3D Update

    I've been sick this week and what else to do while the death cold is slowly draining your life through your nose then work on your virtual boat? So here is an updated S/V Blue Flower mesh. The biggest change is the proportions for the interior are much closer to the actual vessel.The daggerboard box and the airboxes have been added for clarity. I updated the wood to better approximate the color and texture I'm going for as has the color scheme. It is a pity I can't do the curves like I'd like but so far I have a fair idea of what it's going to take to bring my dream boat to life.
   In other news I have new poly sails on order from Dave over at  Polysail. Some cool updates to the sail plan so keep your eyes peeled.

Going 3D

   In PDR terms 3D means the hull is now assembled to the point it resembles a hull. In my terms it means I've gotten bored and rendered my boat in Bryce 5.5 to examine what the inside looks like. The Typesetter and I were over at the Blue Flowers winter home taking things apart and making plans for the future. We uncovered some pretty interstng stuff in the process.

    In this photo the Typesetter has decided to take a nap. He is in fact looking forward under the front deck to figure out how things on the boat are built. The reason is I plan on brightworking and painting this spring and knowing how it comes apart now will have great dividends in the future. Pat P. built her well and it's been a fascinating process seeing how my boat came together. So in between bantering about what to do with the sail rig we have uncovered what must come apart to turn this boat into a show stopper.

    Here you can really see the workmanship put into this boat. The pegs on the floor are the current mast position. Looking forward you see the jib boom attachment and beyond that the second mast partner. If I wanted I could turn my boat into a cat boat. And beyond that you see the reinforcement for the stem and dolphin knocker. Both of which will be brightworked.
    The interior is a much different matter. I'm thinking bright seat and duckboards. How to accomplish this I hadn't a clue so I rendered it in Bryce 5.5 to take a look. Should be noted my boat has curves that the landscape rendering program was not designed for but it does give the impression I wanted. And I think it looks wonderfully nautical.

       I figure if the weather holds I can start cutting the planks next week and at least get them fitted. It might be cold but no reason work can't continue. Looking forward to a great 2012.

New Years Resolutions?

   Well it's a new year and a happy 2012 from all of here the IP&NCo.! It's going to be a great year and sailing will feature prominently. There are two resolutions I have that involve boats and the water. The first is spending more time during this dull off season working on the boat. Procrastination and excuses because it's cold and I can't sail get me no closer to to it being warm and able to sail. I posted a list a few entries back about what needed to be done to get Blue Flower finished. A more important list would be what I can do now.

1. Sand the mast, boom, and gaff in preparation for varnish.
2. Prep the interior and exterior for painting.
3. Order new sails.
4. Purchase hardware prior to installation. Jam cleat, deck plates, assorted.

   That alone should keep me busy through the cold. I just can't sit here and do nothing on my boat. Doing a lot of reading on the gaff rig and small boats in general. And after a conversation with the Typesetter, we all know how those go, looks like the Mayfly 14 is back in the works. I know I was all hot and bothered for the Ocean Explorer and I still may build it. But it's not getting me any closer to THE boat. It's cute, unique and would be much fun to build but when it's all said and done it's a one person boat if I'm honest. And I'm not really interested in a one person boat. Sailing is so much more fun with two. Or with the load of provisions a two person craft can take!
   So what crazy changes are you making to the Mayfly you're asking. Gaff rig? Jib? Yawl? Dagger board and trolling motor? I really hate to disappoint but I'm leaning towards none of that. Shocking. The plan is pretty solid and although I'd love to buck it, you can't deny the utility, ease, and power of a balanced lug rig. The leeboard is a pretty bullet proof and safe for re-orienting the hatches I don't see a need for a major change in the boat or rig. This is going to be a boat for the Flathead and I think I need to keep her pretty close to plan.
   Over the holiday season I re-watched Tom Cunliffes wonderful Boats That Built Britain series and was again blown away by the knowledge contained and the production value. Of particular interest are the episodes on the schooner HMS Pickle and the big herring lugger Reaper. The HMS Pickle segment deals with the development of the fore and aft rig and the Reaper episode the evolution of the Scottish fishing craft. Seeing as I sail a gaff rig and am familiar with the lug sail it's good to see it on such a scale. Not a bad way to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate on a cold winters night!
  The second resolution for this year is simply to sail more. Looking back at this last summer I'm reminded of the days I could have gone out and did not for a variety of pleasant distractions and reasons. But where would I be now had I hit the water if only for a few hours? Granted I didn't have a trailer hitch but that has been rectified so I do hope to spend more days on the water as opposed to the shore wishing I was on the water! So I'll leave this post with a picture of what will become a common sight here in the Garden City. If you see us, stop by and say "hi". We love visitors and love to talk sailing. Here's to a great and wet 2012!