v28build's blog

I got so involved in processing all my pictures yesterday I forgot to mention that I also put fiberglass tape down one of the chine seams. Plans specify two layers of the bottom cloth on the chines and I decided to put the tape over the seam and then cloth the entire bottom as the second layer. Seemed to go on nicely and smooth out well.  read more »

After morning services and Mother's Day lunch with my wife and son, we got into some boat work. Ran by the orange box (Home Depot) and picked up some 1x6 pine boards to rip for the outer keel. I still find it odd that it's cheaper to buy 1x6 instead of 1x3. It just seems to me that they could get smaller boards from smaller, cheaper trees, but I guess it doesn't work that way.  read more »

Well, one year ago today I ordered the plans and considered things "started" on my build.

I figure I'm withing a month or two (worst case) of being able to roll the hull. Not as far along as I wanted to be, but we'll take what we can get.

My original 'schedule' had me finishing the hull last September, but various family and health issues kept that from happening. My overall plan was for 2-3 years. Hopefully I can make that.  read more »

It's always a pleasure to have something good to write about a vendor you deal with. Excellent customer service can mean so much these days.  read more »

Forgot to mention that I also ordered more epoxy and supporting supplies today... I have a fair amount of the U.S. Composites epoxy left, but have ran out of Cabosil and also wanted to get an epoxy "roller" for smoothing in some of the fiberglass tape, a couple of pumps for measuring it, etc. A friend needed some epoxy for a boat he's repairing, so I ordered for us both and lumped it in one shipment.  read more »

After a little yard work (including a flat tire on the mower) I got to spend a while trimming up the hull bottom flush with the side panels. Again, when you get stuff flushed up, it really changes the looks.

It probably doesn't show in the picture that much, but it really looks boatlike. I think the thing would actually float for a while (just a few small holes left).

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Doesn't it look nice?

No, that's not really on the boat (I wish)... part of the day was taken up putting down some of the Bruce laminate wood flooring in our hallway. Looks pretty well so far, I think. (had to buy Bruce brand, given the name :-)) Nothing appropriate for use in the boat, but I think we'll enjoy it in the house.  read more »

On one side, anyhow. Stopped by the orange box (Home Depot), grabbed some screws and stuff, and got another couple of strips of hull bottom on one side. only 8 more inches to go.

I really thought that the second layer would be easier than the first with the entire first layer to screw to, etc., but so far it has been much harder. Somehow getting the two layers to fit together tightly requires a lot more twisting and bending to get all the wood lined up. The stress on the panels has been pretty high.
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After morning worship and a quick run to Walmart to procure a bicycle for Dane, it was another good afternoon of hull skinning. Got several more sections on, and actually got a couple of pictures!


Note that just to the right of the ladder you can see where the second layer of hull bottom ends (right now). The other side I wound up getting one more strip on after evening service, so it goes a bit farther forward.

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Got another couple of sections on the bow... this is when it gets really nerve wracking. I hate putting the heavy pull and twist on these sections. It really seems to work fairly well, but I just keep waiting for something to break.
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