Glen-L Hot Rod

1. A strut pad was laminated from 3 layers of 1-1/2 ounce fiberglass mat. The idea is to build up the pad and grind it level so the strut can be bolted to a solid base.

2. A 4-foot level was laid on the pad and leveled with two hardwood strips laid on the hull. Duck tape was used to hold the strips in place.

3. A 4-foot long sanding board was used to level the pad.

4. Detail shot.

1. An extra layer of cloth was applied to the keel and the bow area. If the keel is nicked or abraded, the extra lamination will take the abuse instead of the underlying layer.

2–3. Since this is a 'wear' layer, sanding will be restricted to feathering the sides.

4–5. A test batch of white pigmented epoxy was mixed and applied. It would take quite a bit of pigment or several coats of epoxy to produce a truly opaque finish.

1. The breasthook was notched to a depth of 3/8". The strongback was taper-notched from 3/8" at the leading edge to 1/8" at rear.

2. The tip of the strongback is flush with the breasthook's leading edge.

3. The sheer can now be faired.

1. We'll be installing a stainless steel pop-up bow light in the strongback. This will require routing out a rather large hole which will seriously affect the member's integrity. We therefore laminated three pieces of 1/4" 5-ply marine grade plywood to the douglas fir strongback. This will retain it's curved shape.

2. Two douglas fir 1" x 2"'s were laminated to the plywood strips. A 3/8" dado was cut into the stock and the breasthook was routed to a depth of 3/8" to receive the two pieces.

3. Initial deck fairing completed. Now we'll have to lay out and cut an opening for the pop-up bow light.

1–2. Normally the deck fiberglass would overlap the deck-sheer junction with a two or three inch overlap on the sheer. This would entail refairing a two or three inch wide strip of fiberglass along the complete length of the sheer. This is a lot of extra work ! We've laminated two 3/4" wide strips of 2 ounce fiberglass matt to the sheer to form a 'shoebox' flange to which the deck fiberglass will be draped over. Total area to be sanded is reduced to a 3/4" wide strip along the sheer. The flange is wide enough to receive a stainless steel rub rail.