Zoe, Toucan and the Transom

There is a loose tradition within the class that the boats are named either after a bird or with a name containing the letter 'z'. Whilst trying to entertain the kids and strip paint for a couple of hours this weekend, I suggested that my kids come up with a name. We would work on a list and when ready to launch, we'll choose a name from the list.  My boy aged only 4 came up with the name Toucan. My daughter, 7 came up with the name Zoe.  I hate to say it, but I can almost see a Toucan colour scheme.

Got a bit more work done on the transom today. The wood is looking really nice. Unfortunately, a couple of splits and a few rough edges here and there probably mean that the transom must be painted back to black. 

The rail that goes across the top of the transom is going to have to go. It has degraded too much, has splits and is really beyond reasonable repair now. Luckily I know of a boat that is being cut up with plenty of mahgony and teak on board!

Bren, a painter by trade maintains that a gloss finish is only ever as good as the finish of the material you are painting onto. So it does at least look like we'll be able to get a great looking transom on which to paint the name that my kids eventually decide upon! Bren seems pretty keen on Toucan but maybe the paint fumes are getting to him!

Bren is making good progress below the waterline on the starboard side of the hull.

This week we'll mostly be making the most of the remaining light evenings and should with luck be almost there in stripping the exterior of Z28 or Zoe, or Toucan....