Prepare bottom...
I drew the bottom pattern from the measurements on the plans, the same way as the sides and frames. Here I'm using the strip of MDF to make a smooth curve.
I had to soak the bottom pieces of plywood in hot water to get them to bend... I went through two pieces that cracked when trying to get the bottom curve at the bow. Electrical ties hold the bottom pieces in place while the wood dries. My thirteen year old daughter, Bernadette, picked out the pretty colored ties. I think they're a nice touch. Good job, Bernie!
After the bottom pieces were good and dry, I removed them and applied a layer of fiberglass to the inside (same procedure as the sides). Notice how they held the curve of the bow. Almost looked like a couple of surfboards.
After the fiberglass cured, I assembled the bottom panels to the hull and glued them with epoxy. I used duct tape on the inside seams to keep the epoxy glue in place. Once the epoxy reaches a green state, the duct tape can be easily removed. I wouldn't leave it on there too long, it could leave sticky goo behind. Also, I recommend buying the good expensive duct tape. In fact, I recommend buying both a good roll and a cheap roll. The cheap roll can be used for holding the drop cloth on the floor and stuff like that, but when working on the boat, you'll be glad you spend the extra three bucks on good duct tape.
After the epoxy glue was good and dry, I removed the electrical ties and finished filling the seams on the outside of the hull. This is not the sequence outlined in the instructions.
TA DAA! Here's Dawn (move
mouse over picture for official title)
showing how nice the boat looks after coated with epoxy!
Dawn is super cool - she thinks that spending all of your time building
boats and stereo speakers is really cool! Can you believe that? How lucky
can a guy get! Notice how squished the photo looks? That's because Dawn
thought the original made her look f*t. Can you believe that? I think
she looks GREAT! And I think Dawn looks good too!
According to the instructions, you should tie the boat together, turn it over and fillet and tape the inside first. I didn't want to turn over the boat until the outside was finished and the hull was solidly glued together. This is the first real deviation from the instructions so far... Remember, this is my first attempt at boatbuilding, so I don't necessarily recommend you follow my example. This is just a documentary on how I did it. We'll see if it works in the end...
>> Next Step: Tape and glass the outside... >>
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