Where the hell have I been?

This blog feels like going back in time.
I don't know if anyone is still out there, but if so I thought I would update you on where I have been, and what I have been doing.

I haven't built a boat in a while. I have been working out how to turn boats into a business. I know many smart people (including boat makers) have said that you can't make money doing it, but I think things have changed. I also think there is an opportunity to change the way boats are made. We shall see.

Another update is that I went back to school again. This time for my masters in design. I am almost done, so that should be exciting. I am hoping to teach some, but otherwise I don't have a plan.

And last but not least, I kickstarted a product. You can check out the campaign here.  I know it's funded, but I still need your support. This could be backing for a lamp, or it could simply be sharing the link with your network. There is also lots to read and look at on my website www.avbates.com.

Finally, I hope everyone doing the 340 this year is having a blast. I feel the pull of the current and really want back on the water.
Take care.

Sam Potts at 2015 AIGA Design Conference: Tasting Menu

Guess it's time to come back.

I remember this...

No post yet, but Sarah and I finally finished this project.
She's happy and it has left the shop and made it home.

Sarah and I after the bench part was done....around a year ago now.

The completed bench. The back is an old headboard, and Sarah
took care of all the paint.

The bench in it's home.

Final Touches

Put the final touches on Mark II with my support team.

Tracking

Hey everyone.

So I am still putting the final touches on the boat, but it has been in the water and everything is working as planned. I want to quickly share the race tracking page: http://www.raceowl.com/

I have also gotten a Spot Tracker for the race which should provide updates in real time. I haven't got it all figured out, but I will be sure to post the link when I do. I also may be able to post directly to here, but I am not sure yet. Stay tuned.

I have to keep working so this post will end here, but I will try to post video and you can expect my usual pre-race anxiety-filled post tomorrow night for sure.

We head for Kansas City, Kansas tomorrow morning.

Now, back to work....

Anyone? Anyone?

Been a long time without a post and though I ought to catch you up, but I don't have time.

Here are some pics and a video for you to look at and I will talk to you soon. Mom is on her way and I am deep in the build, so: onward.

Anyone? Anyone?

Been a long time without a post and though I ought to catch you up, but I don't have time.

Here are some pics and a video for you to look at and I will talk to you soon. Mom is on her way and I am deep in the build, so: onward.

Last of the Argo

....for a while anyway.
This was some time ago, but I didn't share it. Took the contraption up to the cabin and put it through it's paces. A long story, and not one I will tell right now. Anyway, here she is with the outboard and all four of us in it.




Here we are at the cabin. Last day group shot.

Getting Down

Hey everyone.
Sorry for the long delay. I haven't been able to edit and upload the video just yet, but I am moving along.

Got some parts today for the mechanisms. Ordering the wood this week. Will need to stop by the marine supply and get some more epoxy and hardener and probably some filler.

Also been modeling the new hull. I am taking my time on it since I will only get one shot at the hull and I want to be sure it will work. Buoyancy shouldn't be an issue, but it still has to float right. Still don't know the math so I will model it until it is right- figure it to be around fourteen feet at the end. Displace about three-fifty. Should work.

Anyway, everything will be moving faster and I will try to keep a nightly post on how things are rolling.