The skin-on-frame outrigger comes along,as best it can,indoorsThe skin-on-frame outrigger comes along,as best it can,indoors

I believe I have mentioned that I work in sub-optimal conditions for a boat-builder,even one focusing on small craft. Our house is modest and my workshop is in the basement,overrun by stuff in storage. I count on being able to work outside,but this gloriously snowy winter (yes,I said “gloriously”–snow is fun too) has wiped that out. I plus along in the space I have,and thus you see pieces below laid out across living space.

So here are some signs of progress,albeit slow. As with the keel of the ama,I cut the first few feet and relaminated it to give it rocker. Here is that task,in progress.

I took a whack at laminating one of the frames. I have subsequently decided to junk this one. There were two issues. First,I am still figuring out my new bandsaw,and the strips were pretty lumpy (even after some planing). They didn’t lay together well. Compounding this,I also messed up the glue up and I wasn’t confident in the piece’s strength. Lots of learning there. Too many strips,too short working time,and too little glue (using Titebond III).

I decided to use the frame to further test and cut out some of the mortises. The keel scarf is not yet glued,but I was able to mock things up by means of some clamps:one frame,the full keel,and two stems. Great to see.

Here’s the same set-up looking forward (excuse the living room). You can see the bow stem is cocked to starboard. Seems there is a little twist in the keel. I have to see if I can pull it straight with the gunwales.