Because my bench is made from kitchen worktop I just CA some blocks along the keel line to keep it straight.
These will tap off sideways with a hammer and block and the CA residue will scrape off with a Stanley blade

Here the deck copied over from the original mahogany sheet was always going to be too narrow at frame 8
I will remake this with the correct shape and template the new part.

The deck is the same at frame 6 so it’s worthwhile cutting a new deck skin. Also if I make another Mercantic I want all my parts to fit correctly hence making templates.

More parts cut and fitted. That’s close to midship now

An Internet forum friend donated this now equally rare winch. Among Mercantic builders this is the bees knees over the Billing kit fitting.
Thank you Bill if you’re reading 👍

No assembly today but I managed an hour to jigsaw the rest of the frames out.
Fettling and assembly tomorrow.

I’m getting close now to ordering my usual components that are so suitable for a wide range of models.
I won’t be using the very short prop shaft in the kit as per the drawing.
I will be using a much longer sealed unit, the extra length will allow more room for motor placement without overly affecting the angle of the shaft.
Overlander 2836 brushless will drive this ship perfectly in combination with hobbywing quicrun ESC.

Notice picture 4 where I clamp consecutive bulkheads together to ensure the same shape at important points

All the frames are assembled now and the lower fore deck is remade

Working on the foredeck and companionways