After lurking for two years, I finally got started ripping strips in early August and started stripping the hull of a Redfish Return over Labor Day weekend, 2001. The boat was "leak tested" in early February, and finished for an "official" launch on President's Day, 2002. This boat was built for use on multi-day trips. It's now stored in a garage in western Washington for use when I can get up that direction.
The second boat was a Morris Skin on Frame about 16' 6" x 21" with a lowered back deck. Frame was Alaskan Yellow for the long pieces and ribs, with WRC for the various spreaders, laminated masik, etc. Should have been narrower with a lower masik, but... Used 12 oz. nylon & water borne Varathane.
The third boat, aka "Knot Likely", was started in April, 2003 - A King with Port Orford Cedar deck. The construction was featured in Arizona Game & Fish's "Arizona Wildlife Views" TV program. They really wanted it done sooner, but it didn't get launched until our sort of annual Green River trip on September 28th.
The last coat of varnish went on the fourth boat today. It is a hybrid "Birder 2" named "Too Knotty" destined for life on a lake in Western Washington.
The next boat will be based on Mike Johnson's Mako surf boat with several tweeks. The hull will be stitch & glue, while the deck will continue my use of knotty western red cedar. This one will be "Tide 'n Knots." I've actually promised my wife I'll finish the back yard (and maybe a workbench) before I start this one. 
jrs
June 20, 2004
