Whether you've built one boat or many, the day their chrysalides shed is infectiously gay.
Ralph Merriman began his Dunderdale Pearl a handful of years ago, and with a couple health setbacks, finished her yesterday. He asked friends to help move the Pearl, Fleckerl from his patio shop, through the living room of his house to the driveway, where a new trailer waited.
We've followed Ralph's build from the beginning. When asked how many boats he's built, he'll modestly tell you he doesn't quite remember. I know for a fact he's built six skiff type boats and he suggests he's built another six kayaks. Prolific and precise, that's Ralph.
Ralph has already made Fleckerl's masts, rudder and centerboard. The permanent lead ballast is cast. New fully battened sails lay in suspension. Hardware has been dry-fitted.
With the help of at least twelve volunteers, the Tom Dunderdale Pearl, Fleckerl emerges to the light of a wet Fall day into the element of it's design.
Next installment will be a demonstration of Fleckerl's wind and water waltz.
Initial Instructions from doryman on Vimeo.
Test Move from doryman on Vimeo.
On the Trailer in the Rain from doryman on Vimeo.
In case you don't know what a fleckerl is....
To be a devil's advocate, I ran back and took a quick shot of Ralph's empty work space with the intention of catching him with nothing to do.
He headed me off with a photo of the same space the next morning with a strong-back set up for a new kayak.
Go, Ralph!
Congratulations on another fine boat build my friend.
