Night Stands Installed

Here they are:

Summary:

I love the look of the small simple nightstands.  They will improve sailor moral and keep us organized on our voyages.  It’s funny how little things like this can make such a big difference.  

Building Night Stands for Northern Cross

Well, OK not exactly night stands.  But a small organizational piece for each bunk within the cabin.

Pictures explain it better than words:

The vertical face of the night stand.  I arched the top and cut an angle on both ends to match.  

An 1/8″ round over bit cleaned up the holes and edges.

The horizontal piece forms a shelf.  The round cut out holds your insulated Yeti mug and the vertical face keeps items from falling off the shelf.  The holes in the vertical face lighten up the stands and create a nautical look to the project.  

What will I put on the night stands?

• head lamp for reading
• books and magazines
• insulated mug holder
• maps and field guides
• knife
• journal and pen
• binoculars
• cell phone
• VHF radio
• emergency weather radio

Summary:

I used 3/8″ okoume plywood to keep the stands strong yet lightweight.  The stands will be mounted on the forward side of the cabin/cockpit bulkhead about 12″ above the bunks.  They fit tight against the side panel and stop short of the companionway.  I love being organized and hate stuff lying around on the floor or bunks when I want to take a power nap.  These night stands will be effective in keeping things in their proper place.  

Color in the Cabin

I wanted to add a bit of color to the cabin for a few different reasons;  Color and contrast are always good for things meant to be beautiful, but I had another motive.  If you look at earlier photos, you will notice the interior glass tape laid across the chine panel seam is on an angle in comparison to the bunk tops.  This gave the illusion of the bunks being sloped, which is true.  But, by painting a flat line, as referenced off the bunks, it changes this perception and seems to level things out to the eye.

Take a look:

Though the chine seam elevates toward the bow, the Dark Navy masks the line and levels things up.

Above the Dark Navy, I plan to add a Hatteras Off White stripe, transitioning then to bright work.  

Now a little boat building philosophy:

When you undertake to build a boat, many feelings and visions flood through your mind.  They include areas where you plan to cruise and explore.  Others might be of the people you plan to take with you to share in the experience.

But, as every boat builder knows, some of the visions come in the form of you building a perfect boat without blemish.  Well, after building three boats, I can tell you that no boat will ever be built perfectly.  In fact, far from it.  But, who really cares?  Do you think a perfect boat would change your experience on the water?  Do you think your neighbors would be even more impressed if the boat was perfect?  No, they won’t even see the imperfections.  Frankly, they are too busy to even care.  You are the only one who cares to this extent.  Still, we strive to build boats as beautiful as possible, taking great care to get things right…and still the mistakes seem to manifest themselves all on their own.

An example:  When applying the second coat of Dark Navy to the cabin, I notice that I had a few sags from last nights application.  Too late now, with the last coat applied and the paint still wet.  Yes, I could sand it all out, but why?  Arn’t these boats to be enjoyed?  Won’t they get dinged up at docks and through normal wear and tear?  If we are stuck on building perfect boats, we should double our build time and never even launch them but instead place them carefully in a museum for others to gawk.  Is this why you built your boat?  I think not.  I built my boat to explore the natural world and see new sights with my wife, family and friends.  Given this end result, I want everyone who has ever built a boat to pat themselves on the back and get outside and use their wonderful creation.  Let’s not let the product lord above its intended use.  Get out in your boat, love your boat and be proud of the work you’ve done on your boat.  Fact is most people would never have attempted something like building a wooden boat.  Most folks would’ve never gotten off the couch.  I’m very thankful for Kilburn for designing this boat and I’m very grateful I had the opportunity to build a Skiff America.  I hope you feel the same way about your boat.