Scarfing post mortem

Ok.  I admit defeat on scarfing the panels.  After fairing and filling the first two panels on for the bottom, I have decided to just do the fiberglass scarf joints as outlined on the plans.  I did my Michalak skiff this way, and the seam is not noticeable to the uneducated eye.  I figure that if I need to sand and fair, I might as well make it easy.  Hope to get the foward panels on the bottom this weekend and build the sides as well.  the switch to standard stitch and glue should speed things up.

Also was slowed down by work, weather, and some damage to the transom on the Bolger 18 workskiff.  (nothing serious, just a hairline crack in the glass where it had not adhered well.  No water present!)

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Bottom panels complete

Here are the two bottom panels taped and cut to shape.  I feel as if I am in the groove now and can get the side panels out a little quicker now. 

 

I did experiment with a number of release films for the fiberglass epoxy tape joints.

1.  6 mm plastic - was hard to get flat and fair.  wrinkles developed easily

2.  packing tape - harder to apply, but left a relatively smooth controllable surface.

3.  wax paper - best looking joint, but waxy residue must be cleaned.  I was warned by a more experienced builder that the wax could separate out of the paper, leaving a ghastly mess to clean up.  I did experience a little of this in the top joint, when I tried to remove the paper prior to full cure.  

Bottom line - will stick with the 6 mm plastic.  a little extra filling and sanding is part of the project.   

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