Forced myself to take a month off to prepare for some music jobs, which was well timed as it was really too cold to work outside at night. Now that the weather is turning I've done a couple of half days this weekend, and will try and do some evenings here and there.
Firstly, made the last four rib patches in the series, these can be sealed and installed hopefully by next weekend. Gingerly cut three stopped dado's in the middle cross floor (by hand, I don't have a router) and started making up the gear lever mount.
Talked to Herbert a while back about the wisdom of removing one of the big ugly sawn floors from under the engine. It's not original, but it is stronger than the regular floors in that area, as they are cut right down under the engine. The ribs through this area (replaced by Peter Murton) are all butt joined over the keelson, so also contribute nothing. I believe from the one rib that wasn't replaced here (see pic) that these would have all been one continuous piece from deck to deck. Herbert suggested scarfing in patches down the middle to re-create this effect. It's what I've been doing for weeks with the cracked pieces at the turn of the bilges, however these will be easy - seven little straight links. I cut a strip of oak, chamfered the top corners and notched out the seven offending bits with my trusty Fein Multimaster. All done in a couple of hours, ready to seal, glue and rivet.
