Jahazi: Backbone (2006)

Introduction

"If you want to build a ship, don't drum up people to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea"
Antoine de Saint-Exupery

With that in mind one may think that anybody with a passion for the sea can build an ocean going yacht. But be warned! It is not something that can be taken lightly. It takes time and dedication.This project was started in 2004 with the purchase of plans for the Didi 34. Although almost finished, it is still ongoing.

Monday, 3 April 2006

Backbone (2006)

By March 2006 it was time to start with the framing. First of all the backbone had to be scarfed and glued before installation. One of the lessons learned by now was that one must not use epoxy that is thickened too much. This will produce a so called "dry joint" and will not produce a strong bond into the wood. Furthermore, once clamped, be sure to leave the clamps on for at least 48 hours. And if the clamps are to be removed before 7 days, do not place the joint under stress for at least 7 days. The epoxy reaches maximum strength only after 7 days.
The backbone, from the raw wood to finished and installed took 20 man-hours.