The coamings (below) were quite a job. I was able to get some beautiful wide and long mahogany boards for these very visible and distinctive parts of the Haven 12 1/2. It hurts though to see half your purchased lumber go into sawdust as it gets planned down to the required 1/2 inch thickness.
The amount of measuring, fitting, and checking the lines that goes into creating the coamings is amazing. You have double angles at the transom, peak over the bow, and a bevel at the base as the coamings pass over the bow, and the notch at the bulkhead has some angles to it. Nothing fits until the coaming piece is fully clamped into place everywhere. Seems like I pulled them in and out of the boat a hundred times getting it just right.
Let me tell you, "measure and check twice before any cut" is sterling advice. I look at them now and wonder how I got such a good fit everywhere. Here's a view of the peak of the coamings over the bow. Notice the nice outward flare as they run over the bow. I'm really pleased with the result.
The
finish looks dull here because I had just sanded between coats of varnish. The deck
has not been painted white yet but is canvas in epoxy coated. The 4 inch deck plate
is visible. That opening comes in handy for ventilating the foredeck area and gives
access for the bow cleat bolts and for inspection.
Back to Home / Table of Contents