These days our lives have been marked and measured by a series of milestones in our family: our oldest son's first novel finally hit the bookstands after a two-year publishing effort, our good friends' son was married, our first grandchild, Joshua Jan Jansma, arrived on April 24th, a second book contract was successfully negotiated for the writer-son, and a college graduation and relocation for our game-designer-son! So many exciting events have come to fruition after many hard years and months of work (and labor!) on everyone's part!
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| Joshua Jan Jansma Born April 24, 2013 3:43 AM |
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| Unchangeable Spots of Leopards by Kristopher Jan Jansma Published March 28, 2013 |
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| The Three Musketeers: Kris, Ryan, and Andrew Ryan & Dontie's Wedding March 23, 2013 Peobody, MA |
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| Jonathan Jan Jansma Graduated University of Advancing technology BA in Game Design May 17th, 2013 Phoenix, AZ |
So here is a photo montage of where we're at currently. When we finally land in one place long enough to craft a more philosophical blog entry, we will, but I know you all want to see what's been happening!
FEBRUARY 22, 2013
This visit mostly entailed approving the bed molds and placement of various hull-side components that were necessary to have installed before the sides and top decks could be permanently attached. Neil Harvey from Harken visited and helped us to brainstorm options for the deck hardware and eventual rigging setup. Colin Mack from Mack Sails also came by to work on the planned sail inventory and rigging layout.
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| Bumfuzzle Visits and Approves Progress |
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| Our Kit # and Manufacturing Stamp will disappear after cockpit seats are glassed over. |
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| Island Beds are completed from Molds |
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| In preparation for the port hull side to be fitted. |
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| Owner's side head cross-section viewed from outside |
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| Neil Harvey from Harken and Dennis discuss initial layout of deck hardware and rigging options |
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| View of cockpit before back seating component is installed |
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| On the foredeck with Rian and Colin Mack (not pictured) Discussing deck hardware and rigging layout |
APRIL 11, 2013
It had been almost 7 weeks since our last visit, and we snuck in a glimpse before heading North again for Joshua's due date, since we knew it would then be weeks before we'd be back again. During this visit, we approved all major interior component placement, and then watched as the hull and top deck pieces were fitted into place. This officially marked the transition from "kit" to "boat" as, except for the two nose cones, all kit pieces were finally in place. There was a bit of tension as the gantry crane lazily swung the large pieces into place. Once resting in place, we discovered that the main bulkhead (think structural support), which runs horizontally amidships from the hull on one side through the salon to the hull on the other side, was too short! There was a noticeable gap between the bulkhead and the top decks and hulls! This bulkhead had been fitted and irrevocably glassed in months before, during the initial construction of the kit, as per the recommendations of Fusion's Andrew Pounder.
In hindsight, and certainly for the next kit build that Mondo undertakes, this should not have been permanently installed until the tops and hulls were fitted. Clearly this is a defect in the manufacturing process that we will bring to the attention of the company, and perhaps we were too trusting when we moved so quickly ahead at that time.
At this point, that gap will be filled, and then glassed to be sure the structural integrity of the bulkhead is maintained. Nothing unsurmountable, but the biggest "oops" yet! Good thing we have a careful builder who practices fitting before glassing.
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| The last time we will see her cross section |
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| Approving and measuring settee for salon in prep for final design of salon table |
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| Approving sugar scoop and ladder hatch design |
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| Here comes the port side hull |
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| And now the port side top deck moves into place |
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| The ladies supervise |
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| Fitting port side hull |
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| Examining the fit to the foredeck and top deck |
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| Looking out the "window" from the salon, hull on, top deck off |
Again almost seven weeks since our last trip, and on this visit, all major pieces have been permanently glassed in. No more climbing up a ladder into the side of the open hull! A beautiful set of stairs to the port-side sugar scoop is in place, and going in is like climbing aboard a real boat! Our goal of having the boat closed up for the approaching hurrican season had been met, and the last blue tarp can be discarded! We were able to measure the overall length of XYZZY (37' 11", not the advertised 40' in the Fusion 40 name, exactly) and the draft (4', also not the advertised 32" from the marketing materials, which we figured out is for a kit with daggerboards rather than mini-keels).
The interior shelving, closets, cabinets and are being constructed, and much of the discussion on this visit centered around what the layout of closets, drawers, and cabinets would be. As we agreed on locations for hanging lockers (think clothes closets), drawers vs. cabinets with open shelves, etc. I could finally visualize myself stowing items into their places, getting ready for a passage.
We also spent some time looking at countertop colors, holding them up against the sample of finished bamboo Rian had prepared for us, trying to anticipate what will make our home look bright and open.
And then the magic words: "It's time to start buying STUFF!" Really!? Officially moving into Phase II, we can actually stop window-shopping catalogs and boat show booths, and buy things! Now THIS is what I was waiting for! Time to start planning what we can use from our current home, what we need to sell or donate, and what needs to be purchased. Realistically, the next seven months isn't as long as it sounds to get all that accomplished.
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| XYZZY with all top and hull pieces attached It's a BOAT!! |
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| Where we were on May 3rd, 2012 Now, that's progress!! |
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| Josh's room! Starboard aft cabin Will also be a workroom and laundry room |
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| View of starboard hull from front guest cabin |
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| Owner's side head and sink cabinet |
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| Debi finally gets to sit on the foredeck Boys discuss anchor locker uses |
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| Perfect spot for...? |
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| Stairs to get in from sugar scoop! |
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| Darker than we thought countertop shades to pick Why do I always pick the class "D" price category? :( |
I never used to miss the chance to climb up on his knee
And listen to the many tales of life upon the sea!
We'd go sailing back on barquentines, we'd talk of things he did.
Tomorrow's just a day away for the Captain and the Kid.
And listen to the many tales of life upon the sea!
We'd go sailing back on barquentines, we'd talk of things he did.
Tomorrow's just a day away for the Captain and the Kid.
~Jimmy Buffett
Welcome, Josh!
