Fanny M - a simple lift model

[Greg Davis]

There are a small handful of cleats on Fanny M. On the hull there are four, and one on each the mast and yard. On the hull, two large clears are set laterally from the mast; a smaller one to secure the leeboard is on the port side alongside the cabin; the forth is to secure the topping lift. Grimwood claims the clear for the topping lift is a the stern of the vessel; however, while alluded to, its location is not shown specifically on the included plans (nor on the plans in the National Watercraft Collection text). I will likely need to set the steering assembly in place to locate this cleat so that nothing is fouled.

Here I am making the cleats from Cherry wood, using what I believe to be a common method. The cleat is sketched out on a suitable piece of wood. As much material as possible, from top and bottom, is removed with a Dremel sander. Small files and sanding sticks are used to produce the final shape. I then glue the cleats in place. For the ones on the mast and yard, a small flat is file before gluing. Later I will drill holes through the center of the cleats so they can be pinned for added security.

 

[DAWarden-(Jaager)]

Greg,

You might consider an experiment: Re-do the cleats using Hard Maple and or Castelo and or Dogwood if you have some.
Your Cherry cleats are excellent. But there may be a very subtle effect with the harder species.
Sort of like the difference with music wire over brass wire that you demonstrate above. Just not so obvious - perhaps.

 

[Greg Davis]

Greg,

You might consider an experiment: Re-do the cleats using Hard Maple and or Castelo and or Dogwood if you have some.
Your Cherry cleats are excellent. But there may be a very subtle effect with the harder species.
Sort of like the difference with music wire over brass wire that you demonstrate above. Just not so obvious - perhaps.

I do have Hard Maple and Castello available. I've not tried the Hard Maple for smaller details of yet. I've made cleats and such from Castello before. I believe that Castello is easier to work with for this purpose than Cherry. In fact, I thought about using Castello before starting to work the Cheery ones. My decision point was that I chose to stay with Cherry for the whole project. I've never worked with Dogwood, short of planting one in my front yard last fall!