Fast(?) Forward
Normally I relish the opportunity to use my computer. However, keeping up with this blog hasn't been as intrinsically motivating as I thought it would be. I think it just comes down to the fact that I would rather be building my boat than writing about it. I have also noticed that other builders who have posted progress on the web tend to be more diligent at the beginning of the project and also near the completion so my lapse is a common oversight.
I have fiberglassed the bottom of the inside and I was very pleased with the fillets under the fiberglass and how transparent the fiberglass turned out. I decided to follow a little bit different procedure than was suggested in the manual. The main ideas can be found at http://www.laughingloon.com/epoxy.html.
While I'm on the topic of fiberglassing, I decided, a little late, to fiberglass the outside of the #1 hull panels like some other PMD builders have done. I say a little late because the portions of the fiberglass cloth left over from fiberglassing the bottom panel had been relegated to scraps and were no longer in a condition to provide full length pieces for the #1 panel (translated: they were in pieces, some had hardened epoxy on the edges, and they needed to be retrieved from the trash can). But with the confidence I had gained fiberglassing the bottom panel and with some instructions I read on the net for making butt seams (http://www.westsystem.com/webpages/userinfo/manual/index.htm#2.4) I proceeded undaunted to the task. I discovered that cutting fiberglass cloth that has been 'wet out' with epoxy can be a challenge, even with a sharp razor, that peeling back the cloth to remove the trimmed cloth distorts the cloth weave, that the short loose fibers of fiberglass cloth get stuck EVERYWHERE, and I learned that when the process is performed at elevated temperatures you can't afford to waste any time "learning" the procedure while performing the procedure. I worked feverishly and fortunately I didn't have a huge mess to address when I was done. In the end the finished product turned out quite nice. However, the lines at each seam, produced when I cut through the fiberglass cloth with a razor blade, were visible. But you have to be pretty close to see them to notice. And, since that portion is going to get painted, the lines will never be seen.
The building tips at the CLC website include one by Jay Hockenberry.
http://www.clcboats.com/shoptips/shoptips_drillfill.php .
Jay makes the point that any fasteners that pierce the epoxy provide an avenue for water to spoil the appearance of the wood by seeping into the wood fibers. While silicone caulk can be used Jay suggests drilling an oversize hole, filling it with epoxy, and then drilling the pilot hole for the fastener. This provides an epoxy barrier around the fastener and prevents the opportunity for water to soak into the wood.
The picture below shows the shiny inside surface of a hole in the yard where I used this procedure. This hole happens to be for a lashing line.
In the next picture it is difficult to see but each small hole is filled with epoxy waiting for the pilot holes to be drilled for the screws used to mount the deck plates. I hope to use this procedure for every fastener. And in the case of the oarlock risers (inital 1/4" holes shown drilled below) I hope the procedure also helps prevent the incidents of splitting I have read about lately.It is now August and I had hoped to be sailing by now. Some days progress is terrific and other days it takes forever to get things done. I tried picking up the pace for a while but I could feel myself "overdriving my headlights". I've backed off and have tried to take more satisfaction in each portion that has been completed at a level of quality about which I can feel good. My new goal is Labor Day. I think that is realistic and since I will only be teaching part-time this fall I intend to utilize some of those wonderful fall days to enjoy Woodstock.
P.S. I really hate to cover the bottom with paint. From a distance I like the way a painted hull looks but my results on the hull have been quite striking.
Later!