BYYB Forums

It has been a while since I've posted anything relating to progress on the Spiritwind. I just have not had much time to work on finishing things up and getting it rigged. I did have time to fabricate the slat seats for the cockpit area from some old growth Western Red Cedar. All clear, straight grain quartersawn stock with really tight grain. Unbelievably nice material that was reclaimed from a demolition site a few years ago. No cost involved, just labor to get it out and then clean it up and find a spot to store it until I was ready to use it.

The slat seats are fabricated from the cedar. The slats are 3/4" X 1 1/2' double doweled into the frame which is 1 1/4" X 4" stock and the leading edges are from 2 1/4" x 5" material. The framework is double doweled together. Once all the fitting was done, then the entire assembly was set into a jig for glueup. Clamped tightly so it remained flat and straight. Once cured completely, it was routed along all the slats with a 1/4" round over bit with 5/16" spacing between the slats. The outer framwork was then fine tuned to fit the space on either side. When all was done, they turned out to be within less than 3/16" difference between the two. Basically mirror images of each other.

They were then soaked in hot boiled linseed oil until they wouldn't accept any more oil. Then allowed to dry out for a couple months. And then finished with many coats of Varathane Spar Varnish.

They passed the "significant other" comfort test and approval was given to install them in Spiritwind. They are held inplace by Velcro strips so that they can be removed for cleaning easily but still held in place securely. There are foam cushions being fabricated to place on the back rests as well as over the slat seats themselves. Doesn't take much as the slats give and are pretty darned comfy as is.

http://byyb.org/cpg143/displayimage.php?...t=-7&pos=4
http://byyb.org/cpg143/displayimage.php?...t=-7&pos=3
http://byyb.org/cpg143/displayimage.php?...t=-7&pos=5
http://byyb.org/cpg143/displayimage.php?...t=-7&pos=0
http://byyb.org/cpg143/displayimage.php?...at=0&pos=2

OK, still isn't any easier to post photos to the forum than before. :? But, at least you can click on the links and at least get to see them if you are so inclined.

Here ya go Barry...






She's looking great Barry, the slat seats finished bright looks fantastic.
Brian.

Beautiful work. Just stunning

Man I am so jealous. I wish I would have customized my boat, but as a first time builder, was too chicken to deviate from plans. I am so inspired at the creativity and craftsmanship many of you have displayed. I can now see that I will be building another daysailer (customized) in my life.