We started using our Tolman Skiff just 14 months after starting the build. We started on Memorial day weekend in 2003 and launched the boat in July in 2004. Later in 2004 it got a roof and by the summer of 2005 the outside was painted. The problem with this kind of building schedule is that with all the fun of using the boat, we never got around to finishing the boat. So I'm kicking myself in the pants and making a push to have things finished for this summer's PNW Tolman Owner's Gathering here on the Columbia River in July.

I still have to finish the inside and also make some seats for the aft deck area. My father-in-law is a long-time fisherman and he's going to help me outfit the boat for fishing. I've been a sailboat racer all my life and I don't know squat about fishing except that I love halibut and the season in Oregon opens tomorrow and my boat is not ready. So... I'm back at work making progress. I find that if I make it a habit to upload photos and post to the blog, that it's harder for me to goof off and not get things done.

Today I sprayed the first coat of primer inside the cuddy cabin. Now it looks even bigger. I put my #6 bulkhead 6 in. forward of the spot Renn has in his book and it's still huge. I have some finish work to do but I have the cushions all ready and carpet for the sides of the boat. The cuddy top has 1/2" blue board foam inside and with the sides of the boat carpeted inside the cuddy, it should stay warm and dry. I'll have to find a good lighting solution. I have LED running lights which use very little battery power. It would be nice to find some nice LED cabin lights too.