BUILDING A SKERRY Shakedown Period Check out the "Trip Reports" Forum or "Rowing the Demariscotta" for more "ET Bugaboo" cruises
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Offerings to the Spirit of "ET Bugaboo" Days 1 - 5 : Order, Instructions, Clean garage, Glue panel scarfs Days 6 - 10 : Glue outwale sections, Sand scarfs, Measure for frames, Drill wire holes, Sand & taper outwales Days 11 - 15 : Cut gains, More wire holes, Wire Panels, Insert frames Days 16 - 20 : Fix "gap" problem, Glue Mast Scarf, Sprit Scarf, Skeg Halves, and Centerboard Handles, "Tab" Glue Seams Days 21 - 25 : Remove Wires, Glue Seams, Clean up Seams, Shape Stem and Stern Days 26 - 30 : Glassing and coating the exterior Days 31 - 35 : Breast Hooks, Rails Days 36 - 40 : Rails (cont.), Skeg Days 41 - 45: More epoxy, Fiberglass & coat interior Days 46 - 50: Install Seats and Centerboard Box Days 51 - 55: Still doing the Seats and Centerboard Box Day 56: Making it rowable Day 57 - 60: Sanding the fillets, Making Spars, Figuring out the rudder Day 61 - 65: Rudder and Dagger Board Day 66 - 70: Rudder (cont.) Day 70 - 75: Dagger Board Slots, Partner "Adapter", Install Mast Step Day 76 - 80: Sewing the Sail, Adding Lead to Daggerboard, Floorboards Day 81 - 85: Floorboards (cont.) Day 86 - 90: Floorboards (cont.). Foot Braces, Sanding, sanding, sanding,... Day 91 - 95: Finishing Day 96 - 98: ...and more Finishing, Rigging
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7/17/03): Today was the day. The "ET Bugaboo" took to the water for its first shakedown cruise. Lisa suggested christening the boat with champagne, but I didn't want to make a major production of it, since I won't consider her complete until I've painted, varnished and given her a sail. However, it was hard not to be excited. The conditions on Duxbury Bay were perfect for a row... a little chop, but no noticeable wind. Not that I had any doubts, but I thought it best to make sure she floated and took her out solo, for the first go. Man, it was a great feeling. I was also very pleased with the rowing performance... especially the tracking ability. I was concerned it would be like rowing a bathtub, but this was not the case. Granted, the Skerry is not meant to race on the Charles, but I would put it up against other boats in its class. I think the 8' oars make a difference (I wouldn't use anything shorter).
I am also pleased with the stability. It is just right for a "mess-around" family boat. I had no reservations about taking my 4 year old (and the dog) out for the second run. She seemed a bit uneasy at first, but was soon enjoying herself. The dog, however, wanted out (tough to row with a canine under your arm).
I made a couple more trips with Lisa and Yung so everyone had turn. By this time, I noticed that people were stopping on the bridge overhead and checking the boat out as I paddled the length, below. Apparently, people were stopping by on the beach and asking questions while I was out, as well.
In a word... I am very pleased with the rowing capabilities of the Skerry in favorable conditions. I am curious to see how it will fare in windier conditions and a bit more chop.
Check out the "Trip Reports" Forum or "Rowing the Demariscotta" for more "ET Bugaboo" cruises
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