Stantion Base

I'm making my own stainless-steel stantion base & backing plate, which will be fiberglass embedded on the inside.  No leaks here.  S/S grab rails on the cabin top.  Toe boards will be, as per Hal Roth in "After 50,000 miles" attached to the stantions.  Jib tracks will also be backed with nutted s/s strap and glassed on the inside to prevent leaks.  Finally, I'll at least be able to close in the cabin overhead.
The right tools for the right job.  Thanks to craigslist I was able to purchase extremely cheap an old radial arm saw for cutting the 3" x 3/16" s/s strap.  I first tried using my chop saw.  Took forever even on the 1/8" and the edges were not straight.  Couldn't find a slide/chop saw and got the idea for the radial arm.  This this, if one knows how to use it properly will do almost everything possible.  Boy, Raymond DeWalt sure had a great idea when he invented it in 1922.  http://www.gallawayb2b.com/The-History-of-DeWalt
Then I quickly realized that drilling thick stainless with a battery drill was futile and very time consuming .... so, again CL came through with a never used drill press at half price.  Both of which I can re-sell when I'm finished.  I'll probably use them extensively when I get to the interior cabinet work.  Between the radial arm and the table saw I can have nice clean cuts.
I'm still waiting on the metal for the stantion base tube.  It was actually less to order it from Speedy Metals in Wisconson then to drive and pick it up locally.
http://www.speedymetals.com/p-4482-1-14-od-x-120-wall-tube-304-stainless-steel-annealed.aspx

Companionway hatch opening

Well ... had to take a part time job to make ends meet and keep working on the boat.  I officially dislike work.  It really cuts in on my boat time.
Last several days I've been working on the companionway hatch.  You know, the big opening where you go in and out and hope water doesn't do the same.  I raised the opening of the deck by 4-1/2 inches.  This way if I take water on the deck it at least has to get that deep before coming aboard.  This also strengthened the deck by laying the glass around the corner.  I also narrowed and strengthened the side panels with a corner as well. (see the picture below - you'll probably get the idea.)
Next, because I'm out of resin until payday, going to continue to cut and laminate overhead beams.  I already have the plywood and glue.  I can make one double wide beam per day in one glue-up and cut them separate the next day.



Honoring My Country ... The United States of America

This weekend I honor and celebrate my country's birthday.  I'm a proud American.  I served in it's military and was a proud submariner.

However, there's more to this weekend.  How 'bout relaxing on my boat.  Ya, I know, it's not in the water yet.  But I get really nice cool breezes off the ocean.

Violet sure knows how to relax on deck and keep cool.  I think I'll lose this camera and join her for a sail.