Finishing Touches-cleats, hardware, centerboard tie down

I hand made four 5" wooden cleats out of left over mahogany from the thwarts.  I put one on each side of the mast partner. I chose this location for these two so that I would have a mooring cleat towards the bow and also either of the 2 cleats could be used as a back up to secure the main halliard if the cleat on the mast breaks. I used 2.5" stainless screws and oak plugs to cover the screw holes.  I did NOT use any glue to install these so that if they break I can replace them easily.

Here you can see the square insert site on the inner stem that will accomodate the mast tenon. According to boat building and maritime traditions I installed a coin in the bottom of this tenon hole...a 2012 mint US penny. I glued it and covered it with epoxy.

This is a larger 7.5" cleat that is also made of left over mahogany. It is secured to the inner stem just above the fore bulk head seat with 3.5" stainless screws.. I will use this to secure the anchor line or a painter line. This location for a cleat for these applications was suggested by Arch Davis. Thanks again, Arch. One thing I'll say over and over is to CALL or eMail  Arch with any questions as you build his boats. I would have made a lot of mistakes had I not taken him up on his free advice he gives to his customers.

I placed the other two mooring cleats on the fore side of the mid thwart braces. This location gives you a place to put a second mooring line on either side of the boat and is also in a spot where it won't get in your way. Try to make your own wooden cleats like i did...they're not hard and they add  more character than a  metal cleat I think.

Heer's how I'll keep the centerboard in the 'up' position. This  18" bungee cord is just right for securing the board up.  I will use the same cord to keep the board in the 'down' position by securing it aoround the centerboard handle and to some screw eyes installed under the mid thwart.

This shows the bungee cord securing the centerboard in the up position.

A close up of my artistry showing part of the boat's name. I used the same  off white marine paint that covers most of the hull.

More of the the hand painted name as it approaches the front badge.

A view of the square tenon at the base of the mast that will fit into tenon hole in stem...shown earlier with it's 'good luck penny'.