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Sally and I would like to express our thanks to the B&B team for hosting such a memorable gathering. Even though they were just coming off of dealing with hurricane Matthew they were ready for us with open arms. We met some new friends, reacquainted with some old, flew my spinnaker for the first time, and enjoyed the stars, the fog, and the wind. And get a load of this. Self steering rig on Carlita. Gotta figure out a reason to have one of these. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIoDDKKzXog

Double diagonal planking is an excellent method. The main reason that I use the Ashcroft method is that the planking has less twist in the direction as drawn compared the the opposite diagonal and the planking goes a bit easier as well as the afore mentioned, being able to work both layers at the same time. As for strength, the strength difference is marginal, when you consider the stringers and the fact that it is covered in glass. To answer your earlier question about working both layers together. When you are working faster than the glue can dry, you just use permanent fasteners to hold the inner planking in place. They can be any non ferrous material, stainless staples, brass escutcheon pins or as we use, fiberglass nails shot from an air gun. I realize that you may not be able to go to your local hardware store in Vanuatu get them. With your big crew, the way that you are doing it is good. There are two important points to beware of when planking. DO NOT EDGE BEND the planks to close up a gap between the plank edges. I would rather leave the gap and fill it later. Ply cannot stretch or compress and you cannot get rid of the extra material that you have just induced. I like to fasten the plank in the middle and work outwards so that the plank will lie down tight to the inside layer planking. The second point is drawing the planks together between the stringers. I typically use staples. It is necessary to have someone onside with a big piece of wood to buck up behind the inner planking to draw the two layers together. This is especially important when a staple hits near the edge of one of the inner planks and pushes it away instead of drawing it together. If you do not have staples you can drywall screw through both planks into some scrap wood on the inside. You might be able to get away with one row between each permanent stringer. Good luck with it. It sounds like you guys are going like gangbusters.

Greetings all. I am new to this forum and highly interested in the Marissa build. The comments and photos are great and very encouraging. The main reason I have not taken the plunge yet is because the availability of free time is an issue. Can anyone give me an indication of approximately how much man hours it takes for a build. I am not an accomplished carpenter as Lotus is but I am an above average all rounder in mechanical and fabrication with a little experience in carpentry but none in fiberglass and epoxy application. You guys insight will be very helpful towards making a decision. Blessings, CJB