Getting Biscuit's entire suite of newly fabricated brightwork fit in place is the immediate goal. By mounting the brightwork I can see where things may need to be slightly altered to improve fit and/or appearance. Once the brightwork proves, I then remove and continue the varnishing effort prior to final installation.

Today's work was on the starboard and port toe rails. I carried the roughly 19' lengths of rail over to the paint booth to begin the process. The starboard rail would be first. I set up a ladder and length of rope on Biscuit's aft end to help support the toe rail as I focused on the first few fasteners. With the rail supported on the end, I used a small belt sander to achieve a snug fit of the first inch of toe rail as it mounts into a recess in the stem fitting. The process for installing the toe rail is fairly straightforward: ensure proper alignment of the rail to the deck's sheer line, pre-drill through the rail's existing bung opening and into the deck below, slightly lift the rail to remove drill debris, secure the fastener. This was done 29 times down the starboard rail and 29 times down the port rail. Both rails are one and their run-out lengths removed at the stern. I began to work on trimming down the taffrail, but my gas tank ran low and so decided to save for a day when I am fresh. I already see a couple areas on the port rail that will need some custom fitting, but such is boat work.

Total Hrs: 3.5