Bad form

So the weather has turned here in Spokizzle. What was once a glorious indian summer with 85 degree temps in the middle of September has turned into cloudy drizzle adn 59 degrees. While it is the end of a season, its the beginning of another. Boatbuilding can recommence, and ski season is just around the bend. Not to mention fall fishing!

Occasionally a slip in judgement occurs. Sometimes you catch it soon enough, sometimes, just a little too late:



I had a feeling, but didnt check soon enough. Thats cured System 3 Quickfair, which has remarkable strength in 3 hrs when attached to human hair.

Erstwhile I had begun the fairing process, one which I am growing weary of, as this is a big boat with lots of surface area. Carpet keeps creeping into my head as a salvation to all the sanding and filler application. This is the general process.

First we lay fillets in places we haven't gotten finished yet:



Then we tape!:



Follow that with grinding off the selvage edge that keeps the tape together:



Now lets sand the buggery out of the whole stinkin boat. This step is required as I had done a pretty assy job of putting epoxy on the wood in a hurried attempt to play during the summer weather. It did the job, but it was an extra couple hours of sanding to fix all the drips and hooeys. Not terribly much fun, but at least its finished.





This morning's task was quickfair (though the terribly astute may have already surmised this outcome, my dear Watson).





So currently it is curing. Due to the temps today, I will probably have to let it sit overnight. I plan to also fill the weave on the floor and do an overcoat tomorrow, as it can sit curing over the weekend.

While you are here, lets talk tools. Steering wheel pullers cost money. Alot of money. Renting them works, but is a hassle.

I decided to make my own with what was laying around the shop. All it took was a section of 2x4, longer than the diameter of the wheel, two clamps, and a single large diameter carriage bolt type screw. Drill the appropriate hole for the root of the screw, get good purchase, and drive it in. Be careful not to pull the outer ring off the spokes of the wheel, but in certain circumstances, its plenty strong to get a wheel off of a tapered shaft.



That is all...... For now......

E

Why Im behind

So one would think you could finish a boat in a reasonable amount of time once the structural components are finished. That person, during a hot Spokane summer, is wrong.

The boat has spent more time being used than being worked on. There are a few good things, such as ironing out some design and implementation issues, and a few bad, such as a little blister in one of my seats due to improper precoating of a horizontal surface. Such is life.

As far as progress, the only thing I have really done of any consequence is add a towing pylon for hauling skiers and wakeboarders. Mind you, she lacks wake of any consequence, but its fun to get out and get wet. Plus we are not annoying people and eroding the shore like most others...

Here, soak in the summertime loveliness! Photos courtesy of Ron Costa.

Out with the neighbors, Sean, Teri, and babies A and B:



This one might tip a few people over. Esp Jacques the designer:



Keeping in mind this boat is designed to go speeds around 12-18mph with 30 hp, this is abnormal. We see speeds, with 5 aboard and one wakeboarder, of 24 mph. 50hp yam 4 stroke is worth its weight in epoxy. That thing is quiet, reliable, and powerful enough to lug all of that around without a complaint.

The tower was put in by laminating 1/2" ply drilled and filled with studs to the keel in the motorwell area, then adding the legs through the decks with pins, while backing the pins up with a LARGE washer on top and a 1/2" ply backer on the bottom. Its stout to say the least, and shows no signs of flex in the boat.

I need to get it done, but we are waiting out the change in the weather.

Upholsterer has the seat pads, should be done this week.

E