End of the Year
Our school year is coming to an end and with it the end of work on the Ensign. There simply has been too much to accomplish in too little time to devote time outside of school to the project during the last few weeks. It’s tough not to feel like the project has stalled, but I guess that’s the reality of a school project. Work will resume in August when summer is over. Until then, our apologies to those who enjoyed following our progress. We promise to provide plenty of boat “fixes” over the winter of 2010!
Project Ensign 
How did you polish the various cleats, fittings, etc? What did you use?
Thanks
Steve
I think the guys used a Sisal buffing wheel (or something similar). I’m not sure of the compound, but I think they used Jeweller’s Rouge, the red stick. Sorry I can’t tell you more, but that should give you a good start. Thanks for visiting our blog.
We have a 1972 person hull number 1494 we are restoring her also. Her bulkhead painting fiberglass varnish nonskid and alot of tlc!! We have been restoring and painting boats for over 30 years! good luck! and be patient it is a work of art and love to restore a boat. We starting project in 2 weeks we will look forward to your progress good luck and a a big helo for ventura california!
Howdy! I’m compelled to offer a “buck up” comment. You mention that “It’s tough not to feel like the project has stalled…”. I’ve been working with Anne Carter in Bryan, Texas rebuilding her Ensign #212 and have come to believe that all projects like this proceed in fits and starts. Having the school year end makes it even more difficult to maintain a head of steam. You have commenced a large project and both you and your students are to be commended.
I hope Andrews Academy is cognizant of the huge amount of work you are putting into this project and the even larger payoff there will be for the students involved. I’ll be checking in to see how things are going and add my long distance encouragement. I’m especially interested in your plan for putting in the mast step supports/mast step base/cabin floor.
We have found that 1/2″ & 3/4″ foam board is very helpful for making templates. At Lowes/HomeDepot, it runs about $6 for 1/2″ and $12 for 3/4″ 4’x8′ sheets. It cuts well with a utility knife and the thickness means that we can treat the template just like a piece of plywood without having to make adjustments.
Regards,
Dr. Rick Dulas