prelude

Using MAS epoxy I have never been concerned about blush. It is either not there or low enough to not cause bonding issues. You add layers of epoxy to fill the weave and produce a smooth finish. Generally three at the most. If painting I will fill with two epoxy coats then fill and fair with a final epoxy coat thickened with easy sanding balloons. Painting is the last step.

I feel better. And here I thought I might offend someone. My friends continually wonder what I accomplishing. They all think the boats are beautiful but why???

A bit off the topic of value but that's OK................. About to turn 70, lost a lot of flexibility over the years and have a previously built power boat that handles my fishing needs. Figure that sailing is a bit like smoking. Some find it pleasurable but it seems like a lot of fussing with not much accomplished. Now I've irritated the rest of the board.

Don't have photos available but will try to get some. It is basically new and NOT the nesting build. Sloop rigged. The boat is located in Western WA.

Need to sell my Spindrift 11. Fully rigged with sail etc, etc. Need help setting an asking price. No idea where to start. Was in the water once. Discovered I was a builder not a sailor. Thanx.

Interesting reading but the work load exhausts me. 1. I use MAS 2:1 epoxy. Haven't used pumps since my first boat many years ago. It's just to easy to pour an accurate mix and not have the worry of a reduced flow pump. 2. The last four boats have all been painted with latex. Bottoms, above the water line and interiors. The top line cross matrix paints like Valspar's best and others. Depends on use but a light sand and and a re-coat in 4 or 5 years and it's new again. Dings and scrapes are an easy touch-up. BUT............ these are not show boats. They fish, crab, and haul a bunch of preteen grandkids. They are in salt water and fresh and are used in peak of summer 60 degree days on the west side and summers 100+ degree days on the east side of the state. Why do I insist of bright trim work???? I really hate varnish but I love the look. Cheers.

Steve, What a fast build!! Mine is nearing the paint/varnish stage. One question if you will. I'm about to start on the mast & boom. Doing the three part mast. Two sections of alum and the topper of wood. Building up the bearings that slide into the adjoining shaft. Any hints on estimating how many layers? Over build and sand down or?? How tight of loose of slip fit is desired? Any comments appreciated. Dave.

Dave, The tiller is the one area where I took some liberties. I laminated up some 1/8 inch thick pieces over a gently curved length of ply to make mine. Similar to this... http://www.roguepaddler.com/cs20g.htm at the bottom of the page. I wanted a comfortable length for me when gentle sailing and added an extension to be used when necessary. I'm very tall so mine may be a bit shorter that you would want. The plan calls for 33" length x 2" wide tapering to 1" wide at the grip.