11.19.2011

removing the cabin window support molds

After the high density edging has cured, the wooden support molds can be removed with a few swift karate chops



Once these wooden mold pieces have been carefully removed, the strips of synthetic roofing can then be peeled away.


In this case, the window pillar now has high density edging which will allow the window sheeting to be bolted in place. ( notice the unidirectional glass that makes up the outer layers of this structure)


playing catch up

Occasionally it's good to look back and knock out a few jobs that have been left behind or postponed. From a psychological standpoint, this is an important thing to do because as the project progresses, if a thousand undone tasks stack up, an overwhelming feeling of despair will creep over you in the night.
   
a study of compression


 
above, the edge strips around the bridge deck cabin are being held in place by strategically placed sprung pieces of wood.


makes for an unusual sight











11.13.2011

Better is the enemy of "good enough"



In a few occasions, the plan set offers the builder  a choice between "good"  "better" and "best
In this instance, the note provided by the designer describes a few options to dealing with the openings for hatches, windows and any other openings that needs to be made in the hull or deck.


Here in lies the curse!  As quality of any structure approaches infinity, time and money expenditures increase exponentially.  Therefore, in the relatively short lifespan of a human, it becomes impossible for anyone to sail the ocean on a perfect boat.  

That said, since this boat is being built by ME for ME (and family and friends, and anyone else who wants to go sailing). Sometimes, the sea does not "play well with others". She cares nothing for boats and her primary job is to break them into smaller pieces. 

In spite of this, since my family's lives will depend upon the safety of this boat, I'm   going with option 3 "best" on this one.

Port side hatch cut out, edge routed the foam. filled with high density epoxy / micro filler,held in place with a strip of roofing membrane backed by sprung sections of thin wood.

 once the strip is removed, the result is a nice smooth square edging.






Since "best" means glassed edges over high density filler. its necessary to break the edges and create an approximately 1/8 in radius to the inside and outside of each hatch opening.
I've pre cut my hatch edging. This 8 oz.  45 * 45 bias glass tape conform nicely to the edges of all the cabin top hatch, the cabin window and deck hatch openings  


Here's the starboard owners cabin hatch opening after the glass has been applied then topped and smoothed  down with peel ply.