After what feels like weeks and weeks of working on the strings I am finally ready to start planking. I started with the transom first, my process was to dry fit the panel first. I would then mark around the position of all the frames from the inside of the boat and then remove the panel. I would then mark and drill pilot holes for all the screw positions on the inside of the panel. I would then fit the panel back on the boat and countersink the holes from the outside and double check the location. The panel was then removed again and wetted out ready for final fixing.
I mixed up a load of “peanut butter” density epoxy mix for fixing the panel on and applied it to the frames on the boat, I then lifted the panel into position and screwed it into place making sure all the previously drilled fixing holes lined up. I followed the same process for all the other panels, the order I fitted them in was transom first then side panels followed by chine planks and then the bottom.
I fitted the butt blocks behind each panel joint as I went along.
Below are some pictures showing the progress, fortunately it was a good summer as I needed to wet out the panels in the garden as I did not have enough room in the tent.
The chine planks at the bow took a lot of force to bend them into position, I tried to do it slowly over a few days so the panels started to take some shape before I glued them into position.
The bottom of the boat has two layers of 9mm ply ,I used Polyurethane Glue to fix the second bottom panel on. As its activated with water I dampened one of the two bonding surfaces before gluing. A lot of glue oozed out of the sides as it expands when it sets, it took a little while to clean it all off afterwards.
I used an electric planer to take off most of the excess material on each panel and then finished it with a hand plane. I filled all the screw holes with epoxy and then sanded them all down.
I fixed the stem cap on and then marked the bow round, I had to add an additional piece of wood as the stem cap was a bit short. I then carefully used a rasp and sander to make the bow round.
I went over the hull one last time with the sander making sure all the screw holes are filled and sanded. I am now ready to start fiberglassing.
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