I am surprised at just how long it is since my last post … in September ’23; less so that I have not made as much progress on Mischief as I would have liked. As usual, other projects the usual fits and starts and “perfection being the enemy of good” are to blame! Anyway, at last, here is an update.

It is several months since I finished fitting the second set of planks:

At last, after various distractions, family events, sundry projects and cataract surgery, Sylvia and I finished roving the third pair of planks this morning. I must say it’s a lot easier to dedicate time to the boat when the days are longer and there’s more natural light.

It is important to get the copper nails in a straight line and perpendicular to the keel/centre-line of the boat. We were taught to use a flexible batten of 3mm plywood, which works fine in the centre of the boat but it is tricky and less reliable at the forrard sections. I had used a laser level and mini-tripod inside the bottom of the boat, but it was very difficult and time-consuming to get the laser lines correct for each nail in turn. Eventually, I struck upon the idea of putting the laser level on a perspex board which, being transparent and resting level on the mould fixing struts, made the job a lot easier and quicker:

Other projects that I have done since my last post include a knife-making course with our son, James; spoon carving with our grandson, Noah; wood-turning some pepper mills; a toy box for our latest grandchild, Jude; a traditional sailmaking course at the Boat Building Academy in Lyme Regis; installing diesel heaters in the Workshop and garage; and making a footrest and footstool for Sylvia to use in Millie, our new motorhome.

I will get the rub rails fitted to the third planks, and then I can start on the fourth set of planks! And I hope to be able to report further significant progress a lot quicker next time!