Testing the Mast

Today I was finally able to test the mast. I built the tabernacle and this made it a LOT easier to get the mast up and in place. I had attached the tangs to the mast, 12 feet up and ran string down to measure the distance for the stainless wire that will help support the mast from the strain of the wind.

The top bolt is the pivot and the bottom one holds it in place. I cut the mast an inch above the deck at a 45 degree angle and got a nice, tight fit.

The mast itself looks solid. There may be a bit too much rake (angle) in the mast but I will wait to see how it looks when I put the sail up and after I get it in the water.

It will look good once she is launched and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

On the Trailer

Terri helped me get the boat off the floor cradles and on to the trailer. It took us about 15 minutes but it went up fine and rides just right.

This allowed me to test the mast to see if I can lift it into place and decided that I had better cut the mast and place it in a tabernacle. The thing just weighs too much.

The tabernacle will allow me to raise the mast easier and will be the next step as you will see over the next few days. It sets us back a couple days but not too bad.

A month's progress

It has been a while since I have posted anything regarding the boat construction. It was not because nothing was getting done, it was just that progress was tedious and slow.

Since the last post, Teri and I have managed to get the deck painted, the coamings varnished, the cabin floor made and in place. The rudder is hung on its pintles but still lacks the tiller arm. The centerboard is in place and the trim for the centerboard trunk is in and varnished.


Today's project was to start making the mast. I have an 18 foot 4 x 4 that I wanted to make 3-1/2" round, 30" from the bottom and tapered to 2" over the las 3-5 feet (I have not decided yet.)

This is the result after 2 hours of planing:


I will try to get it to its final dimensions tomorrow and then varnish it.