We've got big plans for UNA this year. I feel that most of the detail bugs have been shaken from her. She could stand the extra coats of varnish that never made it in the build. And, added creature comforts like a boat tent, storage bags, oar pads, and reworked mizzen controls should enhance the experience. All of this and more will get a good evaluation on the water soon.
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| An afternoon last fall. |
A final winter project will allow for more to come along. With plans for hauling UNA to places distant, I built a second tier onto her trailer. This "box kite" will allow more boats to roll with us. I can easily carry 3 kayaks high and a small dinghy (Gigi?) slung under the upper cross beams.
The box is constructed from 2x2x1/8 aluminum angle. I purchased 100' in four 25' lengths from B&G Metals east of town. Strong, light, fairly non-corrosive, and easily cut with a hacksaw, the frame went together quickly. 3/8" SS bolts with washers and aircraft nuts hold it all together. Cross braces keep the whole thing rigid and square. 5/16" square U bolts clamp the frame back to the trailer. Its not going anywhere. A second set of lights increase the rig's visibility. At 6' width, it meets the beam of the truck and still has an inch or two to let UNA slip through on the inside. Some left over from fixing up fiberglass edges of another now protects varnished outwales from metal angles. All tolled, not bad for $150, eh?
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| Looks distorted, but it is square! |
Rubber gaskets slipped between the galvanized steel trailer and aluminum frame should deter corrosion between the dissimilar metals. For cushioning the top cross beams I may glue on some closed cell foam. Not sure yet.
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| A close up: side marker, edging trim and cross braces. |
That's enough of the piddling now. The temps are warm enough. Lets go sailing!
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