I do want to sail with CFSC it is a long drive - actually, the drive over wouldn't be bad. But the 2 1/2 hour trip home after sailing would be tough. Lindy suggested I consider forming a sailing club locally and offered assistance with getting started. This is an interesting prospect that I will give serious consideration and thought.

So, progress continues and I am getting more excited about getting the boat done!