Yesterday I was only able to put a tiny amount of epoxy on the bottom around the keel tubes and let that work its way into the hole. I made a mistake when I installed the tubes by forgetting to first epoxy coat the insides of the holes in the bottom of the hull. Ugh... But I think the epoxy worked its way in pretty well last night. At least it did for the forward tube. Not so sure about the back one but tonight I added a second coat on the inside to both tubes so it should be totally watertight now. I'll also be putting a few coats of clear epoxy paint on the outside later on which will then seal it from the outside too. I should be fine... right?
I also added two support struts under the king plank where the mast will go. They should be plenty to distribute the downward force of the mast to the keel so that the deck doesn't collapse.
I'll need to think about my next steps at this point. The keel bulb needs to be attached to fin. That's easy. But I need to consider what I'm going to do about the cockpit area and the open transom. Along with that I'll need to figure out the rudder post and how to route the rudder connection rod. Hmmm...?
Aloha! _/)
I also added two support struts under the king plank where the mast will go. They should be plenty to distribute the downward force of the mast to the keel so that the deck doesn't collapse.
I'll need to think about my next steps at this point. The keel bulb needs to be attached to fin. That's easy. But I need to consider what I'm going to do about the cockpit area and the open transom. Along with that I'll need to figure out the rudder post and how to route the rudder connection rod. Hmmm...?
Aloha! _/)
I am also building a Star 45 but with oak stringers, keelson and king plank. That combined with 0.125 spruce planking make a rugged but heavy hull.
ReplyDeleteI am 2 lb 7 oz before waterproofing. Hopefully the lighter keel bulb will not mean I will spend the time over heeled!
I have a spruce mast and am using drafting mylar for the sails so my topsides should be very light.
I am waiting to see some deck layouts so I can deck my hull with more spruce. I am thinking to keep the hull the driest I will do the outer two deck planks first and use the middle 4"" or so for the hatches.
Your hull with the attention to detail and colours looks great. I would love to have used cedar stringers to get the weight down.
John
Hi John,
DeleteThank you for your nice comments. Sorry this reply has taken so long... we have been out of town for the holiday and I haven't been on the computer much.
I'm very much looking forward to seeing some pictures of your boat and your mast.
Good luck on your build!
Steve