Restoration of Embers Watch Begins

One of the first problems we noticed was the separation of a keel scarf joint.  I pretty much new that the keel would have to come off, at least part of it.  So using the Fein Multimaster with a combo wood/metal cutting blade, I separated the 3M 5200 joint and laboriously removed the front 12 feet of the keel.  With an intact scarf it occurred to me that perhaps I could spile an angle from the remaining scarf and transfer that to my DIY scarfing jig.

 Here is my Porter Cable plunge router with a 12x12 inch 1/2 inch place cut from MDO.  The jig rails were cut by my friend Paul Kelley on his huge Delta Unisaw.

A detail of the router plate.  Holes were cut with Forstner bits.  Truss heads were recessed on the drill press using a stopped Forstner bit.

The jointed was then cleaned up with the belt sander.
I mentioned that the original keel was installed with 3M 5200.  I will be using thickened epoxy this time giving close attention the the scarf joint.  I will likely use thin bolts backed on both sides at the scarf joint which will be removed and filled after the fact.  A 1/4 round over bit on the router will smooth the sharp edges and a thickened fillet will provid an inside radius at the bottom panel.  I plan on using a Kevlar strip for abrasion resistance. This will be faired in so that no seems will be visible.  The bottom will be leveled and filled, then repainted.  I plain on establishing a waterline with my laser level and painting the bottom with anti-fouling paint. 
The electric winch has made quick and easy work of turning the boat.  I am thankful for a nice high top shelter and a winch that trolleys from side to side for the heavy lifting. 

Cedar Key

Tridarka is in Cedar Key, on the beach in front of The Island Place. Yes I know, we aren't staying there.  They don't seem to mind being the hosts for the boats at the boat meet.

The trimaran really is doing what I had hoped; sailing fast and easily.  There's not a lot to say about sailing every day. It's just going well every day.  Well every day except Thursday. Note to self, check fuel tank before heading out. 
It was a comic series of screw-ups starting with running out of gas at the very worst time, crunching into the concrete causeway leading to dock street and...horror of horrors, watching the mast crash over the bow.
Here's how it went down.  The wall loosened the pin that held the stay.  A helpless moment looking at a swinging stay.  Then as the boat drifted around to be caught from behind, watching the mast get slammed over the bow.
I have to say, despite the foolishness of the incident, the self-rescue went well and quickly.  Back at the beach with the mast strapped on the crutches we anchored and went shopping at the local Marina Hardware store.  In less than an hour we had a new mast step formed from three inch schedule 40 PVC pipe.  It didn't take long to have everything back to normal.  Yea, Tridarka.  Your crew celebrates your restoration.

For the meet, the weather was stellar.  It seemed a little sparse compared to previous gatherings.
The two receptions were well attended though. Ken's Cedar Keyside Diner provided a fine banquet for all attendee's.

Even the Pelicans enjoyed.

Another Cedar Key Sunset.

Tridarka looking good this morning!

We took a padding trip to Atsena Otie key, the old center of Cedar Key in the late 1800's

Lantana growing wild on Atsena Otie.

The walk across the island provides many scenic views.

The lush overhanging foliage seemed a world away from civilization.

Genise Spenle took this picture of Tridarka sailing in front of the dock.

A trip to the beautiful Waccassa.