Naming (without the ceremony)

While out working on Froonie, Sunday the 31st of July, I took the opportunity to apply her name!  The graphics came in the mail just a few days prior, and I was anxious to finally get the Froon named.  The name Froonie is my my daughter's nickname - one her mother and I gave to her shortly after being born - she just looked like a froonie.  So, since this is Skylar's sailboat, pink topsides, purple bottom, and all, what better name to give to her than an affectionate nickname.

Working out the location on the stern, I followed the simple prep and installation instructions...

Name applied!...supplication will be made for fair winds and safe seas at a later date.

Name and hailing port applied!

I also took the opportunity to install the bronze jam cleats (two per coaming board), and the bronze winch bases.  Starboard coaming...

....and port coaming.

Engine Well Access Hatch

Saturday, 24th of April, 2010

After what seemed like a never ending process of bringing the engine well back to its original design (structural repairs to the stern and hull, adding fiberglass cloth in areas to add further strength, and endless fairing and sanding sessions), I was ready to install an access hatch on the aft portion of the well. The 6" round hatch would provide access to the stern chain plate, as well as other deck gear that will require backing plates for reinstallation. This first picture gives you a good idea of the layers of fairing compounds (all West System products) applied during the process of bringing the surfaces of the well to fair. As mentioned, aside from the fairing process, I structurally filled a few notches taken out of the stern and well floor during the process of rebuilding (see picture at bottom for the "before" look).

Here is the access hatch opening after material removal. I used a cordless Ryobi 18v Spiral Saw to cut the opening, after tracing the base plate circumference onto the well surface. You can see that the well wall is a solid 3/4" marine grade plywood, with fiberglass outer skin.

Here is the base plate held in place to show how final installation will appear. I tested out my reach through the opening, and am pleased with my "Go-Go-Gadget" arm reach - allowing me access to the deck for backing plate installation for cleats, fiddle block, eye straps / fairleads, etc.

The "before" shot of Froonie's stern and engine well.

Bronze or Brass

Here is a backing plate for the winch base -  starboard coaming board.  I am thinking of having the bronze fittings and deck hardware polished and restored by a local Jacksonville company.

A Break From Work

I took a break from the restoration work this weekend and took the kids down to Disney World via Amtrak.  It was their first train trip, and they were giddy with excitement - though I believe Disney stole the show.  How can you resist Mickey and friends?  Well, next week it's back to working on the bottom.  I will resume some final sanding work with the 5" VS random orbital sander and 60 grit disks, then begin mixing thickened epoxy for fairing.

Skylar on her first train ride...