We got past the Nor’Easter last week with the highest recorded wind gusts at 70 knots, some minimal damage, local flooding and a few power outages, but otherwise we faired okay. Wednesday, October 23rd brought another storm with wind gusts of 30+ knots and torrential rains (today as I write this). So, this has been another abbreviated work week.

This is the eighth episode of the 18’ sailboat build and has to do with fitting and installing the laminated keelson. I then fit and install the two longitudinal struts that spread out the load and support the two ballast keels. With the remaining time where I had a fair-weather window, I began shaping the stem, and started to fit one of the chine logs.

It was my intention to finish the installation of the stringers (longitudinal pieces) so I could start fitting and installing the plywood hull panels. Mother Nature said: “NO!!!”

Here's the video: