JUST KEEP SANDING, SANDING, SANDING...

Sand, fair, sand, fair, sand, fiberglass, epoxy, sand, epoxy, sand... I see a pattern here. The starboard side will get fiberglass tomorrow, but today, I sand. Being of short stature, the mid-section is at an uncomfortable height even standing on my stool. I have to rest my arms often.

The hole through the bottom in the vent trunk is drilled. I was dreading that. Putting a hole in the bottom of a boat, intentionally, just doesn't seem right. But, on a paradox, it makes perfect sense.

I decided to put an extra layer of fiberglass on the leading edge of the rudder. I foresee it getting a lot of wear and thought this would be a good idea.

The bottom gudgeon has been a problem in making. I built a form, filled it with the epoxy and fiberglass, turned my back for a few minutes, turned back around and saw it smoking! Okay, yeah, it got really hot, swelled, warped... it was a mess. I didn't want to waste that much epoxy and fiberglass, so I cut, filed and sanded it back into a shape that was just smaller than the finished size. I pulled it back out and started working on it again today. It should be finished in a few days. I will have pictures of the finished product.

FIBERGLASS

The deck it so shiny now! It has a single layer of 6 oz fiberglass with 3 thin coats of epoxy. It is so pretty! It is ready to rollover and start to fiberglass the sides.

Here she is all tucked back into the garage waiting for the sanding and fiberglass on the starboard side. I will need a ladder to reach the mid-section.

The rudder and rudder stock have a layer of fiberglass and are ready for layer two of epoxy. These are exciting times.

I had a neighbor stop by last evening to look at the boat. He has been watching the progress from afar. I enjoy showing the boat off, and it helps me when I see their excitement. I guess I am a novelty: a woman boat builder. I really don't understand why I'm so unique, anyone can do anything they set their mind to, no matter what the gender. I grew up with a brother and have always been a tomboy. The things the guys did was way more fun than things the girls did. I put my dolls away at an early age, and didn't mind getting dirty. But, I've been told that I clean up nice.

TOERAILS

This morning was filled with epoxy speading! The first coat of epoxy was applied to the underside of the deck and the fillets done.

The toerails are attached, trimmed, sanded, and faired. It's looking really nice.

When I cut the hole next to the mast partner, it came out looking a little more oval than round. I took a piece of PVC and wedged it in the hole and filled in the gaps with thickened epoxy. Plastic wrap was placed around the PVC to keep the epoxy from sticking to it.

Fiberglass is next. I haven't had much experience with fiberglass, nothing this big. I do understand there will be a lot of fairing and sanding. Sanding is not one of my favorite things, but I do want the deck to not be bumpy. So, I will sand.

Until next time, fair winds and calm seas!

THE DECK

It seemed like this day would never come, but it is finally here. All four deck pieces are in place. The last on was nailed on this morning. The forward piece was more difficult, but with the help of Dale and the use of tie-downs, we got it done.

The holes are cut for the mast and vent and after the starboard side piece cures, I will trim the outside edge.

The fiberglass and epoxy has been ordered and should arrive in a couple of days. Until then, I will be sanding to get ready for this next step, fiberglass.

A lot more to do, but the end is in sight.