i be sailing

Stitch and Glue Trials part 3, - Hull Glassed

Here are couple of pictures of the dog boat hull, completely glassed and sanded down. I know it doesn’t look like it changed much, as the fiberglass is transparent, so just take my word for it :P. I think two layers of epoxy might not be enough to laminate the fiberglass cloth. While sanding the epoxy down, I found that in some places, (particularly the corners) I was sanding down to the glass fibers. which is not really a good thing  as it can weaken the boat’s structure. I think four layers should be just about right cover the  glass and give it a good finish after sanding. I’d like to give another coat of epoxy but I’m about out of the stuff.

The bottom and the chines came out pretty well, nice and smooth. I thought the hull was already pretty strong with just the stitched and glued seams but it’s really a lot stronger completely laminated in fiberglass and epoxy. That thing is SOLID.

Next stage would be the painting. We’ll just probably use some left over house paint that Andrew has.

I wanted to buy the plans and most of the sailing hardware sans sails this month, but my other hobby sucked all the money (and then some) from my boat fund. alas. such is life….

I’m currently working on a racket that should be able to get me the plans and parts by November, If this goes well, I should be sailing by Christmas. (fingers crossed)