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Pavel Nikitin - Santa Maria

Because of my holiday I missed the start of your new build, Jan. Hopefully on time to set a chain somewhere in a row?
It looks very promising and you made already a nice progress.
Regards, Peter
Thanks for taking the time to have a look at my build log. Still lot's room in the first row.

Jan
 
The main deck build continued:

I spent a great amount of time watching Pavel's videos for this step, looking at the build instructions, re-watching the video, etc.

After a lot of diddling, fiddling and procrastinating I got to this part.

IMG_5246.jpeg

The first three deck planks set to the center line of the keel. I'm happy with the alignment and will start the gluing process tomorrow.

I also managed to cobble together two small jigs while avoiding working on the above project.

IMG_5245.jpeg
IMG_5244.jpeg

Their function will be revealed when I get to that build step.

Jan
 
The main deck build continued:

My progress report, the middle sections planks placed and glued.

IMG_5251.jpeg

Looking at the build instructions this part looks to be straight forward. But looking at Pavel's Video there was just a tiny step that needed
some work. He trims about 5mm off the end of the longer planks.

Screenshot 2026-03-15 at 11.22.22 AM.jpeg

IMG_5249.jpeg

I'm using one of my favorite tools for the process.

IMG_5250.jpeg

There's also a small wrinkle in the placement of the planks, one of them didn't quite match up.

IMG_5248.jpeg

Jan
 
This weeks progress:

The main deck planking is completed. Another 220-320 grit sanding marathon.

IMG_5254.jpeg

I'm now trying to decide the next build step. Follow the paper instructions or follow Pavels video sequence

The next build step following the paper instructions:


IMG_5256.jpeg

The next step in Pavel video (#12) is this build step.

Screenshot 2026-03-20 at 3.02.38 PM.jpeg

It adds the side boards before any of the other decks are started.

@lakedaisy mentioned in his log that the paper instructions are out of sequence.

The istruction page for the side board build step is many pages after the main deck planking instructions.

IMG_5255.jpeg
 
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GOOGLE TRANSLATION

"Thank you, Pathfinder 65. I ordered and paid for it on September 16, 2025, and I still haven't received it. I've asked four times, and they always tell me it will be sent soon, but it's not true. I can't shake the feeling that I've been scammed."

Can you log into Pavel's website?? I so you can go to your account and check the status of your order.

Jan
I am exactly in the same situation ; bought in december 2025; marked as " paid " and 3 messages told me that he sends me the boat : last one two days ago, and he doesn't write again ( boat was in his car, sent to the post office, and I shall receive the same day a tracking number
so far, two days later, big silence again ! I now begin to think that there is something wrong : so far, no message again ; if the boat is sent by the post office, why I didn' t receive a tracking number as he said ?
 
This weeks progress:

The main deck planking is completed. Another 220-320 grit sanding marathon.

View attachment 585559

I'm now trying to decide the next build step. Follow the paper instructions or follow Pavels video sequence

The next build step following the paper instructions:


View attachment 585562

The next step in Pavel video (#12) is this build step.

View attachment 585588

It adds the side boards before any of the other decks are started.

@lakedaisy mentioned in his log that the paper instructions are out of sequence.

The istruction page for the side board build step is many pages after the main deck planking instructions.

View attachment 585568
Hi Jan. Not many of these builds about. You’re doing it justice along with a well put together, interesting log that’s making me want to follow.
 
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