Building Fortnight

FORTNIGHT

Definition
“fortnight (noun) a period of two weeks”

Rationale
Since our surname is Weeks and there are two of us aboard the choice is obvious

ABOUT THE BOAT

Once we had decided to live aboard a boat, there were many decisions to be made. We chose to build it ourselves for 3 reasons:
1.We could design it to our own specifications
2.Everything would be “new” and of top quality
3.Vince would know exactly how all systems operated and where everything was located. If something failed, theoretically he would be able to quickly and effectively repair it.

We chose to build the “Classic 37” designed by Sparkman & Stevens because of its full keel and blue water sailing capabilities. After purchasing a bare hull and deck, we spent the next summer smelting 3.5 tons of lead into ingots which we sealed into her keel. Over the next few years Vince replaced much of the balsa care decking, installed a Yanmar 30hp engine and built stainless steel head and fuel tanks. This was followed by refrigeration, flooring and the construction of the interior. Plumbing and wiring were installed simultaneously. The last thing to be done was the construction of the nav station and installation of electronics.

We had been told that 90% of those who start building a boat never complete it—but it never occurred to us to stop. We were lucky to have the perfect location in which to work. We could fill our barn with all of the equipment, tools and materials needed and work in a sheltered environment only a few steps from the comfort of our home. Seven years after w had begun construction on Fortnight, she was finished.