Decks Planning the cuts The decks are made

Decks – Planning the cuts ¬ The decks are made of 1/8” material (sounds light? ). ¬ The plates are reinforced by flat bar beams on edge. ¬ Symmetry of these plates is paramount.

Decks ¬ The deck plates are cut to shape and ready to install. ¬ The decks control the final hull and boat shape. ¬ Caution is required here.

The Keel ¬ This is the bottom of the keel. It’s ½” plate. ¬ It will weigh 1800 lbs. when complete.

The Keel ¬ Here is the keel. ¬ The walls are ¼” plate ¬ The lead edge is 6” x schedule 80 pipe (1/2” wall)

Going Home ¬ Gracie is young to travel, but with some support, she will be fine. ¬ It has rained for the last two days and her new resting place is a soggy mess. ¬ This is a challenge.

Stairway to Heaven ¬ Gracie is standing on 4 telescoping pipe supports (leveling) ¬ We have a staircase from the “engineering office” to the vessel. ¬ Gracie is fully registered – hence the name & home port.

Decks and Trunk Cabin ¬ Gracie is HOME!! ¬ We finally have her standing on her own. ¬ The decks are in. ¬ The forward cabin sides are on. ¬ We even have a frame to support a tarp.

Trunk Cabin ¬ The cabin top is 16’ x 8’. ¬ It was assembled and framed on the ground. ¬ Many friends were required to move it topside.

Cabin Framing ¬ These frames give the curve and strength to the cabins. ¬ The beams are of 1”x 3/8” flatbar on edge. ¬ Notice the keel in the hull bottom, waiting to be dropped through the hull bottom.

Cockpit ¬ The cockpit is oversized to accommodate a lazarette locker at the transom.

Trunk Cabin ¬ The forward cabin is complete.

Railings ¬ Railing are next – so I don’t fall off the deck. ¬ Offshore boats require solid railing. ¬ These are of 1” Schd. 40 S. S. pipe - hand bent. ¬ Requires a fair eye.

Pilothouse and Cabins ¬ Note the curve of the decks and cabins. The curve provides the strength like an egg or a tin can. ¬ The cabins have been kept rather low to reduce windage and improve the look.

Taking shape – Aug. 2000 ¬ Forward cabins are in. ¬ Transom is cut and capped with bulworks pipe.

Looks like a BOAT! ¬ The decks and cabins are roughed in. ¬ Next is the keel. ¬ Then the skeg. ¬ The stern tube and propeller cutout. ¬ The rudder.