Now we are getting stuck into one of the big ones – building the aft cabin and cockpit.
The first part is to fit some framing timbers around the hole where the aft cabin and cockpit will go so we have somewhere to fix the lower edges of the side panels.
One piece of timber was put in place in the last session. Next a separate piece that has been shaped on the outside to give the correct layback angle for the side panels is glued and bolted through the deck.
We want this very strong, it would be a bit embarrassing if the entire back section of the boat fell off at sea.
Clamping the framing timber to drill bolt holes
Timbers fitted on both sides and across the stern
Making the jig
With the base framing timbers in place we can start making a jig that can be used to get the shape of the cabin and cabin top beams.
The cabin top beams will be made of 3 pieces 12 mm x 30 mm strips of spotted gum epoxy laminated and bent to give a nice curve to the cabin top.
To get the shape of the cabin top beams and the cabin sides, we build a jig that is solid enough to allow us to bend the strips of timber over it.
The biggest problem with winter days is that they are not long enough – finished this bit in the dark !!
First part of the jig in place
The jig is simply a central beam over which the cabin top beams will be bent, and a series of transverse frames to give the shape to the side panels of the aft cabin.
The main thing is to make sure the cabin follows the lines of the boat and does not stick up to far. This really just means setting the frames up to whatever looks good to your eye, while trying to give maximum head room inside.
Jig from the starboard side
The shape of the jig looks OK to my eye
The frames of the jig follow the line and angle of the existing cabin OK
Like everywhere around here the boatyard is located in a beautiful place. Got to watch the erosion though!! You can see where sand has been washing after the recent heavy rains.
You know that I care
What happens to you
And I know that you care
For me too
Nice place to work
So I
Dont feel alone
Or the weight of the stone
Now that I’ve found somewhere safe to bury my bone
I’ve seen worse boatyards
And any fool knows a dog needs a home
A shelter
From pigs on the wing