January 2014 - The advent of a New Year
Well, November and December of 2013 were pretty much a bust, from a boatbuilding perspective. Michael was the proud father of a kidney stone, that put him out of circulation for a while, and holiday activities graciously provided us with opportunities to reconnect with people who are dear to us. Life-Balance is not always easy when folks endeavor to restore their home, be it a house or a boat. The Weather also had a few things to say about our project. It seems epoxy does not cure well when the temperature drops below freezing!
With the New Year came the realization that, if we were going to find a place to store a backup propane tank, now, with the deck still open, would be the time to do it. We cut open a space under what will become the starboard 'saddle bag seat' and Michael built a fiberglass coated box with a vent to attach to the hole.
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Seal it up so it doesn't rot again!
Now comes the layering process, where we first epoxy the joints and screw holes, then lay down fiberglass, and finally build layer after layer of epoxy onto it to seal the deck, round the corners, and make a surface worth painting.
Michael LOVES this part!
NOT.
This job entails hours of sanding between coats to smooth surfaces and remove runs and imperfections in the epoxy.
Michael LOVES this part!
NOT.
This job entails hours of sanding between coats to smooth surfaces and remove runs and imperfections in the epoxy.
Various density fillers blended into the epoxy give different colors to the finished product. a little white dye helps inspire the workers as to what the finished product will look like. At this stage of the game, we can use all the inspiration we can get!
Anyone who has ever done a major remodel of their home, no doubt, will understand.
Both of us are more than ready to have the boat back in one piece!!!
Stay tuned...
Anyone who has ever done a major remodel of their home, no doubt, will understand.
Both of us are more than ready to have the boat back in one piece!!!
Stay tuned...
February thru April 2014
Late Winter, early Spring (when everyone goes to Mexico) found us hustling to get all the sundry deck tasks done so we could return our focus to the project that started the whole restoration enterprise: putting the masts back on!
May thru July 2014
On the last days of April, Gabs, Michael, and our neighbor Rivers inveigled the masts from their hiding spot in Fred Phaler's shed out into the open lot. Once there, we promptly covered them with tarps. This made them accessible for the work of putting hardware back onto the pristine varnished wood.
Even doing construction, Pirate's Cove is a beautiful place to be. A forested hill on one side, and farms and a wildlife reserve on the opposite bank, it is home to beavers, otters, osprey, deer, eagles, and the occasional jumping fish.
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July 20, 2014
The mizzen mast gets high (with alotta help from our Friends!)
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August, 2014
At the end of July, Moontide had her bottom painted at Rocky Pointe Boatyard, and Allison Mazon did a partial survey of the outside of the boat. So far, so good!
August 5, 2014
Today the mainmast was stepped!
The boat was returned to Rocky Pointe, and they used the travel lift to ease the 900+ lb mast onto the boat.
Folks who helped Gabrielle and Michael place shrouds included rigger Ian Weedman, Jason Bent, Dar Nelson, and Kim Winkler. Thanks to everyone!
August 5, 2014
Today the mainmast was stepped!
The boat was returned to Rocky Pointe, and they used the travel lift to ease the 900+ lb mast onto the boat.
Folks who helped Gabrielle and Michael place shrouds included rigger Ian Weedman, Jason Bent, Dar Nelson, and Kim Winkler. Thanks to everyone!