My little wood project boat is back in progress. It only took a little junk shoveling to uncover her, some clearing of workbenches, uncovering of supplies and rounding up of tools. The idea to build the Penobscot 14 was born when my wife started pharmacy school and had to “go away” up in Gainesville. I was left at home during the week and decided a little wood working with almost sharp chisels and saws would go well with my rum and coke. A little Internet research, $110 for plans and a video and I was off and whittling. Four years of college, a residency and 3+ years of Dr. M. practicing her trade, and the boat is nearly half done. I knew it would keep me occupied.
Ellodine (her intended name) actually started off with a bang, but dwindled as house chores, other boats and life came along. Once I get going, I enjoy every minute of the work. I love it – probably the best thing a guy stuck behind a keyboard can do – legally. Last night I began fitting the next plank to the hull I finished framing over 3 years ago. I figure once I knock out this planking and flip the boat right-side-up at the very least I’ll have a life raft in the event of a major hurricane. If it’s not done, and a big flood hits – oh man, I’ll never hear the end of that one. Call me Noah.
Some pics from last night.
The entire Penobscot 14 Gallery is here.
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Atta boy Rumhead! Celibacy is a good thing when the resulting frustration is channeled into something constructive…
As for me, this falls under the “I’ve always wanted to do that” category. As we all know, there’s a certain road that is paved with good intentions.
If I took the plunge, however, it would most likely be with a Chesapeake Light Craft kit, where all of the grunt work has been taken care of. (See also: “How Captain Bill constructed a replica of the ‘Nautilus’ while enjoying chocolate chip cookies and Pyrat.”)