OK, OK - this is decidely not about foreward bulkheads, or anything else boat related. Except that it was a project that distracted me from the SCAMP build for about 3 weeks. Now that the coop is done, back to the boat!
Taking a cue from SCAMP camp #3, I decided that building the mast trunk on the bench, rather than in the hull, sounded like a good idea. So, here it is being glued up using spacer blocks between the sides.
For those of you not familiar with the construction of SCAMP, this shows the mast trunk in the forward bulkhead. The mast inserts into the trunk, so that no stays are required for support. The ramp at the top is to allow starting insertion of the mast before it becomes fully vertical (aft is to the right in the picture).
Here is the trunk filleted, and then with fiberglass applied to the forward side and the ramp. In the picture on the left, you can see the reinforcing piece I added opposite the ramp, to take the blow from inserting the base of the mast down the ramp.
I did these fillets without the aid of masking tape, and found that it wasn't that difficult, and saved a lot of time futzing with tape. So, I will do the next set "sans tape" as well.
I did these fillets without the aid of masking tape, and found that it wasn't that difficult, and saved a lot of time futzing with tape. So, I will do the next set "sans tape" as well.
I am using the Russell Brown hatches for bulkhead 3, and plan to use them for seat tops and in the sole. Since I will be using either 4 or 5 of the large size, I decided to make a router template so I only needed to sweat the cutting of the hole once.
Here is the template screwed to B3 ready to cut the second hole. I used a panel router (gotta love that little guy!) with a 1/2" top bearing bit that is 3/4" long.
I am planning on hinging these two hatches - I will post a picture of the hinges next time.
Here is the template screwed to B3 ready to cut the second hole. I used a panel router (gotta love that little guy!) with a 1/2" top bearing bit that is 3/4" long.
I am planning on hinging these two hatches - I will post a picture of the hinges next time.
The hatch combings being glued in place.
I plan to glue the mast trunk to B3 prior to assembly into the hull - it is much easier to do this stuff on the bench.
I plan to glue the mast trunk to B3 prior to assembly into the hull - it is much easier to do this stuff on the bench.
Meanwhile, pre-coating of B2 and the stem is just completed.
I have finally settled on a pre-coating regimen that seems to work well. I put the first coat on one day, let cure overnight, sand the next morning (first coat always seems to be rough, so wants to be sanded), and then put on the 2nd and 3rd coats that day, the 3rd coat going on after 2nd is still tacky - after about 4 hours with the medium hardener I am using.
I have finally settled on a pre-coating regimen that seems to work well. I put the first coat on one day, let cure overnight, sand the next morning (first coat always seems to be rough, so wants to be sanded), and then put on the 2nd and 3rd coats that day, the 3rd coat going on after 2nd is still tacky - after about 4 hours with the medium hardener I am using.