July 2024,

July 8,

July fourth holiday weekend here in the states proved to be a productive day working on the boat.  I finally purchased that little bit of southern yellow pine to finish up the ceilings (walls actually). With that, I have been finishing up the sole for the front half of the boat. Interior progress has move along quickly this year. Happy fourth to all you yanks out there.

Some of the new flooring laid out before installation. I'll remove it all and add some epoxy to hold everything in place. The glue is almost not even necessary since everything fits together pretty tight but I figure it will cut down on the squeaky floors.

Some more loosely in place. I number all the pieces in pencil and take a photograph so I know how everything is put together when it is time for gluing. 

I got the much of the sole completed all the way to the "Vee" berth with two more hatches. I'm planning one more hatch on this half of the boat. The salon and galley will have a few (but not nearly as many) as well for access to the keel bolts and plumbing. On this section, I have a hatch to access every space between bulkheads, all keel bolts, all electrical runs, and most plumbing. 

The sole is taking shape. I still need to finish off some edges on the right and behind the shower on the left.

July 21,

I've finished cutting out and dry fitting the remaining sole on the front half of the boat. I'm actually missing one short piece next to a hatch. I need to buy some more flooring to finish out the back half anyway although I was hoping to finish this part with what I had. Below are some images of the finish work around corners and into the ceiling (walls). 

Fitting the "Vee" berth. I spent about half a day making a pattern for this piece. The interface with the ceiling (white wall) is beveled to make a clean fit. This fit amazingly well. Also, the pattern worked for the  other side with only a mild modification. This boat is very symmetrical.

Both pieces cut out. Both have been fitted but not together. It would be very difficult to get them back out again if they were both fitted together. 

Access hatches cut out. More on this later.