Setting up the bulkheads (2006)

After completion of all the bulkheads, it was time to set them up on a strongback. I started with the construction of the strongback during January 2006. It was constructed out of pine rafters fixed to pine posts cemented in concrete. The strongback must provide a stable platform onto which the bulkheads can be set up in their respective positions, plump and perpendicular to each other. At the same time a tarpaulin roof was made to protect all future building from sun and rain. Luckily the construction area was fairly well protected from wind.
I started with bulkhead A. At this stage one of those laser levels is a handy piece of equipment to have. When mounted on a tripod one can easily line up all bulkheads with the level. A plump line was used to ensure each was vertically set up according to the center-line. It took 90 man hours to build the strongback and set up all the bulkheads.

PS, Through time I have experienced the difficulties, or should I rather say, the problems one encounters when building a boat outside. Without a proper enclosure one is always exposed to the elements. It being too hot or too cold, windy and wet, or just plain unpleasant. Furthermore, epoxy is sensitive to high and low temperatures and during the curing process does not like moisture. Water discolours wood and must be kept away from the untreated panels. These are all factors that influence the speed of the building process.

The strongback.

Bulkhead A installed.

Bulkhead B. Note the plump line on center-line.

Bulkhead C from a different view.

Note center-line.

Two more to go.