First Flotation Test

 This is an initial test with 7kg of lead shot. The waterline, marked by the bottom edge of the blue tape, is still well above the actual water. Although there is obviously much more to be added to the boat, in the way of winches, batteries and rigging etc. 

Rudder Control

 

Shrouds

A touch of soft solder was used to fix the nut in place and then the remaining bolt was trimmed off. This provides a reasonably realistic representation of the real rigging system, this also means the shrouds can be eased and then unhooked so the mast can be removed.

 

The Deck

 The first piece of deck was added. First a card template was made and then the deck was cut from 1.5mm plywood. This was glued in place with Titebond III. Once the deck has been completed in the plywood, it will then be covered with planking, giving a total thickness of 3mm.

Templates for the rest of the deck, from which plywood will cut from.

The pictures below show the 1.5mm thick plywood pieces cut to size. To be glued later and then the planking can be added. Initially an edging and uprights that represent the tops of the frames. After that the king plank, which will be 15 mm wide and then the other planks that are 10mm wide. 

Katie's Hull

 

Anchor Winch

 

Testing the winch

The winch design seemed to work well and the travel end points can be adjusted in the transmitter. The total travel distance is just over 450mm. A second winch was made and it was checked that it is possible to remove the winch assembly through the main hatchway, although it is necessary to remove the mast as well.

This is the mainsail winch in place for testing. The mainsheet will come through the deck via a brass sleeve and up to the boom, where it will run out to the transom. The 450mm travel on the winch should just give enough movement for the boom to travel out.