Hmmmm, where do I mount THIS thing?

In many cases, the instructions allow leeway for the builder, who can use his or her judgment about where things go. In these cases I stared at the pictures and tried to approximate proper placement. I hope I got 'em right.

Here, I mounted an eyestrap near the top of the mast, to hold onto various things that need to there: the shrouds, forestay and jib halyard block. The shrouds and forestay will help to hold the mast in place, and the block enables easy, enjoyable and hassle-free raising and lowering of the jib (foresail).

Note the classic anodized aluminum tube with old-fashioned product coding. Nice.

The block is made by a company named Racelite. It turns out that many components that either came with the kit or I purchased separately are made by these folks. They all seem functional and sturdy, and I like the name. Racelite. I bet they will make the boat go faster.

Meanwhile, down on the deck, more is happening. You can see one of the oarlock sockets, finally attached permanently, above the reclining daggerboard. Just to the left of that, hardware for mounting the lower end of the starboard shroud is waiting for me to do something with it. I wanted to wait until we got the mast temporarily stepped to make sure I got that hardware placed properly.

Speaking of which ... that's the mast step secured to the center of the bow thwart. It seems to me that it's a different flavor of wood -- mahogany, maybe. Dark and handsome.

Here's proof that I'll be able to have both port and starboard jib sheets. Again, the daggerboard lies there, intruding in the picture. I think it just likes to look at itself.

All of this mounting has required drilling holes in the boat. This has been very, very difficult, after having spent so much time trying to get it all sealed up. I have used marine silicone caulk to seal everything, but that will only last for awhile. Over the winter I will re-drill most of these holes, making them larger, then fill each hole with thickened epoxy. Finally, I'll drill the proper-size hole in the epoxy, and re-attach whatever is supposed to go there. This way, no silicone will b needed and I'll know the wood is safely sealed off from the elements.

Does it seem like this project never actually ends? I think it does. I think that may be the point.