Well with any boat design it's only a matter of time before something keeps you up at night and that time has arrived with our new build. Were about 85% complete with the little boat (listed under Manufactures / Electric Boats) and ran into an issue with the bow stem. For those who are wondering what the heck this has to do with trawlers, well not much but it's still a boat and some may consider the process something as a precursor to taking on a larger project like a custom trawler? Not saying we have decided on this as our next project but considering it as an option. Back to the stem and where I'm looking for some thoughts from all the experts here on TF. Our original design included the pronounced stem rising above the deck to show off foundation of this boat built of wood. After viewing photos of the painted boat, I elected to shorten the stem down but still be relevant with some custom shape. So far so good and we painted it to match the blue hull. Next was to add the stemplate which is SS and will be polished when complete, but something is not looking right. If you see the photos on our last post you can judge for yourself if it takes away from the bow, just needs to polish, is too wide or something else? A few other options we played with is a skinny band piece of SS from the top of the stem down below the waterline or varnished teak plate that replaces the SS plate and would match the rub rail. We also ordered a small rope bumper similar to European style SLOEPs which was our basis for this boat design. Another option is to leave alone and just painted. Open to any thoughts anyone may have on this small but very visible detail. Fun stuff.
John T.
John T.
