It is a source of some amazement (notice I did not say “amusement”) how long it takes for the next few construction steps to play out. While the pleasure with the shape of the hull continues it is a matter of patience to make sure that the difference between “good” and “good enough” is maintained.
Each of the seams has many tiny irregularities that must be attacked before a really good finish can be obtained. I have a long history of cutting short on the sanding and fairing assuming that the paint will cover up all problems. The reality is that paint accentuates any little high or low spot. Part of the frustration is this is not a do once and forget process. Some of the areas have to be built up slowly. Using a thickened epoxy mix is good in the early stages but the peanut-butter consistency doesn’t give the final finish. A runnier epoxy mix is hard to work with on the curved hull so each part of the boat has to have a different combination. Of course it can’t all be done at once because it has to dry between coats, and be good and dry between sandings.
I have elected to do extra fibreglass tape on the bottom two joints. The plans call for fibreglass on the interior only but I like the thought of the extra strength lower down in the hull. It also makes the finishing easier as it covers the sharp edges of the planks and their joins. Each seam has to be epoxied and sanded at least three times before the noticeable problems stop standing out (they are still there but only I can see them).
Before rolling the boat back on its keel I have to solve the problem of a keel itself as well as a couple of rubbing strakes to allow the boat to be hauled up on land without damage.
Sailstrait 