How did Dean Heathcote get to this wonderful point?  It started as a young kid on Dolphin Beach, Vashon Island and was completed as shown below.

If you think the pictures are great, click to see a fantastic drone video of Dean and his Ace taken from above.  

Also, click here to see a fun video of Dean building a Jinx racing runabout.

On the construction side, Dean notes:

(1) The plans did not call for building a jig.  Therefore, early assembly of the stem, frames, keel, transom, etc. had to be done very carefully with constant attention to alignment before fastening.  Building a jig would have taken longer, but would have made the process easier.

(2) The bottom was finished with Dynel/epoxy and paint; sides received epoxy and varnish, all completed before flipping the boat.

(3) After flipping, the interior was constructed and completely dry-fitted with motor, all rigging and mechanical.  Then, everything was removed for the interior epoxy/varnish.

(4) Decks were installed next and finished.  Then, the interior and all rigging were re-installed for launch July 27, 2019.

A tram brought lumber down the steep bank to the boat house on the shoreline of Puget Sound.






















The Sandes used only one transom knee
but most new builds and rebuilds use the original three.















The beveled chine of the Ace is a signature.



Dynel/epoxy for the bottom has become the way to go.















Dean sized up his beautiful Merc 500.



It's outside and running!



Buttoned up and ready to go.



July 27, 2019
Now that's a launch crew!



Here we come, Puget Sound.



Dean with his beautiful Ace.