All behind the scenes stuff, Wes. The teak deck is almost laid and then I start on the cover boards. Meanwhile, I dropped and set the pistons in the engine, and am installing the lube and drain fittings. Also experimenting with cylinder jacketing. Once it gets too cold for the shop, I hope to finish...

Michel, There are many good hulls and shops that produce them across the Channel, if you can look past that good Gallic pride. :D (Hopefully as a brassy American I can get away with making such a jest. You will also find a good sense of humor on this site ...) You English is fine and we welcome you ...

Thank you, Simon.

Coal oil (liquid paraffin, sometimes sold as "ultra-pure lamp oil") mixed in with kerosene at approximately 80% to 20% of the latter will give a nice white flame. Mix in a dash of mineral spirits for brilliance. This a mix used for navigation and railroad markers this side of the pond for over 100 y...

Edson stuff:
http://www.edsonmarine.com/marinestore/ ... c69b2e8dec

I'm using a side mounted Edson system with cable and a quadrant - no slop at all. The Edson helm station comes with a brake knob that I am modifying to look old school. Should realize the same single-handed advantage as Mike's hydraulic system.

Mike - I can lift my stern up off the rear jack stands by myself without the machinery in it, and my hull is fairly robust. I'm guessing the overall hull is @ 700 lbs for 24' LOA 6' W 1.25' D. Most folks know, but a picture is here: http://www.thesteamboatingforum.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=566 I...

Always a joy to see pictures of Uncle Jack at work.

Thanks, Ron. Keeps me off the street ...

Some deck progress ... Steady as she goes ...