Long day in the boatyard. Sean and I kiwigripped the forward deck, steps to the pilothouse, and steps up to the upper deck. No pics as the color changes as it dries, but looks like it came out really well.
Yes, you'll have to build a big pool and fill it full of bottled water so you don't get it dirty. You certainly can't put that boat in the ocean!!
Watch me! I like my boats to look great, but they're to be used, not tied to the dock.
You are going to get tired of all the TF boat groupies when she finally hits the docks. I bet you cant wipe that smile off your face. I hope to see her no later than June. If not in Ft Meyers then Crisfield on the way back home.
I have a plan for the groupies at the dock, go cruising. Smile every morning now when I walk into the building. Look forward to getting together in one place or another.
The attention to detail and the level of work is really great, but sometimes I wonder is this about making a great boat to go cruising, or just the enjoyment of creating a great boat if that makes sense.
I understand what you're saying. I definitely enjoyed the project and have no regrets for the extra time and money. That being said and to answer your question, I'll never do it again. That's what I keep telling my wife anyway.
Thanks!
Ya know, watching this work of art take shape, I realize I'm just not the kind of guy that could have something that nice. I'd be worried every minute that something or someone, especially me, would damage it. Once, after completing a 1500 hour restoration of a one-off semi-truck design, I towed it to the first show, only to find some kid standing on the 5000 dollar, clear-coated fender so he could look through the windshield. I just don't have what it takes. The only thing you could have done to put more of yourself into this boat would have been to build it from scratch. Hats off to ya, Ted.
Funny, I actually considered building a Diesel Duck 10+ years ago. Decided it was more than I could realistically accomplish. To me, I prefer what I'm doing. Found a boat that ticked off the boxes. Played with it for six months to really get a feel for it and a better idea of what I really wanted to change. Then started the refit process knowing what the boat would be (because I had already used it). Think part of my ultimate reservation of building from scratch was not knowing how well I would like the boat once it was done. Throughout the whole process, I have always known that I will like this boat when it's finished.
Larry, I think we should ban Ted from attending the TF South Florida winter gathering in Ft. Pierce.
Do to not leaving by November 1st, and family and business commitments in November / December, I can't start heading South now till after the first of the year. So, there isn't a guarantee at this point that the boat will go South this winter. It's going to depend on the weather. But I'll be there with or without the boat.
I've had bikes and boats that were just that; bikes and boats. I've also owned bikes and boats that were an extension of me. Ones that were responsive to me like no others; close to having a personality and knowing exactly what I was asking of them and expected from them.
Anyone who has had horses knows what I'm talking about.
I never neglected them but, the bikes and boats that were a part of me got special attention, stood out at the dock or outside the truck stop. Those were the ones that got the money thrown at them; had parts replaced just because they didn't shine like new. Those were the ones that returned the biggest grins and produced no regrets.
I'm pretty sure I know how/what Ted is feeling.
Yup, that pretty much describes it. Credit card bill for last months load of boat toys is really ugly. Spent over $300 alone on 316 stainless steel screws so that none of the exterior fasteners would rust. Good thing this project is coming to an end!
That is SO fine. Two thumbs up to Sean. And three thumbs to OC Diver- this started as your dream and Sean is just living with you as he does his daily unbelievable work. Awesome...
1983 Present 42 Sundeck
Twin Lehman 135's
Thanks! Just another day leaving the dream as I scrape the Kiwigrip from under my finger nails.
Ted
Thanks!
So it had to be left resting on the helm chair and back rest of the bench seat. Talk about a pain in the butt! 
