Last couple of days we have just been a stringer scarfing production line, preparing, gluing and clamping……..and waiting.
In the meantime we got the Knee laminated and secured onto the jig and frames. Our boat now formally has a pointy end!
Most the Stringers were dry and firm this morning so we could press on with getting some of them mounted. At present we have just been dry fitting and slightly “modifying” frame inlets to let them in. We can now see some of the “tuning” we need to do on both the frame inlets and the shape of the frames themselves to follow the line of the stringers.
I ran out of my ration of Irwin clamps during the day. These are essentially currency of the amateur first time boat builder, and determine how quickly you can progress. Having needed clamps for both scarfing and mounting stringers we have today addressed our shortfall by bringing in the old time favourite of all crafty constructors……some proper string. Where the stringers don’t need to be bent too far, mainly at the back of the boat, a simple lashing with string (and quality seamen’s knots of course) seems to be sufficient to hold them in place so we can free clamps up towards the bow….. where all the large movement is happening.
We have also enlisted a patented “Seal Key” and a “bag for life” into our high end boat building tool set. I wonder if Dan Turk will swap a Seal Key for a Captain Morgan Twister?
We’re making progress………wonder if I should call the boat “Elegance”…..
Pete's Class 5.80 Build Blog 