posted 11-26-2005 09:07 PM               

From this:
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To this:
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posted 11-30-2005 07:01 AM               

The Family went to the Herreshoff Museum this summer and got to see Heffalump. It was nice to for them to see what the finished boat will look like. We did Battship Cove and the Whaling Museum in the same day so it was quite an outing. I also got to go into the back store room at Mystic Seaport this summer and saw the original molds for a Herreshoff 12 1/2 still set up and attached to the original HMC flooring. They are done almost the same way that most of us build them. I'll send along pictures.

We've got all the small parts finished now: stem, stern knee, tiller, transom. After talking with Eric Dow he recommended building them out of H. mahogany. He does this now in all his boats as the wood is so dimensionally stable.

The white oak for the keel, floors, and frames has been bought and we're ready to proceed!! It's been a great learning experience and I've met a lot of interesting and fun people along the way. This website has been invaluable. Thanks for all the help.

posted 11-30-2005 03:16 PM               

Now, were you sailing the Haven in 40 knt winds and 27 foot seas? I can't imagine that. I had my hands full in 20 knt winds and 3 foot chop, with a reef in and some live ballast - got soaked too.

posted 11-30-2005 07:21 PM               

In the spring of 2004 I took the time to write a little story about building
Nimbus that had been rattling around in my head. When finished, I had a whim
and sent it to WoodenBoat for review. It took them a while to review it, but
they have (apparently) decided the story was print worthy. As I understand
it, the article should appear in the Jan/Feb 2006 issue. Your readership
might want to seek it out since it is telling a story to which your
readership can (hopefully) relate.

In late October, WoodenBoat called an asked if I could get a few pictures of
the boat. I got on the horn to Paul Bunch and we went out to the lake. Paul
was equipped with his digital camera and used one of my Fiddlehead canoes
for his "photo boat". He took 70 shots, his camera has a big brain, and I
have attached a small sampling.

Anyhow, keep up the good work, keep an eye out for the article and best of
luck in the New Year.

See the photos at:
http://www.testrong.com/havmem/nielsen/nielsen15a.html

posted 12-01-2005 08:42 AM            

I am starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel now, and am working in earnest to get the boat in the water early next year. I was telling my wife the other day that the prospect of finishing is both exciting and a little scary at the same time. This boat has been such a fun and consuming project, and with each step I have first built it in my mind, and then in reality. I can’t even guess how many hours I have spent just thinking about this project, and imagine that I will miss that aspect. Regardless, I hope to have a lot of work left in me this last month of 2005. Best wishes to all for a happy holiday season and a productive new year!

Steve, I also enjoyed very much your epic sailing adventure story…thanks for sharing that. Beautiful boat!!!

posted 12-01-2005 10:56 AM               

quote:

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Originally posted by Dan Nielsen:
Steve, I enjoyed hearing of your sailing trips. I have spoken about hauling the boat to the sounds here in NC and your story should help channel some inspiration. It is hard to get motivated when she is sitting in the water at the lake and all I have to do is step aboard.

Now, were you sailing the Haven in 40 knt winds and 27 foot seas? I can't imagine that. I had my hands full in 20 knt winds and 3 foot chop, with a reef in and some live ballast - got soaked too.

Any advice you can share about overnighting in the Haven?

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With the Lake Huron Marine Forecast calling for 40 knot gales, and waves to 27ft. there were no boats on the water. A fifty foot ketch lay near me, hunkered down in bay waiting for the weather to change.

Sailing off shore can be very enjoyable, but preparation is key. The nearest Coast Guard station was 30 miles away. Rescue is unlikely in the frigid August water,( two people were lost the week before, in the area I was sailing) It turns into a recovery operation. I just use normal off shore equipment, and techniques, for single hand sailing.

As far as living on the haven for a week- I bought a boom tent ( Home Depot tarp) and rigged it over the boom, which was a blessing during a late night rain shower. I also rigged a Davis anchor light to the jib snap shackle. I only took dry or canned food,on the trip, not wanting to deal with ice. I use a small stove to cook and heat water for coffee. I charged all of my electronic’s off a small deep cycle AGM battery (sealed) I wasn’t really that cramped on the boat, I look forward to next year’s trip already.

Steve