Build log · Phase 6, Mouldings, head and rudder

Bowsprit and catheads

9 November 2019 · Milestone

First the bowsprit, filed to size and fitted. This is so that once the head is in place I no longer have to go at it with the drill to make the hole. Piet had already warned me about that when the mouldings went on at the bow. Pingu57 asked whether the figurehead will get something in her hand later. If all goes well an archer’s bow, and that runs neatly alongside the bowsprit.

The bowsprit fitted, with the figurehead beneath it
The bowsprit fitted, with the figurehead beneath it

Meanwhile I have started on the catheads. I am making them from 5 mm thick walnut. According to the manual they are to be built up from five planks laid against each other, but I cannot find those anywhere, so I will just make them myself. In one piece is nicer anyway, I think.

Two catheads from 5 mm walnut, one already with the slots in the head
Two catheads from 5 mm walnut, one already with the slots in the head

By the end of the evening the catheads were on. They pass through the mouldings, exactly the point Piet raised in early October when the mouldings went around the bow in one piece. With a sharp blade that turned out to be doable indeed. Hopefully they will stay put.

The catheads fitted, seen from above
The catheads fitted, seen from above
The cathead on the port side, from the side
The cathead on the port side, from the side