Thread: Phoenix at the bottom of the garden

Does that mean you have the rowlocks fitted ?????
Took the Auk out for the annual club beach party / dingy races last week end and ripped my rowlock blocks of the side of the boat , dodgey glue up. Still managed to win every race against the the little plastic boats. the Auk rows like a dream.
Still on track for Newport in November????
Ian L

Originally Posted by colinpr

The project has entered its third year. Here's my secret for making the fun last longer, or 'boat building at the bottom of the food chain' as it should be called.

Study plans - plan strategy - study how others have done it - devise new strategy - procrastinate - do it - identify stuffups - devise strategy - procrastinate - cover mistakes - ... repeat at all stages of construction.

Works for me

Looking great.

Originally Posted by wavedancer

Still on track for Newport in November????
Ian L

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 ratios of beer to whiskey.

Colin

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 main one would be to use straps in place of stretchy rope.

Looking good Colin, should be ready by November. where did you get the brackets for mounting the guidance system..
Bit of luck I should have a sail for the Auk by Newport boat show would be good to go for a sail "in company".
Ian L

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 rudder box to fit them.
The Penrith store doesn't stock them, but I placed an order there for pickup.
If bought online, delivery charges are added.

Colin

Thanks Collin, will have a look at Bias.
Ian L

How do you spoil satisfaction with a hull fairing job?

Add one coat of gloss.

Put more scotch in the coke Colin. Most of the bottom of the boat should be in the water or at least pointing down so no one willl notice.
PS got the rudder hinges for the Auk, now all I have to do is make the rudder.
Ian L

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 some and had my first experience of working with bedding compound - interesting.
Never a dull moment roung here.

Colin

4 months until November Colin.
Have you given any thought to a trailer. I have a spare one here that I got of a bloke who was taking it to the tip. Bit of welding and wiring and it might do for the phoenix.
I got the plans for the pram "Alby" of Ross, should start construction soon.

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 car's towing limit of approx. 450 kg.
My welding skills are zero, but would be worth having a look at your rescue trailer.
Good luck with Alby. Is Ripples going to be reserved for tender racing events?

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.

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.