In light of my recent test of the prototype boat, I now know how to finish off the kids' boats. We will not add a keel/skid, since the boats will track fine without them, and they would increase the draft (depth) of the boats slightly. We will not build-in permanent seats, since seating needs to be moveable to balance the boat for different combinations of people. Without seats to stiffen the sides of the boats, we will need to add small decks at both ends. This will be easy to do, and will also provide places to put flotation so the boats will float fairly high even if full of water after a capsize.
Here then is a rough build schedule for this last week: Monday we will add the decks to the first boat and finish preparing to paint. The bottom and decks will be traced and cut out for the second boat, and put on. Tuesday the first boat will be primed, and the second boat made ready for painting. Wednesday the first boat will be painted, the second primed. Thursday both boats will be painted. Friday we will decorate the first boat, paint the second. Along the way we will learn a bit about boat displacement, water safety and boating, and we will practice for our worship service on the 31st. Finally, Sunday the 31st will be church at 9:30 then a picnic lunch and boat launch for the kids, their parents, and anyone they wish to invite in Fairhaven. (I will send home details and directions to the Fairhaven launch site.)
I am proud of all the kids: they have done great work. I hope to see you all there at church on Sunday, July 31st at 9:30am! Bring along lunch, a blanket you can lay on the sand, sunscreen, and a shady umbrella. Wear a bathing suit under your church clothes.
Recent work:
The bottom is on the first boat, but the edges still need a lot of elbow grease. This will be a better boat than the prototype in the background.
Elbow grease!
Because of the sides are not vertical, the chine logs need to be chiseled flat so the bottom will fit tightly. This is a skilled task.
Taking a turn with the chisel. The bandana keeps the sweat out of my eyes as temperatures approach 100 degrees.
A break for a little baseball.
Cleaning up the parish hall so it's fit to be used on Sunday.
I joke that they will get a lot of use out of these new skills!
We're ready for Sunday!
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