Valkyrie II
PROJECT
PAGE #2
Framing the Bulkheads
The
various bulkheads need to be framed out before the boat can begin
to take shape. Here the 2X4 framing is being added to
bulkhead #2. This is a key component, as the mast tabernacle is
attached to this bulkhead, so strength is critical. The bulkhead
itself is 1/2" MDO, and all areas where the framing was
attached was sanded with 80-grit sandpaper before gluing the
pieces together.
The PVC clamps are cheap, effective and
long-lasting. In fact, these clamps were used to construct my
Vector!
This is bulkhead at station 8, which defines the aft end of the cabin. It is constructed of 1/4" Okume mahogany, with 1X2 framing. I decided to give the cabin roof a bit of a curved shape, so the top piece was cut accordingly. I also cut the cabin hatch with a bit of a taper, for no reason other than that I like the look! The portion of the top frame above the hatch opening will be cut away later during the assembly process.
This shot includes the bulkhead at station 12, and also the transom. Again, I elected to put some curve into the deck covering the aft portion of the boat, to give her a bit more of the classic New England catboat look. Rather than put a removable hatch on top, I will install a hatch in the face of the bulkhead, so that access will be from the cockpit, rather than from the top.
Finally, the temporary bulkhead at station 5. This was built from scrap pieces of 1X2 framing lumber. Its purpose is to just keep the 6-foot long cabin area holding its proper shape until the addition of the bilge panels and cabin top give some rigidity to the structure. The bulkhead will then be removed.
At this point, iI just need to cut and shape the stem piece from some 2X6 lumber, and then splice the sides of the hull together. Once that is accomplished, it will be time to banish the car from the garage and begin putting it all together!