It was undoubtedly that wealthy doctor, I thought. He probably bought a yacht for each of his kids and now MY kids wanted one too! If so, this keeping up with the "everybodies" was going to come to a screeching halt.
Before I could organize my reply, my #1 daughter (age 15) added her bit, "Yes Daddy, why can't we each have our own boat!" Own! Each! Yikes! How many boats did these kids think we could have? I felt like immediately phoning Doc and telling him to stop creating problems for the average "Joe" in the neighborhood. Instead, I spoke what I thought were words of wisdom.
"Now girls, we can't keep up with everybody. After all, we are just simple people and there are some things we just can't afford…". I was going to continue, but #1 daughter interrupted, "But Dad, you always write that everyone should build a boat for his kids, and that it isn't expensive. Besides, we want to be the first ones to have a boat of our own".
That stopped me. It was true that I had often written, and in fact, had spoken and advocated that all fathers should build their kids a boat for their very own. I remembered also that I had advocated that "Pop" should get off his bottom, turn off the TV, and spend a few bucks for a set of boat plans. But that didn't apply to ME, did it?
About this time, Mother entered. Now you fellows who are married can begin to read between the lines when she added, "Yes Dad, why don't you build the kids a boat? The exercise will do you good. Besides that, you've been watching too many ball games on TV anyway." Inwardly, I groaned! Again, you married guys can sympathize. Sure, you can stand up on your hind legs, let out a bellow, and tell them all to go to thunder! You can also have the "cold shoulder", eat TV dinners for a spell, and possibly sleep on a cold couch in the den for awhile. Let's face it, I was behind the proverbial "eight ball". I might as well give in gracefully and make the best of the situation and maybe even become the "good guy" in this little drama.
Fig. 1: The centerboard trunk (on left) fiberglassed or
painted, but not assembled, the center seat with frames assembled, the transom
seat brace. 
Fig. 2: The sub assembled
parts and the "building jig". A few of the required tools and the
prebeveled chines and keel are shown in the foreground. 
Fig. 3: The center seat and
transom sub assemblies mounted to the building jig with #2 daughter checking to
be sure the members are at right angles to the 2" x 4" set up
member. 
Fig. 4: The bow sub assembly
is slipped over the end of the 2" x 4" and aligned so that the set up
level on the seat brace is aligned with the top of the 2" x
4". 
Fig. 5: After bracing
everything to prevent movement, the keel is sprung over the structure. Note the
screws being used to fasten the keel around the centerboard opening.