Flapjack launching

Well I just want to let you all know that the Flapjack was launched on June 20, at about 9:30 A.M. Pacific time (last day of Spring or first day of Summer, I’m not sure). The pictures that I posted do not show the detail I would like, but I want to share what I have. I still need to build the mast, sprit, and rudder, order the sail, and rig her, but she won’t sail until next spring. I promise that I will post better pictures (shot with a real digital camera) by then. I have to say that if she sails like she rows I picked a winning design. I am surprised that there has not been more written about this boat! Steve Redmond seems to have gotten it right and I would recommend this boat to anyone considering a 14’ rowing and sailing (although I can’t speak with authority on her sailing qualities yet) skiff. I rowed her about two and one half miles. She carries way well and is more stable that I thought she would be and tracks like she is on rails. With plans from Redmond and Thomas Hills book “Ultralight Boatbuilding”, she was a pleasure to build. This novice is thoroughly hooked. Until now I have only built one other boat, a kayak, but I will definitely build others. I would like to thank everyone who posts on this site for the inspiration (direct and indirect) I received throughout this project. I will continue to monitor this site and will look forward to offering what I can. I am proud to be a member of the boatbuilding community and can think of few activities that have been more fulfilling and enjoyable than “messing about in boats.”


Yours truly,

Winks

Flapjack progress

Well, I had grand plans to show pix of the launching this week. Unfortunatly, I had to put my truck in the shop for a transmision(sic) rebuild. She is on the trailor and ready to go though. I am very pleased with the way she turned out and I look forward to seeing how she handles under oars. I will start building the sailing rig this Fall, but I want to get some rowing in this year. I will have some pix of the Flapjack on the trailor within the next few days but the launching has been moved back about two weeks. I look forward to hearing about all of your progress on your various projects.

Winks

Flajack progress and....

Hi everyone. Just wanted to see what is going on. There hasn’t been a lot of activity on this forum for several weeks. If you are like me you have probably been trying to get ready for the water when the weather gets good. I just thought I would give a quick update on the “Flapjack’s” progress. I will post a picture or two later this evening. All of the parts, cleats, mast step, oarlock blocks, etc. have been made. I still need to finish forming the outer stem, oil the homemade jam cleats, and install the other parts, seats etc, but the painting is almost done. With any luck I should have her in the water in about two weeks. It is difficult to know when to quit. I have to keep reminding myself that I built this boat to use, not to show, but I seem to be tempted to want to give her one more coat of paint, one more coat of varnish would look good, maybe if I made a few more cleats they would be more uniform. But good weather seems to be here to stay in Northern California. The water is calling. I have decided that there will be time next fall or winter for improvements. This is comforting because I will not be able to afford another building project for a while. Besides, I still need to make a mast, order a sprit sail, etc. so I can sail her as well as row. I have heard it said that a boat is a bottomless hole in which to pour money (and time). Well, I don’t know about everyone else, but I have spent money (and time) on much less worthwhile endeavors. Good luck on your projects. I look forward to seeing your progress, but for now I need to go. I have another coat of paint to apply and………



Winks

Flapjack

Well I just wanted to touch base with everyone. It seems like we have had a long, wet winter but the weather here in Nor. Cal. Has finally started to cooperate and I am making progress on the Flapjack. I have just added a few photos for anyone interested. You will at least be able to get an idea of what she looks like. I have made some progress since these pix were taken and will probably post some more pix next week. I just got an order from Jamestown Distributors today with my oarlocks and oar leathers. I have the interior sanding almost finished and plan to start painting next wk. With any luck at all I should have her in the water by the first part of May. It will be a while before I have her mast built but I am looking forward to getting on the water and logging some rowing time. I will be in touch soon. In the meantime I am comforted by the spirit of the immortal Ratty who so wisely noted that, “There is nothing, absolutely nothing, half so much worth doing, as simply messing about with boats.”

 

 

Until next time,

 

 

Winks