Introduction, Notes and Information

Why a Blog?

I always envisioned the boat building process to be a group project where interested friends and family would participate to some degree.  There have been productive days like this but for the most part it has been just me.  This blog is another way to bring other people into the process.  Not only can I document  the boat construction but I will be able to interact with the wider community.  Interaction is key to improving yourself and I believe that through interaction with this blog I will end up building a better boat.  

Expectations 

I would really like for this blog to be interactive.  I understand that this is not the best platform for that but I do encourage you to ask questions and add your expertise and constructive criticism.  Please remember to stay on topic and be courteous. 

How You Can Help

I might also use this blog to occasionally plea for help, not financially although there is a donate button (and a dollar here or there would be most appreciated), but for things that are difficult to come by.  For instance, I will need 12,400 pounds of lead for the ballast keel.  I'm currently collecting lead tire weights, old car batteries and battery terminals in order to fill this requirement.  It turns out that battery and tire companies already contract to salvage companies with exclusive contracts and won't sell me their used items.  These companies are buying lead for a fraction of what its worth.  In other words they are making a killing and I can't get in on the action even though I would offer a better price.  So, I am appealing to the general public for what I need.  If you're in north Alabama or southern Tennessee and have any lead you'd like to donate to this project let me know and I'll come out and pick it up.  I'll go much further abroad for substantial quantities.  I will also promise not to ever profit on anything donated for this project.  Material things aside, the most important help that you, the reader, can provide is your expertise (see Expectations).

Initial Notes About This Blog

This blog was started at the beginning of the third year of construction of the boat and three years since beginning the boat shop.  I'm trying to catch it up to the current status of construction.  My plan is to fill in details at a later date and once this blog is current to have more details of the actual building process. So please revisit earlier pages from time to time because they will change as additional information and pictures are added.  The 'Blog Archive' dates only reflect the date the page was created and does not take into account the updates.  I would rather arrange this first stage by topics but that is not an option.

Also, your feedback is welcome and encouraged.  You do not have to give any information about yourself to leave a comment but again I encourage you to do so.

Disclosures

I am not paid to promote any product or idea.  If I mention a product it is because I used it and have an honest opinion about the product.  This project is funded by what I can scrape together.  If you like what you see, donate a few dollars.  If you have any questions or comments please ask.  I get a fair bit of traffic but very few comments or suggestions.  I'd like to hear more from my readers.