Tandori Number One: Vaquita

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.