It Begins...

   

 Today Jacob and I finished up the building platform and as of now the first 4 frames are temporarily set in place.   Each frame is held together with temporary slats lightly air-nailed in.   So far all the frames are true and level.   I can already tell there will be a bit of fairing to do.   Even though the degree of error is very small, a sixteenth of an inch here and there seems to cause a bit of irregularity.   The frames will be set by the end of the weekend, and then they will be renailed on the inside, so the outside slats can be removed to facilitate installation of the keel, chine logs, sheer clamps and battens.   There DEFINITELY is NOT enough room to build this in the garage.   My carcass cannot squeeze by the one side and I have no idea how the sheeting is going to go on.   I havent put wheels on the building platform yet because I wanted a sturdy, stable skeleton to get the frames assembled on.   On a brighter note, I think the overall size will be just fine.   LOA should end up being around 24 feet.  

Set up beams

The frames are now fitted with set up beams and ready to be placed on the building form.   The beams are simply 2x4's screwed to the frames exactly 2 feet above the waterline.    When The building form is constructed this week, the frames will be placed on it upside down.   At that point we should be able to see how the shape will look.   It may be necessary to fair the frames a bit to accomodate any small errors in frame construction.   Fairing involves hand planing and sanding away high spots that might cause an uneven shape in the keel, chines or battens.   If all goes well, the building form will be constructed Tuesday night.   The downside is that the garage has to be completely reorganized and the large power stations need to be relocated to accomodate the building of the hull.  

Milestone

 

Today Jacob and I finished up the last two frames!   This officially marks the end of stage two.   Stage one was one year of studying plans, reading books, taking notes, making phone calls, asking questions, researching wood, researching epoxy, and testing and comparing different glues and fasteners.   Now that the frames are completed, the real fun begins.   The next two weeks will be spent building a rolling structure for the hull to be assembled on.   The skeleton will actually be constructed upside down.   If anyone has spare 2x6's they dont need now is the time for a much appreciated donation!   Thanks to Andy for donating some 2x4's which will be used in hanging the frames.   The frames turned out better than expected.   They are much stronger than the plans call for, and will help in the overall structural integrity of the vessel.   The wood is quarter sawn 5/4 white oak heartwood, which is one of the strongest, most durable, stable woods available.   The framing is thicker and wider than necessary, adding over 50% more strength than the original specs.   When the building form is completed, the frames will be positioned upside down for allignment.   Finally, the project will begin to take shape.     

In need of free lumber

  
         Frame 5 is finished and ready to be stacked with his brothers.   Why I have decided that the frame members are male, while the boat of course is female may be an unsolved mystery for some time.    How does that work?    With only a couple frames to go I am to the point of needing a mass quantity of 2x4's, 2x6's, 2x8's and any other 2x whatever widths and lengths I can come into.   I need to build a platfom for the hull to be built on and I need as much lumber as possible.    I would be most grateful for any free lumber anyone out there feels like donating.    I will come pick it up and be very grateful!     

Small Milestone

I completed frame number 3 today.   To date I have frames 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8 completed.   This marks the "over half way" milestone in frame construction.   After the frames are finished the real fun begins as the hull will be assembled..   Motivation will surely double when the next phase starts.   Three frames to go and then the transom.   Woohoo!