I've made lots of progress over the last several days, but I've been so busy I haven't had time to post it all.
Before I can deck the vaka all the components that go inside the cockpit or under the deck have to be installed.
Here is the backing block for the lower leeboard guard.
Also had to drill the hole for the lightning protections system through the mast step. This would have been easier to do before I put the floors in, but I forgot all about it so ---- I needed a long drill.
Now that's a drill! A long 16" bit does the trick.
Next come all the under deck stuff for the forward and aft sections.
The aft section showing the deck beams, carlins, and backing blocks. Also the rudder gudgeons are bolted in. This section is good to go.
The bow section deck beams, carlins and backing blocks. Also the bow eyes is bolted in. This section is good to go.
Here's a close up of the bow backing blocks. Heavy duty stuff to take the anchor, sail, and cleat loads.
Here is the bow being glued in place. I used copper ring nails obtained form Chesapeake Light Craft to nail the perimeter but still wanted to hold down the center section onto the carlins, deck beams and backing plates. Once again my dumbbells and kitty litter did the trick.
Here is the bow finished.
And the stern.
And a full view of the bow and stern decks in place.
Dry fitting the center deck -- perfect fit.
But there is lots of stuff to do before the center section can go in.
For example,
Cut the carlins so the mast partner can be laminated in place.
Dry fit 3 layers of 4 mm marine ply that will go under the deck to form the mast partner.
I also need to finish the leeboard guards but that will be in the next installment. And paint. And . . .
