One step forward, two steps back.

As things progress, I see more and more things I want to change. Some things are a must. Like the issue with the side decks. The panels were laid with 6 oz. bi on the underside side and allowed to sit. A month or so later, they were installed. The person installing them did not notice the warpage in the wrong direction. The panels took the correct shape at the bulkheads and nicely cupped in between. What to do. First thought was foam. Build up the low areas with ligth weight (but expensive) foam and then fair and glass. Last night I had a thought, a dangerous thing at midnight anyway, and realized I didn't want my butt sitting on the hard corner when the thing is heeled. So, next week, I get to design and mock up new side decks that will conform to my butt better. Hopefully the cupping problem will be solved. At least it will be buried never to be seen.

Then, I finally had that darn cabin top plug 99% and we set it in place. We didn't like it. It is just too curvey and smooth for the shape of the boat. We liked it when we thought it was going to look like canvas over stringers. So, I put 3/8 inch wide strips of 1/4 " ply down the thing and started filling and sanding again. By the way, the new idea is that it is a "zeppelin" look.

And I will not even discuss the carbon sprit thing. Yes thing, not a pole. It is supposed to be a learning experience, it is suposed to be a learning experience, it is....

Some things have gone right. The keel strut came out very nice. I know it isn't perfect, but then I haven't meet a production keel that was either. This one is better than the one off my old SR 25 at the very least.

The chain plates are in. They have to be removed and powder coated or polished. I haven't make up my mind yet. Heck, I'm not sure SS powder coats well or not. Perhaps I should look that up. Anyway, I like the adjustable chain plates so that's what I did. A bit heavy, but strong and I think they direct the loads to the right places.

The standing rigging has all been ordered and is somewhere between New England and Florida. The stem fitting has been designed and mocked up so it can get built. The spreader brackets are modified again and ready and the rest of the mast and rig are waiting for me to get to it. I am planning on rolling the boat outside next week and stepping the mast to check everything out while there is still time and opportunity to modify and redesign as may or may not be needed. After this week (OK, the last month or so), something will need modified or changed or....

I am going to upload the pictures now. I know they will appear somewhere on this page, I just don't know where. Something else to figure out some day. Meanwhile, I'm out of here and am going sailing! OK, not until Saturday, but until Tuesday! (I'm a bit bummed...this time last year we were at Charleston. We didn't do too good racing wise, but we did end up having fun and miss not going this year)