Almost-A-SCAMP Progress Report #2-4A . . . . .

[Charles Brennan]

Always one more accessory to glue on, when you figure it's about time to do the last round of filling and fairing.
This is the off-set for the centerboard up haul block to keep the centerboard tackle from banging against the sides. (As much.)
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All the screws removed after gluing, filled with bamboo sticks and epoxy glue.
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All the over-drilled holes filled.
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On both sides.
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Also filled in the hatch mounting holes.
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And sanded smooth.
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More coats of epoxy for the compass box and the motor mount and the fishing rod holders.
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Two layers of glass on one side of the motor mount.
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After trimming, the holes were filled with thickened epoxy.
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And two layers of glass applied to the other side.
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Transom sanded flush and ready for the next round of holes!
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This is why I didn't over-drill all four gudgeon holes at the same time.
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It allowed me to use the gudgeons as a template for drilling the center holes, so as not to have to re-measure everything all over again.
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Like so.
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And allowed me to over-drill the outside holes.
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And fill with epoxy.
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And drill when sanded, using the gudgeons as templates once again.
Things are easy, when you plan ahead.
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Here's all the holes in the transom, over-drilled, filled and re-drilled.
Notice that no fastener will touch wood, but only epoxy.
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What is all that filler in the trolling motor socket, in the upper left corner?   
   I DONWANNA TALK ABOUT IT!! 

I had previously used a Forstner bit to over-drill some holes in the side compartment cleats and fill them with epoxy.
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Now it was time to drill the final holes because after painting, I won't know exactly    where the epoxy-filled holes are located. 
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This is what we're drilling the holes for.  Have one of these on Urchin and use it for storing lines, fenders, etc. 
Very handy and far easier to do now,    than after the seat tops are installed.
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Next, I taped off all the surfaces that will need epoxy later on, when the seats and the sole goes down.
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The blue tape on the inside of the transom is to keep paint from dripping down the holes, when I paint the outside of the transom with EZ-Poxy primer.

Last of the taping off.
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Tape on the bow is to keep paint from dripping out the holes, from the inside.

And after the first coat (of 3 coats) of paint for the interior compartments..
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This is where the LiFePO4 batteries will go.
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View looking aft at the lazarette and side compartments
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Looking forward.
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Anybody says this is a small dinghy, should have to paint it!   

Today's Southern Boat Builder's Tip:
Try not to paint outside, during Pollen Season!!   
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Ah, well. It will sand right off in the morning.   
Nice to finally see some visible progress.   

Charles Brennan

[Captain Kidd]

Thumbs up!

[Riley Smith]

All it takes is elbow grease! And money, and time, and lumber, and paint, and line, and....

Well, you get the idea. It's beginning to look floatable!!

[Doug SC]

You left out sanding, sanding, and more Sanding!

[Krusen]

I think the biggest thing here is Charles planning ahead, so all those steps are done once.

There are many of his steps that are not essential for a passable outcome, but not an ideal outcome.

There is a place between "perfect" and "good enough", and Charles seems to find it.

He also makes me tired just reading about all those steps.  My professional career had similar requirements, with days spent devising exactly how the required outcome would be assured, no possibility of failure, before a 500,000,000 watt generator was removed from service for the modification.

My consistent success made me a first choice for all of our power plant managers.  They pestered me monthly for the first 3 years of my retirement, then I went back for 5 years of contract work.

The next owner should have an outstanding boat, the Brennan years will not compromise the integrity of his build.

Keep up the good work, Charles, if I survive long enough, I would like a sail on her.

KRUSEN, without a boat anymore.

[Charles Brennan]

Krusen, Whenever I see your tag on a SCAMP progress post, my first thought is:
"What did I get wrong, or could have done better?!?"   

My Dad used to prize prior planning; explaining that if you built a house and didn't plan ahead far enough, you'd suddenly find yourself needing an eight-foot nail. 
He's long gone, but his prejudices live on and inform much of what I do, on this build.
" . . . . .   if I survive long enough, I would like a sail on her."
Actually, that sentiment goes, for BOTH of us!! 

Sailing the Chesapeake has always been on my Bucket List, along with sailing in Mystic, Connecticut and sailing to Fort Jefferson, in the Keys.  Can't believe I've owned Urchin nearly 50 years and still haven't managed it. 
Ah, well.

Thanks for all the encouragement.
I hope very much to have you aboard some day,
Charles Brennan

[Krusen]

Charles, if you come to sail the Chesapeake, with sufficient advance notice, I can find you meals and a place to stay, just cost you a sail.

KRUSEN