Life Gets in the Way

Well, not much boat building going on. On Friday night we got hit with a nice storm, taking out one of the top limbs on my willow tree. Needless to say, I spent all day Saturday cleaning up the mess. I was able to make a run to Detroit and pick up a few sheets of 1/2 inch marine birch plywood so I would have the wood on hand when I started to make the seat base. Today is Fathers Day, so I am just planning on spending some time with my wife on the lake and watch a little golf in the evening. You have got to love a DVR. My daughter, Dawn lives in Chicago and see sent me a real nice package of cookies. We will spend all next weekend together flying hot air balloons in the Howell, Michigan Balloon Festival.

A Boat Builder's Visit

On Wednesday evening "Zip" boat builder, Howard Katzman from West Bloomfield, Michigan came over to my house to see my project and give me a little critique on my "Zip". Howard has a wonderful boat and it really shows when you look at all the details. Howard offered to have me take another look at his boat so I jumped at the opportunity. On Thursday evening I was able to take measurements and get a real good idea on the challenges ahead of me. Also, visiting with me were my brother Gary, Uncle Ray and "Squirt" boat builder Art Atkinson.

In the first photo is a Howard looking over my "Zip". Picture two, from left to right. (Howard, Ted, Art). Picture three, shows all of the photos that Howard gave me of his build process.

My "Zip" Flip

June 12, 2010....It was a monumental night. Thursday afternoons are golf night and we finished a little early. Once we were in the clubhouse we started talking about my boat build and I explained that I was ready to flip my boat. Everyone said, "Lets do it now", so the decision was made. I gave a call to my neighbors Scott and Heath and "Squirt Boat Builder", Art Atkinson. With the help of a friend and golfer Rick, brothers Joey and Gary, Uncle Ray and my wife Lynn (photographer). The boat was picked up and Flipped over. What a feeling. The same great feeling I had when my airplane was in the canoe stage of building and we rolled it over to look inside the cockpit for the first time. Just like moving day for the airplane. Thanks too everyone who helped me get to this stage in my build.

Ready to make the "Flip"

After 2 coats of primer and 6 coats of color and hours and hours of sanding, buffing and polishing I am ready to "Flip" my boat over and start working on the inside and the top deck. I did have many issues with painting and I never did get it as nice as I hoped but it is good enough and I need to start moving forward. The straw that broke the camels back was when I was almost done sanding, just before buffing when I tipped over the halogen light and it fell right on the corner of the chine taking out a big chip in the paint right down to the fiberglass. That is when I yelled, "uncle" and said, make the repair and move forward. I came to grips with the fact that 90% of what I painted will be under water and it still looks pretty darn good.

A friend of mine and fellow boat builder Art Atkinson loaned me two floor jacks and a large oak stairway rail so I could support the boat while I dismantled the Jig that is located under the boat.

The Jig is now removed and the cradle that the boat will sit on once it is flipped over is waiting for the boat. Now all I need to do is get a half dozen guys together and flip this thing. I am hoping this will happen Friday afternoon.

Yeah...The Boat is Flip, but it is not mine

Monday afternoon I was asked to help Art Atkinson flip his "Squirt" boat project. He is doing an excellent job. Take a look at his blog by clicking on the link above.

Visit with Dale McCann

A Chris Craft Restroration: (click on any photo to enlarge)
It is amazing what you see driving down the road if you are looking. I found a new friend who is in the middle of his Chris Craft Restoration. I was on my way to have a couple of new tires installed on my hot air balloon chase vehicle when I looked out of the corner of my eye and thought that I saw an old wooden boat in a guys garage. I thought to myself, no that could not be. I flashed back when I first got into hot air balloons (more than 35 years ago) when every thing I saw driving down the road was a balloon in the air. I remember going around a curve and seeing what I thought was a balloon only to find out when I got closer that it was just a water tower. But this time it was a different feeling so pulled over to the side of the road and turned around. It really was a wooden boat. Those of you who know me well, know that I am not shy about stopping to say Hi to a stranger. I am glad that I did. Dale McCann of West Bloomfield, Michigan is in the middle of restoring his Chris Craft and I was very impressed with his workmanship and knowledge. Dale took time from his project and made me feel very welcome. It is always great to meet new boat enthusiasts who are willing to share their experience. I invited Dale to stop by when he has an opportunity and take a look at my build. I will try to keep in touch with Dale and keep you posted on his project. I have attached a few pictures of his boat status here so you can see the progression of his re-launch.