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I have pictures in my album of my last stitch and glue build as well as my most recent screw and glue build. Part of the fun is finishing the vessel to your liking. I always liked the 'rope' looking rub rail as you can see from my boats.

I recommend buying plans from an outfit called beateau. Jacques (owner) provides great support and sells complete kits in addition to plans. http://www.bateau.com/ I've built two via stitch and glue and my most recent was via screw and glue. My first tip - buy plastic bags that a baker...

You're right - I fell off the wagon there for a moment and should practice what I preach! I'm tickled to have successfully figured out a way to lift Napoleon off the trailer for painting. 1/3 of the hull has 2 coats of Pettit's new "eco friendly" ablative paint called Ultima Eco. The other...

I disagree. I would rather see a reduction in the USPS budget for example than the EPA. I think the EPA needs more enforcement powers. Big business has a vested interest in the ability to pollute and I'm discouraged when environmental gains are reversed. We don't have to look very far to...

Unfortunately there are no cheap bottom paints. I have used Pettit Vivid and this year I'm trying Pettit's ablative Ultima Eco (both paints are good for Aluminum). Good luck with your research.

Thank you Bill. I love talking about boats here.

"Coerced the FCC"? Sounds serious :D I did a search and did not find anything for "lightsourced". Do you have a link handy? I would be very surprised if any actions were taken that would affect GPS signals as they are so highly integrated.

Thanks for the suggestions. I will check out the Bose sound dock.

I have a decent (but simple) sound system in Napoleon and can play radio, CD's, and Ipod. The problem I have found (for many years on many boats) is the connections in the back eventually come loose. Most systems are designed like car systems with a plug that goes in the back of the head unit...

Same here....my shower sump still had solid plastic ends where the hoses connect. The ends of the knobs had to be sawed off and then of course reconnect the water hoses.

Not trying to go Goth...I tried to stop a heavy metal door from slamming in strong wind. Bad idea...

Glad it missed your eye. Ouch! Your thread is timely...I'll try to contribute a safety lesson as well. Last weekend meeting the wife in town I foolishly tried to stop a heavy metal door from slamming in strong wind. I stopped it alright...with the end of two fingers. This picture is after...

Eureka...I finally did it. Following Dr Bob's suggestion from last year I made sure to leave 7" of my sponsons hanging off the back of the trailer when I pulled Napoleon for the season. I used 2, 3 ton jacks (one under each sponson) on top of two tree stumps I cut level with my chainsaw. I...

Very important to support the trailer at the load bearing points during and after the lift. (I have 3 supports on each side of the trailer aft, just forward of amidships, and at the bow).

Tomcat Lift 003

Tree stumps cut level, 3 ton jacks, steel plate, and 6X6 beams. Worked like a champ.

Looking aft along the stb sponson. 2" of clearance to apply bottom paint.

Hi Dick, There are a few opportunities for water entry - the rub rail and the hole under your windlass where your rode drops in. (Don't feel like I can really call that hole on a Tomcat a hawse pipe). I suspect the water under the bow area came from the windlass hole. It can run right in and...

Brent nailed it.

Good point Roger. Once I have everything blocked and propped with the jacks against the hull (of course only wood will ever touch the hull) I could deflate the tires to help a few inches. Thanks --Matt