thebmproject

At a fan’s !! request a picture of the  rudder assembly.

The hull, mast, boom and gaff have had their final coat of varnish!

Next: prepare the cradle for when the boat is turned and I can get started on the deck,etc.

In between the varnishing layers of the hull, the boom, mast and gaff also received there final Epoxy layer.  The mast cap was fitted as well!

reducing the diameter of the mast to fit the mast cap

The blocks have been varnished and are awaiting the fitting of the sheaves

Ok, I want (traditional) wooden sheave blocks. Worked out I will need 6 single sheave and 2 double sheave blocks.

If I were to order them that would set me back (about) $950!! So long live the inet !

I found some plans to make my own: sheaves (the pulley wheels ;o)) $30, brass for straps $60. Axle covers Honk Kong1c and 5c pieces!!   PS Brass strips ended up costing me less then $20 for the lot

It has taken me 3 years to finish the plugging of the screw holes and the sanding of the boat!!  Well not really but now being semi retired I am able to get back into the BM Project.

The boat has had 4 normal  coats of epoxy resin an 1 coat of special clear resin (West System 105/207)

Varnish is next and then the boat will be turned so I can work on the deck etc.

Last month I picked up the rudder and tiller hardware while I was in Europe. Again  Edwin TIjsterman was able to assist me with that. I would have had to have one made up in Aus  as this item is peculiar to this boat. So it turned out well. It was nice to catch up as well!

Winter, rain, new job and  overseas trips. have slowed down the work on the BM.

I am still closing the screw holes with western red cedar plugs and as long as I get those done by the end of September

I will be happy with the progress of the project!  On the 6th of August I am off to Italy for 5 weeks. When I return it will be spring and I will return with renewed vigor!

My cousin owns a yawl rigged Nantucket clipper

It was in such a state that he’d given up hope of ever getting it into the water again.

I took a month off and traveled to the Netherlands to give him a hand getting this beautiful vessel back into the water.

The pictures tell the story of replacing and restoring the bowsprit, deck timbers , doors and solar panel , clean up and antifouling and finally the return of the old dame to her element!

click on the pictures to see larger versions of them

the bowsprit repaired

A good result!

The Netherlands 6th May –> 6th June

During my visit to Holland I had the pleasure and honour to meet Edwin Tijsterman and his dad Willem in the yacht harbour of Plaszicht on the Noordeinder Lake in the town of Nieuwkoop.

http://www.tijstermanboten.nl/home

The Tijstermans run a business  hiring out boats, also  repairing and restoring of 16m2 “BM”s (based on the  original 12m2 BMs). They also build beautiful new boats.

After initially viewing Edwin’s boats moared in their pens I was approached by one of the boat builders there as to my interest in the boats. From there on I was introduced to Edwin who took an interest in my story and especially this web site. His dad and him viewed my efforts and to my relief were impressed by my efforts. After an afternoon over good coffee and viewing the beautiful 16m2s housed  there and a guided tour of the boat building facilities I gained valuable insight and information from Edwin  .

During my conversation with Edwin I mentioned to him that I was looking for a mastcap at which he took me to his storage area (an Aladdin’s cave of boat treasures!) where he not only got me the mast cap but other original 16m2 parts which “I would probably need”!

A little embarrassing for me when he refused payment for the items! His contribution towards my project!  I will remain in his debt though and I hope this acknowledgement page will ensure that he knows of my appreciation of his gesture!

When you are in the area pay the Plaszicht Jachthaven a visit and have a chat to the guys there. I am sure that mentioning this story will bring a smile to their faces.

For good food and drink and friendly service give the restaurant a try as well. Thoroughly recommended!

http://www.restaurant-tijsterman.nl/restaurant

plugging the screw holes and sanding the hull………… BIG job!!! ;o)

16th april 2011

Finished the slats on the hull!

I deserve a beer (or two)

slats on hull just about finished

Building the hull – February 2011 –>

The 50mm wide slats are  sawn into 22mm wide lengths as the cladding of the hull proceeds.

A big job but satisfying! The size of the slats  allow them to be bent and twisted into quite complex curves.

it’s getting there!

Sawing the hull slats:      The 8 x 6m lengths of 125mm x 52mm were then sawn into 56 x 6m lengths of 50mm x 15mm

Sawing the hull slats:    4 x 6m lengths of 252mm x 52mm western red cedar were sawn into 8 x 6m lengths of 125mm x 52mm

………… January 2011