Andrew Builds an Original Ace in Greece!
Andrew Walters liked the Ace when he saw it on the Svenson website. More searching led him to our Sande Ace site. After getting the plans, he built his boat Mia in only five weeks during the summer of 2008.
Mia means 'One' in Greek, appropriate since this is the first boat that Andrew has built or even owned.
They will use Mia at local beaches and, when the waves aren't too big, they will go for trips to the nearby islands of Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonisos.
Sea trials in the harbor in Platanias on the southern end of the Pelion Peninsula in Greece.
He drew the components in Autocad, printed them off full size
and attached them to the wood with aerosol adhesive before cutting.
The assembly begins.
Covering with plywood.
The seams were fiberglassed.
The bottom has been sanded and primed. The plywood covering will be fixed along top edges.
It had interesting tail fins at this stage!
The plywood covering was held to the transom temporarily while the glue set.
Ready to deck.
The decking took shape.
Painting in progress.
The rear seats were made as a single unit so that they could be taken out in one piece.
Andrew made slatted floors in the front and rear footwells.
The hardware is on. Almost ready!
Ready for launching!
One month later, on her new trailer.
Andrew made this himself too.....out of wood, of course!
Ready to christen Mia.
A better use for that champagne!
Andrew borrowed a 15 HP Mariner motor for the sea trials in the Agean.
The Ace is coming up on plane with its 15 HP motor which was possible with two people properly positioned but not four.
What a way to end the day after successful sea trials!
All present were impressed with the way Mia looks and those experienced in boating were most complimentary about the way she handled.
Andrew's winter project is this 1956 Evinrude 30hp Big Twin to go with his Ace built from the 1956 plans.
He also has a British Seagull 2 hp outboard which he might bring along for a kicker!