Cockpit

Another section done! The cockpit needed some scarphing which was great fun as I remembered to sharpen the plane. The cockpit now needs some drain holes cut, an engine nacelle constructing and the whole lot sheathing in glass and epoxy/

Central Mast Beam - Three Sections Made!

The three sections of the mast beam are now complete. Laid out, they give an indication of how beamy the boat will be ... very!
A bit of sanding and a coat of epoxy to keep things dry will complete the work on these for now. Just need to find somewhere to store them.

Mast Beam - Central Section

The first section of the Gypsy Sophia to build is the central section of the mast beam. I am having to get used to working with epoxy again, and in particular making sure I don't mix more that I need at a time - it is far too expensive for that. It's amazing how a few bendy bits of wood become a rigid structure once glued together. An investment in a goodly number of clamps has been well worth it - especially at £2.50 each from Screwfix!

First cut!

I suppose I can't claim to have started building until I have stuck two bits of wood together. However, having cut into the first sheet of plywood is very satisfying. First cut is the mast beam inner ply webs.

The first materials!

The project has really begun now with the arrival of the first 9 sheets of plywood, and 12 litres of epoxy resin. All that remains now is for a bit of cutting and sticking! Watch this space!

The build begins!

"It's a bit square for a boat" my daughter said as she walked down the drive. No comment! However, I suppose it seems strange that the first step in building a boat is to but 4 lengths of 4x2 to construct a flat building platform. The joys of living in Dartmouth!
Anyway - I have finally begun and four years from now it may be finished. Four years(!) you say. Well when faced with a giant task, approach it as you would if you were eating an elephant: a mouthful at a time.