Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Distractions

Things are coming together slowly. There is a focus on Silent Maid but there are distractions, good distractions but none the less... One is a proposal to set up an after school boat building program. We're looking to build traditional boats with area high school kids then setup a boat rental business with the same kids running that business.  Another much bigger one is to build a floating classroom in the shape of a revolutionary war sloop. A class room with muzzle loading cannons, what could be better than that?  I have two career goals. One is to never build a 6 hour canoe, that is safe for the moment. The other is to never show up for work under a tri corner hat or above shoes with large buckles. That one is in some jeopardy.  Aside from these big plans there is the A cat Torch at the other end of the shop clamoring for attention and a whole flotilla of smaller boats, all hungry for attention.
But reinforcements are on the way. Carolyn started on paint and varnish yesterday. Mark will join the crew next week.  Jeff Uddell showed up today to help with electronics, backing up Jeff's efforts on things electrical.  And as always there are volunteers everywhere in the shop making the whole show possible. It is the time of year when a tinge of panic comes with the spring breezes and multiple tasks kick into overdrive. We will focus where we need to, we will accomplish what we must.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Hiding Things

      There is progress to report on all fronts. Thanks to Erik Carlsen the new 24 volt altenator bracket is mounted on the engine. The problem solved there was the bracket that came with the engine would require an engine box that was much to wide. we didn't mind a little extra length though so a new bracket was designed and fabricated. Next season we can charge the house batteries with the engine as well as shorepower thus gaining a bit more independence.
      Accommodating all the electronic stuff has been a challenge, but I think we're through that as well.  We made a false bulkhead to go in the head compartment 4 inches aft of the actual bulkhead. The space between them provides room for a raft of stuff, Okam processor for the wind instruments, wire chases for the laptop and GPS. space for the 24 volt battery charger and for a 24 volt to 12 volt converter. We'll need good ventilation between those bulkheads.  The laptop table is nearly done, when folded up against the bulkhead it becomes a picture frame. Another frame above it hides the GPS screen.  The head got a little smaller but the boat has preserved her character. Apparently we have a lot to hide. Is this how people preserve their character?