Hydo: self draining cockpit/false bottom

Back to work on the hydro.
While it is looking like and ugly duckling, it is getting very close to launch day.
Today we took a big step forward by installing the false bottom.  There are 3.5 inch tall framing members set longitudinally supporting the hulls exterior.  By installing an elevated floor, we will be able to have a self-draining cockpit.  This is a huge quality of life improvement in boating.
We will be able to leave the hydro in a slip for periods of time and not worry about it.
To accomplish this, we cut limber holes on both port and starboard sides of each of the cross members.  These were glassed.
Because the boat will sit with stern down when at rest,  all the limber holes drain to the stern sections of each pontoon.  In the photos, you can see the 6 inch diameter deck ports we cut into the walls of the cockpit.  Any water that makes it into the interior of the hull will end up in the accessible area of the pontoons.
From midship forward, the pontoons are totally filled with 2 pound foam.
This open space in the rear of the pontoons will allow some storage but is mainly for inspection and off season drying of the hull.
The newly installed floor will keep any uninvited water out of the hull's interior.   Next we will mark the appropriate spot for scuppers. After these are cut and glassed, we will be ready for paint.

The surface is getting closer to fair.

Cross member with limber hole visible.

The false bottom is 1/2 osb glassed on all sides.  It is screwed to the cross members.  The glass tape is not so much structural but is primarily used to keep the water headed to the scuppers.

The floor is in.  After paint, the deck plates will be installed.

Boating and Camping: Hammocks Beach

The beautiful spring weather got us in the mood to get outside and camp.  We looked up State Parks and found wonderful
Hammocks Beach State Park.
Here is the Google Sat view
It is a fantastic place.
It is a barrier island right next to Bogue inlet.  There are strong tidal currents to be aware of.  There is only primitive camping.  Three of the 14 camp sites are boat in only.
From google maps sat view, it looked like #14 would be accessible with our skiff, so we reserved it.
The island has many sea grass shallows behind it and the water is very thin.  Most folks arrive on the island either on the ferry that stops in the middle of the island or by paddle craft.  There is about 1 mile between the mainland Park center and the island.
The boat-in sites are spectacular.  This is the most scenic campsite I have ever seen.  We had 2 days of peace a quiet, other than the wind in the live oaks.
Totally worth a the trip.

There are lots of great shell to be found.