Micro-Sailboat

Instead of purchasing the full kit for Storm Petrel, a sailing canoe produced by Swallowboats ( http://www.swallowboats.com ) I ordered the panels and two frames. My intention was to significantly modify the interior and deck design, thereby tailoring a boat specifically for my requirements. She was to be suitable for singlehanded cruising with the capacity for overnight camping aboard, either afloat or ashore.

Panels joined with copper wire.

The wire I used was rather too thick. Note that the sheer strake is kept in place with wooden 'horns' which have been clamped to them and pulled together with string.

Panel joints.

After wiring and checking for symmetry, the panels are tacked with thickened epoxy resin. When fully set, the wires are removed, so that the joints can be filleted with resin, then overlaid with fibreglass tape.

View from the stern.

Here you can see the sheer strake ends have been joined with resin. They will be shaped to line up with the stern profile, ready for fitting the stern piece, to which will be attached the rudder.

Stern deck beams.

The framework for a large hatch is clearly visible.