Windows Installed!

 Got all six of the opening windows and the frames installed this weekend, made a pattern and cut out the front windows, now just need to install the front with fixed wooden frames. I am still deciding on keeping the opening frames more "rustic" for the cottage feel by not plugging the screw holes, which was my original plan, or plugging with screw plugs for a more finished approach. Still many finishings to go, like the roof angle supports (plinthes).. etc. But more progress.

Finished door trim and dry fit windows

 Finally got all the door trim installed and began dry fitting the windows.

Back in the saddle again!

 After a couple cancer surgeries making progress again, got the the front and back door sills and plywood faces in front and aft etc.., front windows framed in and have fully framed out the head area. Will post more pictures as it comes along. I changed the front window size slightly as I wanted a little more beef around the edges.

A little wonky, I'll admit and have a few coats of varnish and sanding, some filling and some trim work along the roof I want to put in, but it will have to do.

Kidney Cancer Diagnosis - All Stop!

Well guys been quite a week! My build is on hold for awhile. I just found out at very minimum I have Stage 2 Kidney Cancer, with a large impressive growth in my left kidney that is twice as big as the kidney itself, my right kidney also has a small growth. I will be undergoing surgery to remove my left kidney as soon as I can get scheduled, then chemo, and then the right. If it all goes well I should be right as rain. I probably will have to wait until next spring for more build progress. I have a catheter right now, so can't do much pre-op dang it!

I wish you all well in your builds and will check in here now and then! Looking forward to getting back at it as soon as I am capable!

My build is put to bed now! I don't know when I will be able to get back to it, and it looks like this is going to be it for this year as I need to focus on fighting this cancer.

Be excellent to each other!

To Varnish or Not To Varnish

 Certainly varnishing the roof will lead to more maintenance, I can always paint it later. This is an interesting guide to varnishes from Practical Sailor:

https://www.practical-sailor.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/1209-ON-PART-VANISH-GUIDE.pdf

Fiberglassing the roof

Well, finished fiberglassing the roof, three coats of that new epoxy and caulked the joints the along the full length roof beams and around the hatch..

Its not quite perfect, but damn that SAP CLR is great stuff.. doesn't bubble or foam much, sets nicely. I did have some small issues my fault, I mixed up about 16 ounces and had it flash off in the hot weather in the pan a little quicker than I wanted which makes for a goopy mess, wasted epoxy, and can be a little unsettling as it gets hot.. will it burst into flames... ?? I didn't have that happen thank goodness.. The other issue was that I epoxied too late in the evening, the temps that day dropped rapidly in the night causing dew. The moisture settling on the epoxy as it cured caused a little amine blush... so I had to scrubby it off with soap, water, and scotch brite.. fortunately it was just a small area and after scrubbing and sanding recoated ok.

So now, I beg the question... it doesn't pass the mahogany deck sweet showboat quality test.. but I am inclined to think I do like the look of a varnish. Its not at all perfection, but I think it's a nice look.. if I paint first then I can't varnish later but if I varnish and hate it.. I can paint later.

wood plugs

 Small progress.. It took some time and doesn't seem like much, but I got all the roof rafters on.. and all the screw holes plugged with wood plugs. It was alot of plugs to make! I made the plugs out of the same wood. Probably not any better than just simply filling with epoxy, but I like the aesthetics and feel of it. More of a feel good thing for me, despite the time to do. Now time to fill small gaps, and trim. Call me Mr. Turtle... but progress is still progress..