Checking the order of things

Having decided to lengthen the foredeck, it now extends over the fore end of the side benches. In other words, I needed to complete the side benches first. Now I can sympathize with those who opt for simple open benches with perhaps bouyancy bags beneath, but a boat this size is capable of more ambitious journeys, which calls for more storage, which in turn requires lockers rather than simple benches. 

This turned out to be fiddly and slow going, particularly as construction needs to take account of what is likely to go in and through the lockers.  I've planned for an auto bilge pump so that a 19mm tube goes from the keel line up to the gunnel (through a locker), a battery to power the pump is housing in one of the lockers and electric cable has to pass to the pump and to other possible power outlets - for lighting or whatever. But most complicated of all, lockers need access hatches which are preferably water tight - which is, of course, impossible. My hatch seal design may or may not work - we'll see. (Voice from the future: it didn't work and the hatches needed to be replaced - hgh!)

 
The lockers that abut the transom are much larger and hatch covers may be a problem - I may be tempted by ready made ones - haven't decided yet.


Flooring comes next but first a couple of coats of bildge and locker paint should make the inner hull look a whole lot smarter. From the photos it may seem that I work in an organised and uncluttered fashion - huh! - far from it. Most of the time, every horizontal surface is covered with tools and materials, sawdust and shavings - I think of it as creative chaos!