So, I have been in the market for a Dumas 44' MLB, I know, not hard to obtain, but I have so many projects, it has been on the back burner for some time. I purchased the plans from Dumas, scaled the frames, and it was like fifth in line to be completed.
SO yesterday, I was trolling FB Market Place, and found what I describe as the Abomination. It was reasonably priced, but 130 miles away, having free time and some overtime cash I decided to make the trek.
I was in the USCG for 24 years and served a tour at a Station that ran 30'. 44' and 52' life boats. so I am familiar with the type.
Here are some pictures. It would seem the builder was skilled, used the Dumas plan, but took quite a few liberties we can all agree.
It is the correct width, and for the most part length is correct as well. There are some interesting things. I will be able to use the chair, and it actually had a working magnetic compass.
It is in the yards now stripped of all the mahogany and deck fittings. Much surgery is required. All but the very fwd Deck, and aft deck need to be removed. No easy task when it was built with 1/4" ply decks. We will have her shipshape in Bristol fashion in no time. She will be the 44356 Yaquina Bay Station to go with my 36503 from the same station.
The bow needs to be shaved, they were stubby, but not that stubby. Deck at pilot house needs to be lifted 4 mm, well deck lowered 30mm. The portholes were a nice touch, but I will fill them.
Two 500 motors, and looks like the shafts are workable. Rudders are in the correct position.

Cheers!
Kevin

It turns out upon further inspection, that this is in no way a Dumas Copy. Someone used actual plans on this one. It has the correct number of frames as its' true life self. It is about 20mm to wide at the top. We will have to settle for standoff scale. Otherwise she will be complete in the next six months or so. There is one ship ahead of her in dry dock.

As you can see, the builder must have had a starboard list. She is a bit, shall we say "not a bit straight". You can also see the extra girth. But we will make her presentable.

Started some permanent modifications.

Did some work during the storm.

So,
A: It appears we have our regular pond back!
B: Hours cut at work, so now three-day weekends.
C: No more Comic Cons or STEAM Fairs this year.

All of this equals more building time and a reason to build. Of my four project boats, The "Abomination" was closest to being finished, so I have taken that to task. I feel a late October shakedown can be scheduled. It will still be somewhat twisted, but unlike some of my other vessels it will not steam on the pond until it is 100% complete.

Then in order:
Small 44 MLB complete.
Small 41 UTB complete.
110' Island Class complete.
Forgot, PBY, flightless flying boat.

That will leave two OPUS projects:

Washington State Super Ferry 6' long when complete. (Probably will not get to this one.)

378' WHEC 1/60ish scale

Then my friends, I am taking a break. So, I calculate about six more building years till I can be satisfied that my fleet is ready.

Excelsior!

Kevin

Deck almost Complete
Motors Mounted
Rudder Tubes and Posts Mounted
Shafts and Screws Mounted
Rub Rails Complete

If I push it, she can be ready for a maiden by the first weekend of December. The Thanksgiving break (Thank you School Board) should put me over the top.

Fair Winds!

Kevin

Pilot House details coming into view. Rails and lifelines getting fitted. Finish waterproofing the interior.
I do not know about first weekend in December but getting close.

'Sometimes being an instructor for the county pays off. Steady work on what will no longer be called "The Abomination", but hence-to will be referred to as US Coast Guard MLB 44356.

Tomorrow, waterproof interior, rig steering, add rudders.

Looks like January 15th is the first float of the year. Without rushing I should be 100 percent done by then. Maybe with absence of fully working mast. I am going to add Nav lights, that may take some time.

I hope everyone had a fantastic Holiday Season.

Kevin🤞

She will go Port and Starboard, also, 100 % watertight. Always happy when the H2O remains on the outside of the hull.

FWD and Reverse is next.