Not plastic, and not even *officially* a boat, but...

Post pictures of your boat and sailing adventures here. Posting instructions within.
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hebert01
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Boat Name: Allegra
Boat Type: Pearson Ensign
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Not plastic, and not even *officially* a boat, but...

Post by hebert01 »

I think it'll still be an enjoyable project to most of you.

I haven't had too much time for projects on my own boat lately, because I've been building a cradle boat for our new baby.

I built the cradle following the "Baby Tender II" plans by Warren Jordan ( www.jordanwoodboats.com ). It was my first foray into wooden boat building, and this project is indeed a wooden boat on a reduced scale. I learned lots of new woodworking skills you don't get in a typical furniture project.

White oak backbone, pine plank bottom. I intended to use pine for the hull planking as well, but at the 4mm spec'd thickness, my pine stock checked and split when I bent it over the mold. So I punted a bit and went with 4mm okoume ply. The boat is fastened with copper roves/rivets. Philippine mahogany breasthook/knees/gunwale rail (salvaged from an old 13' whaler), and the davit system is made from honduras mahogany.

Luckily, I finished the project about a week before our beautiful daughter, Grace, arrived on Dec. 13. Here's hoping it'll be smooth sailing for her for the rest of her life!

I'd highly recommend this project to any parent-to-be (mom or dad). As an expectant dad, it gave me an outlet for all my nervousness throughout my wife's pregnancy.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

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Ed Hebert
ALLEGRA - Ensign #998
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Post by Ancient Race »

Beautiful Ed - fair winds and kind seas to baby Grace.

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Post by Allen »

Yes, beautiful Ed. May she always keep baby Grace safe and sound.
Allen
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dmairspotter
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Post by dmairspotter »

Very, very nice, all the way around!
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Rachel
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Post by Rachel »

What a beautiful beginning for Grace. She'll certainly know her arrival was eagerly anticipated. That is just amazing! Just like sleeping in a hammock, but about 400 times more nifty. Definitely classic.

Happy holidays and New Year to your family :)

Rachel
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Post by MikeD »

That is soooo cool! Really really nice work!

Now, I hate to be the "glass half-empty" guy, but you'd better be ready to rig some life lines once little Grace realizes she can roll/crawl/sit up/stand... These little creatures get pretty mobile!
Mike
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hebert01
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Post by hebert01 »

Very good point, Mike. I think the cradle's really only going to be functional for the first few weeks, as there's not a ton of freeboard to contain the crew. I was thinking at that point, she might get relegated to toybox/stuffed animal duty, or I could possibly retrofit some rockers and a thwart, and the boat could enjoy a second life as a rocking horse or sorts.
Ed Hebert
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Post by Hirilondë »

I've seen a couple variations of that in the other forum I participate in, but rarely one so detailed. Beautiful job! I know I will be building something like that should I become a grandfather to be. Its never too soon to get kids into boating. *chuckle* Can't beat this method for early induction.
Dave Finnegan
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hebert01
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Post by hebert01 »

Thanks Dave!

For anyone interested in some construction photos, I've got some on my picasa album here
Ed Hebert
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Post by jhenson »

Ed,

Congratulations on the new addition to your family!

That is a very beautiful heirloom!

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Post by Ronin120 »

What, no carbon-fiber? ;-)

Seriously though, very, very classy. A true treasure and keepsake for your daughter. Don't forget to send pictures of the "crew."

Congratulations.
Dave
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Peter
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Post by Peter »

Outstanding job! It looks like it would float .... maybe a dinghy for a very small cruiser?
Peter
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hebert01
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Post by hebert01 »

Incidentally, she does float. I christened her off the beach before I put her on the davits. I figured every boat needs to see water.

And not a bad idea! Maybe I should get started on a 1/4 scale Triton for her. :-)

And since you twist my most rubbery of arms, attached are a couple of proud papa pictures of the "crew"...

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Ed Hebert
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Post by jollyboat »

Ed, Great job on boat and Crew. You have set the bench mark pretty high. I wonder what 10, 16, 18, years of age boats will be like not to mention, college graduation, and wedding present boats. I would say shoot for a Hinkley Pilot for the wedding present.
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