New "to do" list

After 2 weeks under water Glypto is not fully water tight. Moreover, swelling mahogny planks exercised so much power that some oak frames broke. They were already weakened, as I noticed before purchase, and now they gave up. Not a big deal but needs to be fixed after season.

To be able to use her this season I’ve closed the leaks with Ettan on starboard side and Stay Afloat (nice name) on port, to see if one of them is any better. Nope, both do their job and both do it only for some time, Ettan just smells better.
After dragging the boat onto a beach the leaks come back gradually.

Holding Glypto under water for so long has made also varnish bubbling in few spots. That was also expected. Not a big deal as I’m planning to use her as an experiment with oiling, before I take this approach on Meritaten.

I intend to try Owatrol D1 and D2, or Owatrol Ädelölje insdtead of D2. For lapstrake dinghy that should be perfect as maintaining the finish requires no sanding, just applying oil. Sanding lapstrake, with all these joints and cavities behind frames, is no fun.

So now I have another list of things to fix:

• remove all old varnish to bare wood

• remove all accessible caulking and replace with brown SIkaflex

• whack all rivets to bring back the planks and force Sika deeper between joints

• oil with D1

• oil some more with D1

• little more D1

• and more

• when she stops drinking D1 apply D2

• re-apply D2

• repair broken bench

• build flotation compartments

• extend wooden keel for better directional stability - or add side keels

• add chafe preventing brass strips onto wooden keel and stem

• make new floor (but not necessarily)

I intend also to build simple davits on Meritaten, to be able to lift Glypto from water when not in use. That should enable me NOT painting dinghy bottom with antifouling and keep oil finish longer.

But now - I enjoy this tiny boat very much!

Rowing in the late evening into Norrtälje, on flat water, is a pleasure. She rows like a dream: easy and silent. Big difference to my rubber dinghy which is a pig to be rowed.