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Thursday, April 27, 2017

Addition To The Fleet

Wife and I didn't know if we were having a boy or girl. In the months leading up to the birth of the new crew member, I have been building this little cradle boat. It's a kit put together by Chesapeake Light Craft (www.clcboats.com). While this is a small project, the following picture will show a little about how their kits would go together. Especially helpful if you're not familiar with "stitch and glue" method that they use in their kits.

Funny thing, the instructions actually say "Step 1 - Make Baby"

copper wires hold the panels together....

...long enough to epoxy the planks together...

...until it sets...

then removing much of the copper wires...



Then getting ready for epoxy on the bulkheads...

the tape keeping things nice and clean...




filled in holes with epoxy, sanded down
first coat of epoxy, about 5 total
2 coats of primer, 3 coats of topcoat.

Pink anchors! for the little girl

Getting pattern just right for foam

PUL fabric covering foam. (waterproofs it)

Mostly complete, still needing a few finishing touches

cushion in place


Still need to finish out the feet here.

This has been an interesting project. So, while I intend to teach the little one about boating, sailing, knots, etc., she now has her own little boat.

2 comments:

  1. Oh that is super cute! I'm impressed. I've got enough kids and grandkids now...we never had a dinghy for the kids tho. You did a brilliant job.

    I've thought about doing one of the larger kits for a tender myself, but it would definitely take up room in my garage for a good month or more!

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    Replies
    1. An actual dinghy for the kids is a good idea. I've been thinking of building a larger row boat as a family outing or picnics.

      Even though this cradle boat is 4' long, it's not meant to be in the water. A larger boat would be nice too.

      Done interesting designs all over the place.

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