2/7/11

Fixing the Boat 3

Sure is fun putting the final touches on the Ziz.  I feel like she's a real boat now that the first big dings are out of the way.  In fact I'm fond of the carnage stories of my first wooden boat trip through Grand Canyon.  I thought I should somehow record the Ziz's story.  I thought about writing trip notes into the left side hatch, maybe a little notebook that stays with the boat... But both those options probably would wash or wear away.  I decided on the recording method below:
1/2 Inch lettering with a layer of clear coat over it.  I'm hoping it will hold up for at least one season.  It will be easy to reapply and 3 sheets of stickers only costs .99 cents.
Same thing here.  The letters are tucked up under the gunwale, but they are there if you're lookin'.
The oar stops are epoxied and just need a quick sand to get them gliding in the oarlock.
Little details.. Drain holes in the wine shelf for when massive water pummels the deck or when the boat is in submarine mode after 205 mile rapid.
The foot rest was reset at a better angle.  I had it too steep so that I was only on the balls of my feet.  It also was sanded and got a few new coats of varnish.
The handrails were revarnished and bolted back on the boat.
The front cross hatch was screwed back into place. Its starting to look like a brand new boat again.