I'm committed to fitting in a new cockpit over this winter. Working full time in my business, finishing my old house(ongoing small projects), playing full time(snowboarding, tennis), there is no room for another big project.

So I've created two smaller, manageable cockpit projects.

Project #1:These templates - carefully sized-all important measurements-notes, accurately marked. Pine attachment legs are fitted and accurately marked onto the plywood for full size assembly, in my shop. These parts -a full sized mock up of the existing cockpit- are now shelved in my shop ready to assemble. Most importantly; the template will mark and cut the perimeter of the new complete cockpit which will be lowered in one piece, onto a 1" perimeter ledge. With a 1/8" clearance all around, it'll be centered in adhesive and fastened in place. The dry fit (removed) Ipe perimeter margin decking pieces will then be scribed 1/8" away from coamings-refastened in epoxy-caulked. Installed. I look forward to project #1. It will be stored on lines attached to steel angle irons enabling the whole piece to be raised(for storage-my shop is small), or lowered to best height for various tasks. With snow flying outside in a very warm bright shop just off my kitchen, this is fun!

Project #2: dismantling the old cockpit, has started with some parts removed, a few screws pulled. There's no hurry on #2 as that doesn't have to be complete until spring. I'll pick comfortable weather and time to slip under the cover. I've got 2 15 amp circuits, an electric heater-lights, tools at ready. This is a time of contemplation which I enjoy in short stints. Real scrutiny of things like locker placement, the new mainsheet arrangement, a new exhaust(piece of cake when the cockpit it gone). When I sit in this cockpit, I know this old boat, I know what I need.

In my head, now, this is easy. If #1 or #2 get to be daunting, I'll split them, again. Make sense?