Not plastic, and not even *officially* a boat, but...

[hebert01]

I think it'll still be an enjoyable project to most of you.

I haven't had too much time for projects on my own boat lately, because I've been building a cradle boat for our new baby.

I built the cradle following the "Baby Tender II" plans by Warren Jordan ( www.jordanwoodboats.com ). It was my first foray into wooden boat building, and this project is indeed a wooden boat on a reduced scale. I learned lots of new woodworking skills you don't get in a typical furniture project.

White oak backbone, pine plank bottom. I intended to use pine for the hull planking as well, but at the 4mm spec'd thickness, my pine stock checked and split when I bent it over the mold. So I punted a bit and went with 4mm okoume ply. The boat is fastened with copper roves/rivets. Philippine mahogany breasthook/knees/gunwale rail (salvaged from an old 13' whaler), and the davit system is made from honduras mahogany.

Luckily, I finished the project about a week before our beautiful daughter, Grace, arrived on Dec. 13. Here's hoping it'll be smooth sailing for her for the rest of her life!

I'd highly recommend this project to any parent-to-be (mom or dad). As an expectant dad, it gave me an outlet for all my nervousness throughout my wife's pregnancy.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

[Ancient Race]

Beautiful Ed - fair winds and kind seas to baby Grace.

Greg

[Allen]

Yes, beautiful Ed. May she always keep baby Grace safe and sound.

[dmairspotter]

Very, very nice, all the way around!

[Rachel]

What a beautiful beginning for Grace. She'll certainly know her arrival was eagerly anticipated. That is just amazing! Just like sleeping in a hammock, but about 400 times more nifty. Definitely classic.

Happy holidays and New Year to your family :)

Rachel

[MikeD]

That is soooo cool! Really really nice work!

Now, I hate to be the "glass half-empty" guy, but you'd better be ready to rig some life lines once little Grace realizes she can roll/crawl/sit up/stand... These little creatures get pretty mobile!

[hebert01]

Very good point, Mike. I think the cradle's really only going to be functional for the first few weeks, as there's not a ton of freeboard to contain the crew. I was thinking at that point, she might get relegated to toybox/stuffed animal duty, or I could possibly retrofit some rockers and a thwart, and the boat could enjoy a second life as a rocking horse or sorts.

[Hirilondë]

I've seen a couple variations of that in the other forum I participate in, but rarely one so detailed. Beautiful job! I know I will be building something like that should I become a grandfather to be. Its never too soon to get kids into boating. *chuckle* Can't beat this method for early induction.

[hebert01]

Thanks Dave!

For anyone interested in some construction photos, I've got some on my picasa album here

[jhenson]

Ed,

Congratulations on the new addition to your family!

That is a very beautiful heirloom!

Joe

[Ronin120]

What, no carbon-fiber? ;-)

Seriously though, very, very classy. A true treasure and keepsake for your daughter. Don't forget to send pictures of the "crew."

Congratulations.

[Peter]

Outstanding job! It looks like it would float .... maybe a dinghy for a very small cruiser?

[hebert01]

Incidentally, she does float. I christened her off the beach before I put her on the davits. I figured every boat needs to see water.

And not a bad idea! Maybe I should get started on a 1/4 scale Triton for her. :-)

And since you twist my most rubbery of arms, attached are a couple of proud papa pictures of the "crew"...

[jollyboat]

Ed, Great job on boat and Crew. You have set the bench mark pretty high. I wonder what 10, 16, 18, years of age boats will be like not to mention, college graduation, and wedding present boats. I would say shoot for a Hinkley Pilot for the wedding present.