Two things on the agenda: First, I got started making the mast step box. This is the little box that holds the bottom of the mast down inside the boat. Not a lot to it, other than having to cut some weird angles. Six pieces, now all epoxied together. After it sets I'll get out a rasp, clean it up, and get it installed in the boat.
The second thing was the scariest operation yet: Cutting the center slot. There is something about slicing a huge hole in the bottom of the hull that terrified me. I bet I've measured it a half dozen times over the last few months.
Anyway, its not going to wait forever, so I decided to get to it. Really went pretty easy. I used my circular saw with the rip guide running along the keelson, and it came out perfect.
One thing I wasn't counting on: The keelson is under a lot of tension from being bent. After I cut the sides, I drilled a big hole and used a jig saw to finish off the ends. When the first end came free BAM! The slug I was cutting out sprang back to more or less straight, and scared me to death!
After getting my heart re-started, the other end came off easy, and that was that!
This week we should be getting the deck beams on.
Edit:
Ok...phone is charged. Here are some snaps:
Here's the mast step box. Not much to this...
Here's the centerboard slot. I cut it wider than the plans call for. I have something special in mind for that. Details to follow...
I went ahead and got started fitting in the deck beams.
Lots of trial and error involved in fitting those. I wish I knew a faster way, but I just kept nibbling away at the ends until they dropped in and fit properly.
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