Atypical's Maiden Voyage

Maiden Voyage. It's a great day. I launched Atypical at Sardis Lake. Not much wind, but I was elated that it floated and there were no leaks. Motored out and then raised the sail. Finally got a small but steady breeze and tacked up wind about three miles, then downwind back to the ramp. Stayed out on the water about 4 hours. I'm very pleased with the boat's performance. It feels big and safe. 

What's' in a Name?

Got the outboard in today - 4hp Tohatsu, and named her - Atypical.

I feared that some would criticize the rose pink color, but I have always understood that boats are GIRLS.

Raising the Sail

Sail is Up

I spent today setting up the mast, raising the sail, attaching the downhall and the mainsheet. I will have to do some adjusting and trimming as time goes on. A state officer came and inspected the boat. He gave it a serial number which I must apply. I applied to the state for an official registration number. I'm happy!!!! It's done and will soon be on the water. 

Next Step:

Go sailing!!!

Odds and Ends

There are lots of little things to finish near the end of construction. Below are some photos of the rudder and of the tarp cabin opening cover.

 

PVC pipe braces for roof tarp

tarp cover

After setting up the mast I will probably alter the tarp roof cover so it may be used with the mast up.

Next steps:

I still have to step up the mast, lace the sail to the yard and boom, attach the leeboard, get the boat inspected for registration, and go sailing.

On the Trailer

Loaded on the Trailer

I was able to load the Blobster on the trailer single handedly with the help of a pulley system I installed in the shed. I made the carpet covered bunks and installed them on the trailer. I also made the doors for the bow and each end of the cabin. I thought finishing them in the natural was a nice touch. 

Next steps:

I have yet to attach the leeboard. It will require some epoxy work inside, so I'll have to wait for warmer weather. I also need to make a cover for the cabin top opening which will snap on. When it warms up I'll pull it outside and set up the mast and the sail. 

Final Steps:

I've been applying trim moldings around the front and rear doors to the cabin and painting and finishing the topsides. 

Next Steps:

I've been contemplating the mast step and have a plan. I'll be installing it if the weather will cooperate. I still need to install the floor in the bow compartment and in the cabin.

Moving On

Leeboard Brackets, moldings, & Such

I got the leeboard brackets mounted after much measuring and contemplation. Other than that I have finished attaching the moldings. All these final things take time, but it's nearing completion.

Cardboard template of the leeboard was a great help.

Moldings are white oak and mahogany.

Next Steps:

Attach the cabin roof rails, mast step, mast partner, finish cabin floor, sanding, priming, painting.

 

Cabin Floor and Gunwale Moldings

Cutting the Cabin Floor:

I used the last piece of plywood today to make the forward sections of the cabin floor. 

Making cardboard templates saves plywood

 Floor panels dry-fitted

Second layer of white oak gunwale moldings attached

Next Steps:

Install the mast step, cabin top and floor. 

Nearing the End

Cockpit painted; framing for cabin floor almost complete. Cabin roof panels cut and dry fitted. 

Next Steps

Complete framing and cutting out cabin floor, secure the cabin roof, work on the mast step.

Interior Framing Continues

Framing Continues:

I have completed the framing in the cockpit and the motor well, and I have moved on to the cabin floor framing. Rather than water ballast I elected to go with Wake Ballast steel shot bags, so the ballast compartments will receive additional reinforcement. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and it's a beautiful sight.

Next Steps: Complete flooring in cabin

Interior Framing

Interior Framing and Decking

I have completed most of the fiberglass taping of the interior joints. I am now doing the framing and decking of the interior. I'm working on the cockpit today. The framing for the cockpit seats is completed, and the panels for the sides of the footwell have been dry-fitted in place.

Cockpit

Taping in cabin

Bow deck dry-fitted

Next steps: 

Measure and cut cockpit seats. Epoxy glue the panels in place.

Taping Inside Joints

 Taping Inside the Hull

Now that the hull has been turned over I have been filling and taping the interior surfaces of the plywood joints with two layers of fiberglass tape. It's not a fun job but a very important one. I'll be glad to get started on the interior carpentry.

Next steps:

Apply coats of epoxy to interior surfaces, prime interior surfaces, finish sanding, priming, and painting exterior topsides.

Turning the Hull

 Turning the Hull Over

Using a system of pulleys I rigged in the shed I was able to turn the hull over without help. It's nice to see the inside of the boat in the upright position.

Next Steps:

Tape and epoxy joints on the inside of the hull