Squirt launched in July 2011

Posted by Art Atkinson on Oct 20th 2011

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA                     I started the boat build in October of 2009 and launched July 20, 2011.  Details of the build are at http://artatkinson.blogspot.com  The boat was stretched 10% to 11'.  Outboard is an original 1956 Mercury Mark 25 in Sarasota Blue/Sand Tan colors.  The motor is 20 HP and 75lbs. Deck planking is 5/16" thick African Mahoghany over 1/4" Okoume marine plywood.  Perimeter and king planks are dye/stained antique cherry.  After 5 coats of epoxy, white pigmented epoxy was used to fill the gaps between the planks, then 6 coats of varnish were applied.  Center split hatch allows stepping into the hatch area without the hatch lids being in the way for pull starting.    Blue paint used is Top Secret Coatings "Surf City Blue".  Paint scheme on the sides and transom was developed to hide visible fiberglass reinforcing tape that did not come out as transparent as it should have, but in the end, I think it forced a creative and striking resolution. Boating season is over here in Michigan, but my wife and I have had a blast with the boat so far.  It has been a great introduction to boating.