hightechmarine

Ahhh Fishman don't over think it. It is like cutting the electrical box out in sheetrock. Just measure as you put the pieces down and make them big. I don't like covers that stick up. I made the holes in the sole material. Put down the fiberglass then ran a 3/8" rabbeting bit around the edge. This creates a ledge for the cover to sit in. For a cover I used 1/4" G-10 a solid fiberglass plate that you can buy at McMaster Carr. I will glue the plate in with silicone. I should be able to get them out if I ever need to,The G-10 paints really well and should blend in nicely. If you use this method you should be sure to seal the opening in the plywood. There are plastic deck plates available that you can use instead of my method. I find they break and stick up and are usually on the smaller side. Hope this helps

Looks great Fishman!!!!!!! I am chugging along. Record snow here in the Northeast is giving me a little extra time. I have the tanks in, sole done, forward bulkhead and aft bulkhead. Decks next. I have enclosed a couple of pics. I would like to be in for the fourth of July. PG

Sail Fish. Pardon my confusion. I think you are building a new boat and it is not yet been planked. Because my boat is completely fiberglass I added the grid after the boat was flipped and glassed on the inside. I used the templates provided to make the stringers and grid. Dry fitted glassed then tabbed them in. I am not really sure what you would to to a hybrid build of foam grid in plywood. That is a Graham question I believe. High Tech

Great Job!!!!!!!!!!!! Once you get that sole in it will be all down hill. Really looks great. PG

All foam just say no to plywood. Too bad about your vacation. Weather has been crazy here to. A tornado touched down two communities over. We were enjoying sunny and calm at the same time. It was nothing like the poor souls in the mid-west but scary enough. The runabout will be a fun and practical tool. There is nothing in the world like building a boat. I'll send more pics as I progress. PG

Finally a little more progress. The floor grid is in. Little backwards from the wooden boats. Tab everything in tomorrow paint and then some fun things like plumbing and wiring. Miyot you have been very quiet you must have caught a million fish by now. PG

Looks so nice sitting in the water, Great job!!! I like the sound of those performance numbers. Congratulations!!!!!!!!!! I think it is now time to work on the basement.

Oh Boy what a cool profile. Graham really hit a home run here.

So exciting!!!!!!!!!!!. I has been a fun journey watching this build. Look forward to the on water shots. PG

Miyot congratulations!!!!!!!! I can not wait to hear the performance numbers. Could you please post a profile shot when you get a chance. I know it is tight in the barn. Best of luck tomorrow. I hope you have a bottle of champagne ready. A scored bottle for christening and a good bottle for drinking. PG

Wow two weeks can't wait to see it.

I set the waterline and primed my hull. I need to overlay the deck glass and finish fairing along the deck. I put a barrier coat on the bottom because it makes a good primer for the bottom paint and it can't hurt. I am putting the finish bottom paint on later. No rocket science in painting as always it is in the prep. I roll and tip because it is easier than all the cover up. My friend has a large spray booth and depending on the timing I may be able to go in there. If so I will spray it. Just read the directions carefully use the right thinner and you will be fine. PG

Making progress Miyot. Looking great. Did you ever do the test run?

Fishman38 looks beautiful!!!!!!!!!! You are nearly ready to flip. That is a great milestone the flip.The boat gets a whole new look. There is still a long way to go after but at least there is a light at the end of the tunnel and it is not a train. What color are you painting her? What paint did you select? Can'y wait to see it painted. PG

Miyot looks great!! You getting closer. This always the exciting part. The infamous countdown. Always searching for something out of the box I found the enclosed for a leaning post. I found a web site that had something that also looked like it they called it a rocket launcher. It can mount on a post or go right into the fighting chair. I thought the rocket launcher was the rod holders themselves. Whole new world for me. I am looking forward to my ride. PG

Different from the wooden ones. It is a little light. I can pick the bow up by myself. I am going to put the stringers gas tank and dry fit the cockpit sole weigh it and add lead if I have to. Changed my mind on the motor. Going with a Yamaha 175. I can get it on a deal from my local Yamaha dealer. He wants to use it as a demo boat. There is some professional price break he gets. Only 4 cylinders which surprises me. Might use the wireless shifter also. Trying desperately to make Grahams rendezvous in October. Not sure if I can. I have lots of friends in Oriental NC so it would be fun and easy. I am looking forward to meeting up with you this summer for a ride on yours. PG

Hi Miyot These are the pictures of the last few bags. The interior is completely glassed. On extra layer on the bottom and topsides. All vacuum bagged nice and tight. Hopefully back at it next week. Stringers and bulkheads. Slow but steady. Just a hobby. PG

There is a waxy substance or BLUSH that is part of the resin making process. It needs to be scuffed off. When you put the glass cloth down peel ply will help hold all the little annoying fibers down and keep everything in place. Use an aluminum slotted roller. Roll the peel ply until the resin is forced through. Only localized sanding will be required before you put on the fairing. Peel ply is a little expensive and you need to cut darts in it to make it behave but it give you a great result Keep chugging remember it is only a hobby so have fun with it.(That's what I keep telling myself) PG

Fishman38 when I use a foam roller and if there are air bubbles. I put my finger on the roller stop it from turning and drag it along. It saves the foam brush that always falls on the floor in all the dust or sticks to your pants or falls on your shoes. Your builds looks great. PG

Fishman Hightech here your boat looks incredible!!!!!! I am sorry I have not looked at your build before this. Keep sanding I long boarded my exterior for 5 days. When I used a laser to put my boot top on I was shocked to find two hollows just before the transom on both port and starboard sides. Filled them 2 more days of sanding good to go. Your boat looks great keep up the good work. You will be in by the end of summer hopefully. PG

Miyot are you going to put on a bumper rail aft? I am debating it. I like the clean look of your boat but the rail has it purpose. If you want to tickle the cosmetics next year you can. If anyone complains to you ask them where is their boat. Looks great!!! PG

God I love that sheer line!!!!!!!!!! I wish I could move mine outdoors. Not for a while I'm afraid. Look great Miyot.

Cheers Miyot. I may just have to make time to come down for a ride. I hear you on the expenses every good idea has a price. You will know soon enough what is best with the batteries. Look forward to seeing the engine on. This is the last bag in the back 12' The bow is done so just a little more. Just need time that's all.

Oh by the way nice looking console. I looked at the traditional bronze steering wheel looks cool but a bit pricey

Greetings Miyot really looking good. I am not a fan of batteries in the back. Lots of water there. Nothing but bad things can happen. You sound like me worried about the weight of the wire. Just my 2 cents. Finished the aft 12 feet of interior glass and the bow section. Just have to connect the dots. Gone again most of next week. Keep plugging you will be done before you know it. I hope to make the rendezvous in October. I don't know looking more like next year.