The Boatyard - Progress Photos:  Steering Assembly

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laying_the_keel2.jpg (3525 bytes)hull_bottom1.jpg (2861 bytes)deck1.jpg (2060 bytes)bulkheads1.jpg (2717 bytes)

Assembly1.jpg (2602 bytes)steering_assembly1.jpg (3761 bytes)misc_photos1.jpg (2987 bytes)

Rudder cut with partial taper

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Hq9.jpg (43119 bytes)

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 Rudder completely tapered and sanded, just needs a few holes.
Rudderbox assembled, 2/3rds complete and 1/3rd dry fitted.

test_assembled_rudderbox.jpg (37487 bytes)

test_assembled_rudderbox_end.jpg (48751 bytes)

rudderbox_and_rudder_painted.jpg (38511 bytes)

 Rudderbox and rudder with first coat of paint in preparation for final assembly.

Note:  I changed my mind later and went with Grey for the rudderbox and varnished wood for the rudder, and the baseplate for the rudderbox.  I will be making a piece that mounts over the upper portion of the rudderbox with a couple of bolts.   This piece is to be used for mounting a tiller that will be used above the transom, both as a safety precaution against something breaking in the steering hookup and also so that my wife can use the tiller which is her preference for feeling what she is doing.
Assembled Rudderbox before covering screw holes

assembled_rudderbox1.jpg (43119 bytes)
Assembled Rudderbox after covering screw holes

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Rudder has received three coats of varnish so far

varnished_rudder1.jpg (43119 bytes)
Steering Wheel Spokes - from pattern to routed.

wheel_spindle_stages.jpg (31343 bytes)
Steering Wheel Dryfit Assembly:

Some glue, some stain and some varnish and I've got me a wheel.  What more could I ask for ... oh yeah, the rest of the boat to be done. :)

dryfit_of_wheel.jpg (48239 bytes)

dryfit_of_wheel_ring1.jpg (46191 bytes)

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dryfit_of_wheel2.jpg (50287 bytes)
Steering wheel after it has been glued up and had two coats of varnish.  I flipped one of the spacers seen here at 3 o'clock, and didn't notice until it was too late, so it doesn't quite fit right. and left a space between the next spacer and the spoke, but it's solid and I'm not about to make another wheel until the rest of the boat is done and on the water.

assembled_wheel2.jpg (53871 bytes)