It's about time I posted a few pics of the build progress, so here goes;

                                                        The starboard side as it currently stands.
One layer of board planking is complete and the second layer is going on. I epoxy glued the first layer (it was epoxy and glass cloth lined on the inside) to the frames, bulkheads, sheer clamp and chine log. The second layer of board planking is glued to the first layer with Collano Semparoc glue. Both layers are bronze ring shank nailed to the framework and I put a few temporary screws in the second layer anywhere where I feel the 2 layers need pulling up tight together. In practice, this is mainly in the board edges and I haven't had to use many screws. I use stainless screws and they are easy to remove when the glue has cured.

Let me start off by saying what a discouraging task making YouTube videos sometimes is. I've stuck at it and now have some 37 videos attempting to detail as much of this build as possible, including what I consider to be some important choices that need making if you're going to build one of these boats. The majority of feedback is positive and the good people that leave encouraging comments certainly brighten my day. I shall mention Chris and Tim here now, who often comment on this blog. You are truly marvelous people. However, clearly you can't please all of the people all of the time, and I certainly don't manage to do that. Thumbs down and complaints about the content really make me wonder if there's any point. I have spent hundreds of Euros on equipment and hundreds of hours making the videos, and I earn absolutely nothing from them, and still people feel the need to complain. Please, these videos are about building a Benford dory the way I do it -  if you're not interested or don't like it, don't watch.

The latest video is about the Collano Semparoc glue that I'm using to glue the ply panels that constitute the hull planking together. I report on some of the research I've done on the topic (I have done a lot!!) and do a few semi-scientific tests. I knew I'd lose subscribers through this video, and I have. But, sod it, I think it's important. Here it is;

In the long run, we'll see how tenacious I am and whether I continue to post weekly videos or not, or even videos at all. I could just go for the quiet life and build my boat for myself..... I still feel I've got something of benefit to show.... We'll see.

Yours partly grumpily

Tony

The hull sides are being planked now. The first layer is on and I'm starting on the second layer of the 10mm ply. I shall get some photos up very soon, but meanwhile, here's episode 36.

In this week's video update, I start and finish the first layer of the bottom planking and reveal the story behind my purchase of a Bosch rechargeable circular saw. Thank you for watching :-)

This weeks vlog progress update is about the final preparations for the planking of the hull. I've tried to think it all through as best possible and do things in what I consider to be the most practical order. Although I'd love to rush in and get going with the planking, I've managed to hold back and get those silly little bits out of the way first. So, this video talks about the stem fillet, the main mast step framing, the stem and stern knee bolts and the limber holes; all things that I think are sensible to do at this stage and that will hopefully save me time at a later date.

Generally speaking, I'm trying to be as honest as possible in this video series and show you what it's really like to build this boat. Sometimes progress seems quite fast and other times quite slow, but that's the way it is. Sometimes I have to do other things that just build my boat, and that's the reality of it. The way things look at the moment, I should have the planking finished in May, get her glassed and epoxied on the outside in June and be ready for the big roll over sometime in July