5/22/2008 I continue to pursue my interest in canvas work. My newest projects involve a bimini and tonneau cover for Cadenza.

My tonneau cover was way too tight and wouldn’t accommodate the new batten I purchased to shed the rain. Well, the job wasn’t too bad. Here are some hints. Cut the material oversized and approximate to the size of the cockpit. Then start with one end. Make a hem and locate snaps correctly for the end you choose. I recommend the larger end. Then stretch the material over the batten and mark and create the other hem and snap installations. Carefully mark the hem for a side and hem and install snaps. The final side is a synch, pulling against the three sides.

Finished aft cockpit bimini 6/24/2008

First coat fairing compound on Belle’s rudder (damaged in offshore rudder failure incident).

Kevlar reinforcement glassed in place

Final failring before finish and painting.

Fairing the hull damage on Belle

West VHF 250 mounted with charger.  Has AAA battery pack as well.  Includes AM, FM, Aircraft, FRS and VHF marine and weather.

Belle’s new and very robust rudder stock.  This fine creation is courtesy Jim Leet at Marine Concepts.  I have just etched it with Vinylux Primewash in preparation for application of Trilux Prop and lower unit clear coat.  It has been stressed to me that copper bottom coat can cause degradation of the metal and weld do to dissimilar metal chemistry.  I am eager to install the rudder stock but this entails a lot of work raising the boat a full two feet in order to thread the shaft.  I have located one inch vinyl washers to shim up against the rudder tube to prevent upwelling of sea water around the shaft tube.