Thread: Heron Rebuild

Thanks for the photos Kerry.

I hope my daughters will enjoy the boat as much as I am planning - because then they will want me to take them sailing evey weekend - and darn it I'll just have to go sailing with them.

At the moment though, they can't understand why I am spending so much time on the boat. My 5yo asked "Daddy, why do you like boats so much?" - with a knowing grin I replied - "You'll find out"

Mike

For fathers day I got some time to work on the boat.

So I was able to get three coats of epoxy wet on wet on to the outside of the hull, plus the glass tape that I had been apprehensive about.

Thanks for your encouragement Mick - the tape went on really easily. One change I made to your technique was to use a 1" chisel instead of a spokeshave to take off the lip on the edge of the tape after epoxying. I've never been good with a spokeshave and felt more comfortable with a chisel holding the blade near to the end and running my fingers along the hull to guide the blade. I had to be really careful not to gouge through to the wood.

I've attached a couple of photos of the hull and some closeups of the taping.

Mike

Hi,

thought you might like to see some pics of the hull now that the outside has been painted and she has been flipped up the right way.

Its good to see the progress and know that the next time she'll be turned upside down will be when I take her sailing and capsize

Mike

I spent Saturday finishing off the rigging and a heap of little jobs.

And then Sunday was launch day.

We launched at the south end of Matilda bay in Perth. Wind was 15 knots from the South West and a bit dodgy in close to the shore, but once out in the river away from the point Mia performed beuatifully. I'll need a bit more practice though.

I'm now looking forward to many happy days sailing...and a long list of improvements...


...and eventually the next build project


Thanks to all for your encouragement during the re-build

Mike
Heron #9768
Mia

Fantastic job Mike!

Sometimes I think restoration would be fun, then I remember that I can't even finish the new projects so lie down till that passes!

Cheers,

P

Great job. She looks really t'rific

I've just enrolled my 7yr old son (and myself) into a sailing school in Herons and if he catches the bug I will be in the market for a boat.

Somehow though I don't think I have the skill, patience or time to do such a major rebuild as yours.
Fantastic result - you must be very proud of Mia.