Almost time for whiskey...

This update will be a short one, just to let you guys know that I'm almost done with planking. Since last time I got the fifth plank on the boat and, this morning, I got the sheerstrake installed...but, alas, only one side. Some people say the tradition of the "whiskey plank" is to simply celebrate the completion of planking by enjoying a wee dram.  Others take it a bit further.

The sixth plank--the sheerstrake--is now glued and screwed to the boat.  Well, at least on one side.  Once the "whiskey plank" (the last plank) is on the boat, I'll be able to enjoy a nip.

The other sheerstrake is cut out--you can just see it on the floor next to the boat--but alas I didn't have time to put it on today. I'm afraid real life sometimes interferes with boat building! From this view you can see splotches of epoxy putty appearing on the plywood planks. I've started puttying various holes and divots, getting ready for the epoxy-sealing that will take place once the planking is done.

The transom view.  Hmm, a few dings on the transom to sand out once planking is done.  Darn.

While completion of planking is definitely a major milestone towards the completion of the boat, there's still plenty more to do.  I figure I'll be about one-third done once the planking is all done.  There is, after all, the keel and outer stem to fit to the outside of the hull, plus the deck and cockpit to build.  Not to mention three spars (mast, boom, and gaff) and the rudder and tiller.  Not to mention a lot of sanding and painting and varnishing.  We've had some very nice sailing weather recently--warm but not hot, nice breeze--and it is frustrating that the boat is not further along.  But one thing you do learn in building boats is sheer perseverance.  Just keep at it...the boat'll be done when she's done.