Clear communication is the key.

Sometimes when doing these custom projects an owner's wishes are not completely understood and this can lead to problems. Sometimes what we want to do or what we think will work the best influences our decisions during a project. Sometimes we have to make changes based on customer reactions. Native Son needed one major change, fixing the starboard side of the wheelhouse. During the design phase poor communication (on both sides) led to the wheelhouse being built offset to the port side. Once the owner saw the progress I could tell that he was bothered by it. I decided right away that it was not worth arguing and promised that I would make sure that the problem was solved. Most of the time when work has to be undone/redone the toughest part is just making the choice to start. Frustration about changes is normal but at Clark Island Boat Works the customer is always right. Anyway we were able to cut the starboard part of the windshield out make a few cuts and shift the front and side window to a more symmetrical location. This is going to improve the look of the wheelhouse and make for a very happy boat owner.

Big wires on the 38' Northern Bay. This is the back side of the custom battery switch panel that we fabricated out of aluminum and had powder coated black (to match the other electrical panels). Three switches were bolted to the aluminum and then the aluminum was bolted through the panel on the starboard side of the companionway. The switch located to the left is for the engine batteries, the switch to the right is for the house batteries, and the switch in the middle connects all the batteries on the boat. This middle switch could be called the emergency crossover connection, it will give the user the ability to start the motor with the house batteries if he accidentally kills the start batteries. Most of these wires are 4/O (some 2/O on the shorter runs) and all the lugs have been crimped on with a ginormous set of crimps. Once the ends are crimped heat shrink wrap is used to seal all the connections.

1/2" Plywood has been screwed to the overhead inside the wheelhouse of the 38' Northern Bay. This will be the layout of the teak that will be holding up the headliner. The photo won't show all the required steps and really it isn't all that exciting of an explanation so I just skim over it. Measurements, Pencil Lines, Cut Plywood, Drill Plywood, Cut Plywood, Drill Overhead, Drive Screw, Repeat. Now that the plywood is up all the wires can be run to power the overhead lights, fans, and wipers. Every wire has to be run individually (to fit under the headliner) and clipped every 4". I'm going to try to get most of the wires clipped up tomorrow (Sunday) but it might be a two day project. Holding drills over your head all day can be rough on the shoulders.

SHOP NEWS SHOP NEWS SHOP NEWS

Dan Jr has been sanding, painting, and fiberglassing hatch frames.
Jeff helped me with the wheelhouse overhead and did all the big wiring (picture 2).
John made some exhaust modifications and made a new radar stand for Native Son.
Kendall has been sanding, painting, and fiberglassing wheelhouses.
Clay had to do some skiff repair and fixed the wheelhouse on Native Son.
Dan has been looking into hull prices and availability for all the boats we have to build.
I've been keeping everyone busy, taking pictures, returning emails, and working on boats.