Hey guys! Yes, the "real reason" I hope to have to come to G4 is a boat that I can at least put on a trailer. Even that is going to be a real push, but I'm hopeful. I have plenty of other reasons like those that John listed, but only one that has a lot of weight with the Admiral.
Yes, Jeff, the boat is a 1957 ~16' ply lapstrake outboard Thompson Sea Lancer with steam bent oak ribs every 6" (60 total). Pretty much all of them ended up having to be replaced, and I finally gave up on steaming the new ones. I've now switched to making laminated frames... some 5-ply and some 6-ply in .57" total thickness. More on that under a different thread soon. I'm also going to replace all planking below the waterline. The oak keel(son) was shot, oak floor framing was bowed, solid mahogany transom has fewer issues but needs work. It really is a complete structural rebuild, not just a repair job.
Just so I don't get accused of hijacking the thread, what have folks done for breakfast the past 2 years? I read something about omelets!
-wte
Bill Eason -- Atlanta, GA
Got my Malahini plans Christmas 2007! (The book arrived Jan 3...)
Found the 1957 Thompson Sea Lancer Jan 9... :-/ Bought it Jan 21!
)
I'll see what I can work out (assuming I can come, of course). Never made h.r. but I'm sure I work with a few guys who can tell me how it's really supposed to be made! Looks like fresh Gulf shrimp might be out of season for quite a while. Shrimp omelets are awesome. 
