This week I finished the decking in that the overlap of the ply on the framework was trimmed (routed) off.
What is interesting about the decking is its cross-sectional contour - exactly opposite to a normal boat where the profile is flat or convex down - mine being convex up. This profile is not of particular interest for motor vessels but very pertinent for small sailing craft which on long tacks will have a more level standing platform on the windward side - so helpful in travailing the vessel under way. Also the curvature of the deck in this way makes it exceptionally strong and stiff offering in its own way a complete member to the boat's structure.
The other thing I am doing to finish the gunwhale region is running a length of triangular shaped meranti on the edge of the gunwhale to offer a positive toe-hold both for both lee and windward sailing. What is a challenge for boat builders is bending wood. A particular challenge here is to bend these triangular in section lengths. What happens is they 'jump' out of place to find the easiest lie - here not being what is wanted.
The mounting of the keel housing has been boxed in - the struts to the hull being a serious source of injury if they were not so boxed. The boxing offer too a platform and compartment at the same time and its top will be nearly though not quite a continuation of the floor of the boat that has yet to be finished. Of course the lids of the box can be opened quickly up from the centre as an inspection hatch - important because the stresses on the keel, especially if going aground or hitting rocks etc could make that area of the hull bottom tear open or split.
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