Category Archives: Under the Keel….

Making a birdsmouth hollow mast for Gwragedd Annwn part IV

We have had over 20cms (almost 8″) of rain at the house.  It has been very rainy and more rain is predicted.  I decide to wet sand the mast tomorrow.  Well, it is now tomorrow and it is supposed to … Continue reading

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Making a birdsmouth hollow mast for Gwragedd Annwn part III

Fitting & shaping the Masthead Sheave Plug. To solve the increasing inside diameter issue, when I epoxy the masthead plug in, I will stand the mast on its head, the epoxy will flow down around the masthead plug shaft, filling … Continue reading

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Making a birdsmouth hollow mast for Gwragedd Annwn part II

Yesterday I filled in the small flaws in the birdsmouth mast.  Today the epoxy is still too soft to sand.  Today I am going to start work on the Masthead plug with the sheave. I have read a lot on … Continue reading

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Squamish to HSC II – by Kayak and Rowboat

Google Earth map of the trip: For the second time, the Urban Oarsman rowed from Squamish to the Hollyburn Sailing Club.  This time, the write-up for “The Spreader”, the Club newsletter was written by fellow paddler, Ken Parr.  This is … Continue reading

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Making a birdsmouth hollow mast for Gwragedd Annwn

Now that I have done my test sails and found that Gwragedd Annwn is a good sailer, I am going to make a new mast for her…a birdsmouth hollow mast. The old mast is about 2′ too short, the new … Continue reading

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A dipping lug sail for Gwragedd Annwn. Making the spar/yardarm, fitting the rudder, leeboards and the forward deck box, side buoyancy chamber access hatches.

The first step is to buy a clear, straight piece of Douglas fir for the spar. 3½” by 3½” Douglas fir for the spar. The yardarm needs to be a little over 10′ long…this piece will be long enough. Step … Continue reading

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Paul’s Canoe Part Twenty-six. The launching of Paul’s Canoe

The canoe launch is today, Father’s Day, June 17th , 2018, at the Hollyburn Sailing Club. Paul easily picks up and carries the canoe. I have taped towels onto the roof rack crossbars.  We centre the canoe and I tie it down.  … Continue reading

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Paul’s Canoe Part Twenty-five. Making the paddles.

With the canoe finished, Paul and I start work on our paddles.  In speaking with fellow Vancouver Wooden Boat Society member, Ian McGrath of Great Northern Craft, I tell him about the paddles.  Ian has some paddle blanks and will … Continue reading

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The Urban Oarsman & Son build a Canoe, part Twenty four…Final varnishing of the hull and attaching the seats, thwart and the stem rings.

The black goop is dry.  Time to take the tape off and trim any excess black goop. We give the hull a wipe down with Varsol, to remove any black goop stains or spots. Paul files the attaching screws more … Continue reading

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Squamish to the Hollyburn Sailing Club…a three day row with the “Cheetahs” of the Sea.

For every trip, you need to have a trip plan and leave it with someone who can call for help if you are overdue. Original trip plan: Trip as actually done: We leave too early in the morning to pick … Continue reading

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