Centreboard

I've made a start at roughing out the centreboard using a profile guide and circular saw. This is one job I've been avoiding due to the time, noise, foil profile and sawdust. So far it seems to be going okay. I will use a small hand plane, straight spoke shave and sandpaper to get the final shape.

Profile guide, Bosch circular saw and all important box of tissues. I have the flu.

Roughing out the basic profile. I will clean up the shape later with hand tools.

Outboard choices.

I've decided not to have an outboard hanging off the transom, or seated in a well cut through my boat.
Instead I will use an electric pod fixed forward of the rudder.
As trolling motors are just not powerful enough that seemed to be a problem, until a German company developed these:  http://www.torqeedoaustralia.com/Torqeedo_Australia/Home.html

A Torqueedo travel. I may use the larger cruise model.

There are various models that range from those designed for kayaks, to their new 60hp model (which is massive).

While mounting the pod permanently beneath the boat will create some additional drag, I'm not interested in racing so don't care if I lose some speed. Gath Mor will be used to sail around the Harvey estuary and go fishing offshore in an area that is really very mild weather wise. I just need a motor that can assist in getting me out of the inlets, bring me back the 15 nautical miles from the best fishing spots and provide a little peace of mind.

The true beauty of the travel range is that they can be charged from a portable solar panel, even while running. The panel alone can provide enough charge to run the pod at super low speeds. More peace of mind and without pollution.

A new hope

It's been a very long time since I managed to get anything done on Gath Mor.
Family crises, serious illnesses and vehicle issues (not to mention work) have all conspired to keep me from the project.
Just when I was ready to start again our Subaru engine packed in for the third time. We ended up just buying another car, this time a German designed and built one (although rebadged for Australia).
The truck's batteries died and it needs a new set of rims in standard size, so the only vehicle we had for weeks was a 25 year old Yamaha FJ1200 that still starts first time every time!

Not much to report boat-wise, but I'm back to working on it. Did some minor gluing and fixed the transom to the base. I also made a start on gluing up the Jarrah leading edge for the centerboard.

The Lord willing, I will be able to get the stringers fitted by the end of the month.