Random Picture Thread

Does he have one of these? Me neither. It is cool.:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-bkq0CSzjQ

 

It must be hell for you guys with almost a whole year before you can start another election epic and spending a few billions electing another poor sucker for half of you to detest . . . makes our 6 week jobs look a bit casual, but still a little better than a whip-round with the hat or tossing a coin.

 

Chumly looks just like the doves in my garden.

 

Might be a close cousin, if some naturalists are right about Barbary doves being a domesticated version of Eurasian Rock Doves. Florida has a population of those that's been spreading since they first showed up in the 1980's, probably from the Bahamas....

The Los Angeles area has a self-sustaining population of feral Barbary doves.

 

Historical non political truth, true sign of a learneth man -- My compliments Troy. Now for my Random Photo-- taken on the coast of Maine in 1974. Strange but seeing wooden vessels in such condition always make me sad. If they were in fiberglass or metal less emotion is triggered. I think it might have to do with the lifes energy that has to be put into wooden construction . In comparison fiberglass or metal almost seems like instant pudding.

 

Melancholia sets in with the vision of those sunken hopes and dreams. One wonders about the service history of a boat such as that.

 

What ever happened to the four masted schooners, the Hesper and Little Luther in Wiscasset, Maine? When I last saw them in 1980 they were looking quite pitiful. I would imagine they succumbed to the elements by now.

 

Left Photo of the Ada Marie 2 has a built up sacrifical layer of wood on the side of it's hull,just forward of midships indicating it was a side dragger --most likely herring/sardines. There were several herring/sardine packing/canning plants on this coast. The vessel in the right photo would have been involved in the same fishery. Beautifully shaped double ender hulls, ideally suited for conversion to motorsailers.If they could talk one would hear salty tales in both the Down East and Newfoundland accent. Large numbers of Newfoundlanders seasonally fished on Down East vessels often taking up permanent residence along the coast.

 

Fastenating old landmark wrecks. I actually rowed around them. Seem to recall reading in one of the boating magazines they were finally removed.

 

Not to start a fight, please, but I wonder it these great old boats would have survived if constructed with epoxy and glass over wood? I suppose they would never have been built due to the much higher cost. Working boats might also have damaged the coatings and let water in anyway, leading to the same result. If they were abandoned due to changes in economics the coatings would eventually been destroyed anyway. All boats require continuing maintenance.

Pity, the first interest I ever had in boats was pictures of 4 masted schooners, that I can remember.

 

Listen ere me son --take it from an Irish Newfoundlander --ya can't start a fight if ya answers yer own question. Ya gotta stir the pot/rock da boat, by.

 

It really was just a question I wish I understood.
I have swallowed the Epoxy coolaid completely, but you still have to wonder about the long term benefits.

 

Da ques?ion is moot as dey was built afore the advent of ee poxy ee.

 

The key to success in the epoxy coating of wooden cores is low- low- low moisture content in the wood and seal- seal- seal moisture from getting into it. The wood is the core material and should be sealed on all surfaces otherwise moisture will eventually cause de lamination of the epoxy /epoxy/glass (FRP) to wood bonding and all that entails. This is especially critical in an enviorment whose temp. variation drops into the freezing range. Would this have extended the life of these craft. If the products and engineering were available at the time and doubling of the construction cost was not a factor, in my opinion, yes possibly they would still be serviceable today. Certainly they could have been cut down and used as mine sweepers for both world wars. To qualify here there are more experienced builders than I using this system. I mainly use the epoxy/plywood system for my decks and superstructure only

P.S. Speaking of such -- just checked the shop and it has heated up allowing me to re start work on my build.

 

A few of the topics of just lately, politics, debate, and sad wooden boats...