Tragic story, pity he didn't get to see it launched. Have to say, 38 years is a leisurely pace even for that size and detail. One year for every two feet is about right for part-timers.
Yeah another sad story. I built a tri for a friend who killed himself after about ten years of the project. There was another tri in Botany Bay (Woolaware) where the builder took so long he died after about 25 years of building - but more like just looking and not working. Looks like a well built boat but not worth 38 years of being there, hanging on your mind in your quiet thoughts and taking lots and lots of time away form family. Get in there, get it done and use them.
Yes - Bought a Timber Jarcat 5 years ago,that had never been in the water . Builder just loved the process of construction,but had completed the project,and moved on .
Should have sat in the loungeroom as a piece of cabinetry .
Did not have a shed to put it in,so sold on - Regret ?!