After building the polytunnel Cathedral and getting the shell of the second hull completed by Christmas, it was time to take stock of progress. Things had not turned out quite as expected, especially the timescale. Oh, and the budget… The early months of 2006 were cold and wet in Devon, simply too cold to do much with epoxy because it … Read More

September I have a new worker, Andy, hugely experienced as a university technician, a fine Finn sailor and someone who has built boats before. We also have Sam, a lad on a gap year, helping out. I have decided to put in a flare, a side extension to the hulls beneath the cockpit. This seems to be one of the … Read More

Last issue I discussed the reasons that led me to take the plunge into building my own cat. I cleared my diary so I could concentrate on it full-time for 2 years, bought in some of the materials and components when I could get them at discount rates, and booked Matt, a local builder and artist, for 8 weeks’ work… … Read More

Building your own cruising boat is not for the faint of heart. It is a major investment of time and money, likely to be one of the biggest things anybody constructs in their lifetime. Unlike finishing a hull or two, where at least you have the professional builders (and other owners of the same type) to turn to for advice … Read More