About a year ago we drew up a new variation on our wee Doryak–a two-man version Cricket dubbed the Tandori. Our friend Brin, who commissioned the Diamond Desert dory we built last year, wanted number one. The day before we began his build, we knocked together a prototype hull–for a test fit and to see if it would actually form up properly. It looked like a winner.
So we commenced. Here’s Brin carving the rolling bevel for the bowpost.
We are trying a very wacky idea called “tortured plywood.” It involves putting a slight cross-rocker in addition to the end-to-end rocker. In theory it adds significant impact strength, and may well increase maneuverability. How much? Worth the effort? We know not.
An inside job. Here are Cricket and Glade massaging in the 50-ounce biaxial inner chine. Super fun work.
See that cross-arc? Pretty cool looking if nothing else.
We gave up the customary flow coat of black graphite a few years ago, opting for clear. Graphite obscures visability, so you can’t keep tabs on the condition of the bottom wood. It’s pretty easy to see wet wood spots and rot through the clear resin. And hopefully we don’t spend enough time upside-down for UV to be an issue. That said, we just can’t help adding a bit of fun to the bottom. Rocket power from the rear.
And a wave-busting POW on the bow.
We now build all the bulkheads and much of the deck framing right into the frames before we assemble the boat. Once it’s right-side-up, we’re ready to finish the deck framing and deck the beast. Here’s Delany projecting the deck levels onto the sloping, curved side walls.
Room for a few more in here.
Taking a short break.
Framed and ready for gutter cutting. This is only day three. You might think we’re almost done, but we’ve just begun.
Storyboard spiling. Creating the perfect curves on the decking.
Cricket in place for marking the underside of decking for screw placement.
Day six: time to go pound sand. We are casting the gunwale hardware.
And a bow eye.
2000 degree bronze.
A breast plate:
A wee gunwale adjustment.
Gunwales on!
Yuck. Time to glass all the guttering.
A fresh-carved minicel seat.
Glory time: dressing our new gal up.
Adding bling.
Laying down on the job: deck painting time.
Brin has a sawmill at home and brought some figured Cottonwood for the bow cap. Holy mackeral.
(I think he likes her!)
Loaded up and heading for home. Now it’s time to finish off that other hull: Rock Lobster.
The team celebrating with shotglasses made of ice. You can’t beat this place for fun!
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