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You sure do. Still have nightmares from 25 years ago getting a hired motor sailer from North Arm Cove back to the marina at Nelson Bay, in one piece and before dark on the due day.

Having gone up...

Looking good.

You have the perfect craft for navigating those local sandbanks.

Colin

Often, when we get something new we start seeing them everywhere.
But I predict that that's about it for a Bolger.
Makes a neat package on the road and the videos really showed off her character.
...

Sort of finished and launched at Lake Wallace, NSW.
The major factors work as intended, but there is always something to do.

Didn't fall apart on the road:
263417

Rows like a dream:
263418
...

Thanks for the photos.

Thanks Al,

I have seen Ross and Paul's videos on the Phoenix balanced lug rig.
However, they are not too precious about it and seem to encourage experimenting with the setup.
That spirit and...

Thanks Peter.

I have taken the same view and rigged a mast-to-boom attachment like that used on the GIS or PD Racer. Can't remember where I saw it.

The yard might only behave badly if I reef...

I would be in for Basin camp and the parade of sail.
Though I'd just launch in Pittwater. Don't think I'd be keen to return to Brooklyn to pick up the trailer on Saturday arvo (working on Sunday). ...

About time tenders installed tilt trays like real towies.

Sounds like you have paid your dues and earned the right to park and party next time.

Ian,

Only 30 knot winds to test the dinghy sail?
Are you sure that's tough enough?

Good idea Paul.

By coincidence I have been looking at those boat rollers too.
For me it's a matter of what to do with a 100kg+ of boat, on my own with just a small 2WD car, when the ebb tide...

Hi Ian,

Was ready to go when I discovered cracks between the treads on my 9 inch trailer tyres. I'm told that makes them technically unroadworthy and any traffic insurance issue a dodgy prospect....

Hi Ian,
Looking good with neat sail.
Was in Tassie for christmas and went down to the RAID country for another look. Wind seems to average 20 knots at some time every day in the passage, dead calm...

Hello Ian,

Yes, it's as ready as it will ever be and right on time. Just checked the date on my set of plans - November, 2007. Time goes fast when you don't know what you're doing.

Launch will...

There seem to be at least three schools of thought about the attachment of a balanced lug rig yard and boom to the mast - I'm confused.
1. It is essential
2. It doesn't matter
3. It depends . . ....

All that with a young family in 12-18 months?
That's great looking work at warp speed.

Rudder fittings and rowlocks look great and those blocks should handle the power unleashed in the next tender race.
(Something like the 500 hp talked about going into PAR's boat in the other forum...

Thanks Ian, but the trailer is a 12 year old Brooker with the heavy rollers removed.

Hope your worm treatment is going OK. I was going to suggest Fenwicks complete haul out and hard stand service...

At last, out of the garage and onto the Bat Trailer.
Proper trailer fitting and support is another job to add to the list. More reading and sorting through options.

Despite absenteeism, strikes and a dire shortage of skilled labour in the workforce, some progress has been made. Hull painted and boat turned upright again for work on the deck.

Have been thinking about trailers a lot. Latest thought was to find a second-hand light tinnie trailer and have a longer draw bar fitted. Phoenix only weighs approx. 100 kg and have to stay under my...

Thanks Ian, you were correct.
Even after 3 more coats of paint, the hull looks so much better with the boat upright again.
Thanks also for the tip about a supplier of brass strip for the bow. Got...

How do you spoil satisfaction with a hull fairing job?

Add one coat of gloss.

Ah, a sail. I haven't thought that far ahead.

The rudder fittings are just standard Ronstan items from the Bias catalogue.
Not ideal, but the best I can do. Notice that I had to recess the...

Missile guidance system prepared.

Have since single-handed flipped the hull, using rope slings, to work on the bottom.
I'll just say that there are things I'd do differently next time.
The...

In case it's of interest, I was out at Trend Timbers yesterday to look for hard and strong material for my tiller.
They had just received a batch of Spotted Gum planks 25 mm thick, 200 mm wide, and...

You mean in November 2012? I'd better get a move on.

Sounds like Ripples' auxiliary drives might be overpowered.
Reducing the fuel octane rating my solve the problem. Experiment with different...

Twin, carbon neutral, auxiliary power drives installed.

If you know a back way to Windsor, you could give Trend Timbers a call to see what they have in stock.

Decks now under construction. The short side deck panels result from a desperate attempt to avoid buying another whole sheet of ply. It looks like I'll now have a 300mm square piece left over, phew!....

Don't prolong the agony. Give her a decent send-off.
What is the custom in Woollahra? Funeral pyre or burial mound?

13. Hundreds of small black insects will die in the painting of this boat, and I don't regret a single one. No bad karma involved - they committed suicide just to annoy me.

Dear fellow first-timers,

Here is the start of a list of painting laws that may be useful when you reach this stage:

1. Of course, read the label.

2. A boat should only be seen in the light...

Only an hour's drive for a free Boags - bargain.
Have to get that rowlock fixed in case Ripples has to tow WD the last few miles up the Derwent in 2013.
Don't worry, I'll still find plenty to do...

Feels like I've reached a sort of milestone, but still a way to go yet.

I claim a small victory in finding the sheers being level along the whole length.
Only I will know about all the mishaps...

But, Your Honour, while I admit that spring is already here, I make the point that the boat will be the same colours as the house.
Therefore, I submit that the boat should be completed first, then...

I should be close to launch, but sadly not. Just about to start on the deck knees etc. Then only have decking to go. Tend to think about things too much instead of just doing it.
I assume your...

Hi Ian,
Good detective work.
Do you know the rough price per metre for half round?
Any chance they might also sell small bits of brass plate? Have drawn a blank on this too.

Thanks,
Colin

Thanks, that's great support for what I now believe. It will save lots on the amount of fairing filler that has to go between my carpentry and the paint.

Hope the day went well. Doesn't seem that long ago since the Perkins was a box of blackened metal bits.

Colin

Great promo. Indicates a dedicated and dynamic bunch of people.
Looked up the club on the www. Wonderful setting.

. . . or marine grade cardboard (the waxed stuff used in fruit cartons).

Thanks for the offer Ian, but I was home one day last week when I reached my procrastination threshold.
I lined up saw horses and camping matresses, left the main mold in and rolled it over. Then...

Good tip-off. Thanks.

Meanwhile, some time later . . .

Here are the results of my learning experiences on the Phoenix so far.
Sorry about the gunwales Ross. My gear and I aren't up to what you had in mind.
That's...

Comparing this to my work, 'handcrafted' is quite a few steps up the ladder from simply 'handbuilt'. I'm sure this builder wouldn't want to be lumped in with me.

Hi Ian,

It's looking really good. Take some more time off - I still haven't caught up.
Don't know about the knees. It's a tough looking little boat - maybe the knees go as they are.
What paint...

Hi Ian,
I would put up some pics if I thought they would be helpful to anyone. At best, they would illustrate why there is a place for pros and that experience and the best tools count for a lot. I...

When I began planking for the first time, I was totally mystified by the number of people who seem to build more than one boat. Who would put themselves through this again?

Now I'm thinking: Hey,...

I agree, lots of nice floating timber on show. But for me there was something missing.
There was not always an indication of who should get the credit for everything that demanded admiration. This...