Rope Stropped Wooden Blocks

Here's a picture of some blocks that I am hoping mine will look like.

Pregnant Pause

I haven't done much on the boat lately as I spent December working on the boys Christmas present, a toy castle, and my bandsaw has broken down. The later should not cost much to fix if I can just find the parts to do it.

I have occupied most of this time by doing research on making blocks and sails. I got a great book for Christmas called "The Marlinespike Sailor" that has full plans on how to make rope stropped wooden blocks. This has sent me on a search of the local chandleries to find marline and other bits and pieces. In the end I have found a source of pine tar locally and will make my own. I still think I will have some trouble sourcing the bronze sheaves locally though.

Last night I discovered Sailrite. They actually make sails for the Penobscot 14. You can buy these made up or as a kit you finish yourself. I still haven't decided what I will do on this one yet but at least I have some options open. I was a bit concerned that I would get to the end and this would cause me problems.

So as far as actual building goes I have still only got three temporary frames completed! The next task is to fix the bandsaw and start making the rest of the frames and stem. For this I will have to get some timber, which will have to wait until we a bit more flush with money.