After the winter hibernation on her trailer outside all covered up "Missy" was returned to the garage at the end of February, 2004. It was still cold outside so I had to cover the windows on the boat with carpenter's paper to keep the hear from an electric space heater inside the boat while I worked on the interior.

Interior Work

Since the inside was roughed in before the winter set in, I decided to work on the "ceiling". This is boat talk for the insides of the cabin. Notice that the paneling is laid horizontal in the vee-berth area and vertical in the rest of the cabin.

I decided to panel around the helm station as well and along the sides of the cabin to make it consistent.

To offset the galley area and the cabinet forward of the galley, I chose to paint. However, the area above the fold down counter is fiberglass panels like you would use in a bathroom shower enclosure.

I built in a pull-out bin for storage and a shelf under the counter. The space to the right is the storage area for the L.L.Bean 2 burner propane stove.

The best buy of the whole project was the 2 foot square Bomar hatch I bought at the annual Hamilton Marine Factory Overstock Sale. It is a $250 item I got for $**. It is large enough for me to get out of the forward hatch and onto the deck.

I had intended to put down a traditional teak and holly sole in the cabin, but I was not completely sure how flexible the double bottom would be so I opted to put down a vinyl parquet floor. It adds a nice finished appearance to the cabin. The wheel was mounted as well as the morse motor controls. I put fiberglass panels on the top of the helm station only smooth side up.

Exterior Work

The interior was ready to prime and paint so I moved to the exterior of the boat. I started with the cockpit by installing the same fiberglass panels smooth side up on the floor and the sides of the cockpit. I glued the panels down with 3M 5200 fast cure adhesive. I swear by this product. I have used it on my past 3 boats with great success.

The cockpit hatches and windows were sealed, the door was hung and the trim was complete, ready for primer and paint.

I painted the back of the cabin and the rear seats and transom gray to offset the white of the cockpit and to cause less glare. Note the new 25 hp Yamaha 4 stroke on the transom.

The outside of the boat was primed and painted. Notice the 3-tone paint job - done that way to lower the impression of a tall cabin. I used blue racing strip tape on the topsides for the same reason.

Her Coming Out and Launch

I rolled her out of the garage for the last time and put her on her trailer for the long awaited launch day.

My lovely wife Sally does the christening honors.

"I christen thee: 'Missy'"

My daughter Sue tends the lines as I back her into the water for the first time.

Missy is under her own power for the first time. Quite a thrill!

My friend Dale Darling and I take her for a short shakedown cruise. We needed to adjust the setting on the motor tilt in order to get her to plane quickly and produce the maximum speed. We measured 16.5 knots per my GPS.

It has been a very satisfying experience building and now using "Missy". She has exceeded all my expectations. Her designer, Jim Michalak, needs to be commended for a great design.

Remember: You too can build a boat, sure you can!!