Dio vs Yak rnd 8

Made a couple of minor changes, without starting over completely. I raised the 5th deckbeam 1″ and removed a knee skinning issue there. That changed the profile enough that I felt a 1/2″x1/2″ stringer added to the top of the center deck line would look better and allow a slightly steeper deckline for shedding water. Both of those changes really makes the profile look better. Won’t really add any to the performance, but will make my life a little easier. Skinned shins and bruised knees aren’t a major issue, but they aren’t fun either. (At least, they aren’t when they are yours, kinda like hittin’ that ‘funny bone’.)

I am installing the chines this weekend. They had to be scarfed similar to what I did for the gunwales, just smaller in size. I made sure that those scarfs are as near the center as is possible, as the ends can start taking on some hairy bending that a scarf joint likely wouldn’t survive. That is probably going to take all weekend as those two little pieces of wood really define the shape of the hull, and how the water is directed along it; I want this done right and don’t want any distractions of other parts setting up or needing cut, yada yada yada. (I have enough distraction with a kitten and a 7 year old 120# dog that thinks he’s a puppy.)

Funny thing for ya. Its wet, cold and windy here. I’ve been working on this thing on the porch, but last night the wind and rain worried me enough, that I decided to see if this yak would fit in the rafters.

It does!

Perfectly!

So, its currently up there, getting nice n dry (it was a touch damp before I got the gumption to try) and now it will live there between trips out. Its a perfect storage space IMO and its not like I have to cater to another persons esthetics of decor.😛 With the ceiling fan moving air, it doesn’t get overly hot up there, and actually, the dry air will help ‘cure’ the oil finish I intend on sealing it with; once I have the chines on that is.

Next post will be pics only after I oil the frame and set it aside to cure.

Round 9 is skinning the beastie, and as I have yet to order that, its gonna be a little while yet.