Trailer: To prevent the white expoxy from marring the narrow strips, we applied a base coat of West
1. To prevent the white expoxy from marring the narrow strips, we applied a base coat of West epoxy (207 clearcoat). Once cured, we taped the edges and horizontal surfaces before applying the white epoxy.
2. The epoxy mix consisted of West 105 resin, 404 high density filler, a touch of 403 microfibers and a spoonful of white epoxy tint. The tape was pulled after the epoxy had cured for 30 minutes.
3–4. The fender steps are ready to be installed and final-clearcoated.
A heavy-duty mobile dolly was fabricated for the hull
1. A heavy-duty mobile dolly was fabricated for the hull. Four 10' lengths of 3" C-Channel spaced 12 incches apart provide ample support. Righting the hull was accomplished with minimal fuss. Seven friends showed up for the roll. The hull is so light they lifted it off the setup jig, rotated it and placed it onto the dolly without even resting the sheer on the ground. Many thanks to Jack, Dave, Big John, Brian and the Chelsea lads.
2–3. We fabricated adjustable bunks similar to the ones used in the trailer.
4. The dolly is quite narrow. We can still access the sides and bottom which wouldn't be the case if the boat was simply loaded on the boat trailer.
5. The horizontal crossmember was cut to allow installation of the rudder, strut and propeller shaft.
8. The plan is to barrier-coat the interior with two coats of epoxy and apply a two-component urethane clear topcoat.
9. A temporary dash and a Teleflex NFB Dual Cable helm were installed. A 20' cable was fed into the helm and laid out to measure the length of cable required. Also visible are the driver's seat track and the 2 gas tank enclosure panels (between frames # 3 and 4).
10. Frame # 4 has to be cut to make room for the stuffing box.
11. A 3/4" strip is left on either side of the keel. A frame brace will have to be fabricated to reinforce the frame.
Trailer: It's been a while, but we've finally finished up the fender steps
1. It's been a while, but we've finally finished up the fender steps.
2. Edges were capped with mahogany veneer. Several coats of West System Epoxy catalysed with 207 hardener were applied and block-sanded.
3. Final topcoat consisted of three rounds of two-part Nason Urethane Clear applied with HVLP spray equipment. It feels good to chuck up a spray gun after using bristle and foam brushes for so long !
Moving the boat from its cradle to the trailer went extremely well
Moving the boat from its cradle to the trailer went extremely well. The 6" wide x 12' long I-beam is supported by jackposts which adjust from 7' to 9' in height. The 3" C-channel base is supported by 8" steel casters. Note the freshly carpeted trailer bunks.
Gantry: We designed and built a portable gantry to move the boat from its cradle to the trailer
We designed and built a portable gantry to move the boat from its cradle to the trailer. The 6" wide x 12' long I-beam is supported by jackposts which adjust from 7' to 9' in height. The 3" C-channel base is supported by 8" steel casters.
Time spent building the gantry was well worth it. Any failure at this stage would be catastrophic !
1. The sling consists of 1/4" thick flat steel plates mounted to each side of the stringer. The 1/4" plywood spacers prevent marring the finish.
2. The bolts mount in double shear e.g. the two parallel plates distribute the load across the whole bolt shank. If the bolts were to shear, they'd be broken into three pieces as opposed to two pieces if bolted to a single plate.
3. The schedule 80 pipe bushings carry the load. The 1/2" bolts keep the plates snugly against the stringer.
