I have decided to break with tradition at this point, not wanting to have to turn the hull over four times.
I am going to install the bulk of the interior prior to flipping as many other builders have done. This means i will put the keel batten, seats, CB trunk in place first.
Step one was to remove the aft bulkhead that was mistakenly installed. this took 5 minutes with the multi tool. It cuts through epoxy and glass like butter and is easy to control in a tight space.
Step two was to make the hole in the temporary center bulkhead large enough to get the batten through. I know I could probably take it out at this point, but it really keeps things rigid.
Step three - cut rough batten to length.
next will be to cut an approximation of the bottom angles onto the batten with a plane. Will rough out with the electric, then smooth out with the block plane and sandpaper.
August 31 update -Took the batten stock to the sawhorses and roughed out the cut with the block plane at the stern and the power plane at the bow. It actually fits pretty good! This will help minimize how much goop needs to be mixed up to fit the batten.
the batten is anchored at the stern, and supported near that bow so that epoxy grout can be laid for 2/3rds of the length.
Hole in the temporary bulkhead allows enough clearance for gluing.
Two heavy bags help to weight down the stern part.
I did make a
HUGE, DANGEROUS, and EXPENSIVE mistake when fitting the batten to the hull. I have been using chunks of lead, marine batteries, and other assorted heavy objects to make the batten lie flat to the hull. Then I drilled pilot holes from above, then a smaller pilot hole from below the boat so that the batten would be held firmly and not need extra weight on top while the goop hardened. I know how easy it is to split fir, so the pilot holes are essential. During this process while drilling from beneath and into the batten, I accidentally drilled a small pilot hole INTO THE MARINE BATTERY. My first thought was, "damned, where is this water coming from." Then the obvious came to mind! I boogied to get the battery out of the boat, and onto the cement floor, and eventually back into its battery box, where it could drain safely. Then, after a short clean up of the puddles with gloves on, I wiped all surfaces down with a baking soda paste and rinsed thoroughly. Battery acid will eat through just about anything metal, cloth, or wood. I sure hope I neutralized the acid. A quick note: when cleaning the acid, it noticeably bubbles when the baking soda contacts it. Wear long sleeves, eye protection, and rubber gloves.
Will never use a Marine battery for anything other than its intended purpose again. I hope at least one builder has their skin, eyes, or boat saved by reading this posting. I admit it was stupid and short sighted.
I will be putting a first aid kit on the wall in the garage, right next to the shelf for eye protection, hearing protectors, and gloves.
Hope to have this part done by Labor Day. (putting a deadline on anything wont help. oops)
September 2, 2013I finished putting in the batten today with the help of two volunteers! Phil and Kenny came over to see what was transpiring and we got to work. Phil mixed batches of epoxy and handed them to me in the boat while Kenny looked for gaps, drips, and spills. It took about an hour to get the batten bedded down and held in place by the sheet rock screws (I used longer ones on purpose to ensure they are really in place. Additionally, if they refuse to budge, I can heat up the end and it will melt the surrounding epoxy for extraction. At least, thats the theory. It was nice to see the epoxy oozing out the sides and the batten was pressed into place. Phil screwed the sheet rock screws in, while I stood on the batten to hold it flush with the bottom. I hope to remember to pull the screws out tomorrow afternoon, as it gets more difficult as time goes on.
Kenny is thinking of building a CS 17, so he wanted to see the boat and plans close up. I hope this was helpful. At least we got another hand involved, will reimburse with beer when the time comes.
No updates for a couple of weeks as spare time is limited, but it will involve putting in the stern bulkhead, and deck framing structures. Seats and centerboard case to come as well.
September 3, 2013Was able to successfully extract all the sheet rock screws. going with the longer screw worked better as the helix is not a tightly wound on the make I used. I did discover that I over filled the area that the centerboard trunk will abut and will need to chip out some epoxy from the batten with the multi-tool.
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