Model testing the Almaguin, part 3: The towing rig

Previous posts on model testing the Almaguin have looked at the construction of the framework and the hull surface. Today, we'll take a look at the towing rig. But first, the close-to-finished model:

Model testing the Almaguin, part 2: The hull

In the last post on model testing the Almaguin utility runabouts, I left off at the joining of the side panels and the bulkheads. Today, I'll describe the next steps in the construction process: adding the panels that form the double V of the running surface, and fairing the whole thing smooth.

Model testing the Almaguin, part 1: The framework

Computer simulations are pretty good these days, but there's still a lot they can't do. And as nice as it would be to have my own full-scale prototype of every boat I draw, that's just not feasible- there's never enough space or money for that. Models, though, are inexpensive, don't take up much room, and are fun to build- and, if done carefully with the right mathematical backing, can offer a lot of insight into how the full-size boat will perform.

Eye splicing single braid rope

Most of the lines on an average boat are either double braided or twisted three-strand, but single braid does show up on occasion. If you do have it, here's how to splice it.

My advice: Avoid single braid rope. Splicing it is very tedious (an hour or two per eye for 12-strand, although 8-strand is much faster), and without a protective cover it's more easily damaged and more prone to chafe than double braid. But now and then, you just happen to have some, and wouldn't it be nice to have proper spliced eyes in it instead of bulky bowline knots....

Why plain-text, HTML and Lynx still matter

The tiny handful of you who are regular visitors to this site have probably noticed that the links and menus have suddenly jumped around. What gives?

And what's this business in the headline about mid-size wildcats?

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