The Dinghy - GITAN

The dinghy, tender to Gypsy Sophia when she is built, is now complete. She decided to call herself 'GITAN', which as you know is French for 'Gypsy'. She weighs in a bit heavier than I would have liked at 60lbs, mainly due to the extra bulkhead and watertight compartments, and the fact that I glass/epoxy sheathed the outside. However, I think I should still be able to get her onto the roof rack single-handed as she is only a few pounds heavier than my kayak.

Paint job & Oars taking shape

I managed to paint much of the dinghy whilst it was in the shed, but the top-coat needed the comfort of a warm lounge to help it flow, so with a bit of grovelling, Lynn agreed. The oars are now ready to be shaped also.

Sheathing Hull with glass/epoxy

Time had come to sheath the hull with glass (87kg mat) and epoxy. Unfortunately the weather had become decidedly wintry, with a cold, damp wind making conditions outside unsuitable for this operation. So only one thing for it: bring it indoors onto the dining room table. What a wonderful wife have I!

Foredeck fitted

The foredeck is now fitted and the rowlocks are fixed on, so just a epoxy/glass mat on the outside and a paint needed then we'll be afloat!