Time to come out of the closet, True Grit

[curtgard]

I been working on the build since Nov 2012 but took a 4 month break when we moved last winter. I am working on the inside and fiber glassing the outside now. I changed several things on the design, 1) lengthened the hull to 29'6", 2) added swim platform, 3) rounded the berth top, 4) raised pilothouse 8", 5) 6 degree reverse on windshields, 6) front raised 6",7) 3/4" bottom. Using white oak and dark red meranti plywood. This is my first boat build so things are going slower than expected but hoping to be done this fall, maybe in time for the gathering. I have lots more pictures if someone is interested.

Many thanks to Ray Macke for his help answering questions for this new boat builder.

Curt Gard

[mrintense]

Looking really good Curt.

Please do post some of your build photos. We all love to see how other's are fairing (play on words) with their projects.

[vupilot]

Hi Curt, Great looking build! Thanks for posting.

[Gayle Brantuk]

Looking great so far, Curt. Glad you're "out of the closet"--it can get stuffy in there.

[dmac]

Curt- Your boat is so interesting, innovative and great looking that I, for one, would love to see more photos! I'd guess that others would, too. I'd be really interested in how you're going to power her, as well. Once again, an amazing build. Good luck with it! Doug

[curtgard]

I plan on powering with an Evinrude etec150 mounted on the hull extension/swim platform. To help out with docking, I added a bow thruster before turning over the hull.

Curt

[specialk]

good looking build...and please keep the pictures coming...!

[mrintense]

Nice work Curt. always glad to see cabin style boats being built.

[curtgard]

Its been nearly a year since my last update but making progress. The outside is mostly done but lots of work still to do on the inside. I can't believe how much electrical wiring there is on a boat this size. Some older pictures and current progress pictures.
This is the berth top during construction and berth top completed.

Berth top framework

Berth top done with windshields

I still have to add gauges and instruments but most of the electrical work is done.

[kens]

Sweet.
How did I miss this build on the forum??
Good looking build you got there.

[hoodman]

Sweet.
How did I miss this build on the forum??
Good looking build you got there.

Exactly, you gotta let us see some more of this boat. It looks really fantastic!

[Bill Edmundson]

Curt

That's one HELL of a closet!

Bill

[timkohl]

Hi
I am starting to build a modified "Nor'Wester" in San Diego and have my lumber come in a few days.
I am interested in how you framed your swim step on the back of the boat?
Do you have any pictures or advise?
Tim

[curtgard]

The swim platform is really a hull extension. I followed the same lines as the hull bottom and sides when building it. The transom was built per plans and the framework for the swim platform/hull extension was fastened to the transom. The plywood bottom and sides for the extension was part of the hull making it not look like an add-on.

I also added onto the building form to support the extension to keep thing true until the plywood was added.

Curt

[curtgard]

True Grit looking outside getting anxious to hit the water. Still a couple months away from launch.