Page Two--Gambler saga

Next came the challenge of turning the bottom over in order to weld the remaining seams.  By doing this, we eliminated the need for most of the troublesome overhead welding.

Mission accomplished with the help of a friend.

It was now time for the frames, bulkheads, sides and miscellaneous bracing.  The boys and I did all of the cutting, fitting and locating but a certified welder did all of the critical work.

It's beginning to take shape.

 

Almost ready for decking.

By the end of the summer of '84, the hull was basically complete.  The deck was on, the wheel arms (timbers) were installed and all of the welding finished.  During the winter, the boys and I worked in our cabinet shop fabricating parts.  I had purchased a 1000 board feet of white pine and air dried it for about two years.  With this, we built the windows and window frames, the doors and door frames, the instrument console and lazy bench.  We also built the pilot wheel from white ash and black walnut using brass for the hub and overlays.

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