The Big Tuna Skeleton

The end of October was productive. The keel was dropped in place and the starboard chine log was fitted with clamps. In addition the bow stem was also installed. Let's view it.

Keel dropped in place and secured with clamp. Note the notches on the right side (also one on the left side). This notch allows the water to drain to the back of the boat where the bilge pump will pump it out of the boat. Without those notches, the water will accumulate in each comportment making it more difficult, if not impossible, to drain.

Perhaps the most frustrating part of the build so far has been fitting the chine log. To think that there are three more to go! Luckily a boat building friend, Svein, was able to assist me by providing some words of wisdom and encouragement via telephone.  This picture shows the transom with the chine log fit in place. It is currently held on using clamps while checking for a flush fit against the vertical frame. The best advice I can give anyone who gets to this phase can be summed up in one word. Patience. It will be tested. Speed here is not an option. As a matter of fact it will hurt you.

This was a very difficult notch to cut. It was mostly done by hand, like the old days, with a chisel and hammer. Note the bow stem in the front also has a notch to receive the chine log. That notch was also made with a chisel and hammer. The plank on the left side of the picture is the actual chine log. It will bend around to fit in both notches.

Side view of the Big Tuna with the chine and keel in place. The end of the chine log will be trimmed down flush to the transom.

It’s actually starting to look like a boat!

The next step is fit the port side chine log. Once the port side has been fitted, they will be screwed and glued in place. Keep  your chisels sharp!