smccormick

Question came up about what rigging flanges I used to connect to the bracket/platform. I found these: https://thmarinesupplies.com/products/2-angled-rigging-flange They worked as expected with one unfortunate characteristic. They have an opening for a fuel hose. I have no need or interest in that orifice so it would be nice if it came with a knock out in place and you could adapt as required.

Video of the event:

Well gentlemen, after a long wait, I have actually launched and taken it for a ride. Pardon the dirt, I was running out of time and some things had to slip. Beautiful day to work through the first 2 hours of break in and commission the autopilot. Only a couple of OH Shyte moments (none while underway). Right on the anniversary of my first post on this project.

Believe it or not, I'm ready to launch the boat. Well almost... I took it out in public for the first time tonight to get gas. In the morning I plan to prime the fuel system and light them off. If that goes well, on go the props and off to the ramp. I think I might be fairly close to the anniversary of getting the plans. Oops, no. It will be exactly the same date as the first time I posted about this project.

Welly, well, well, well, who would have guessed I didn't make my October launch window. Turns out my wife wanted to actually do something for our 25th wedding anniversary: so demanding. Then I had to help the parents with their annual southern migration. I think I was home for just a bit more than a week during the entire month. Retargeting... Engines are all rigged. Electrical system is complete. They turn over and go up and down. Just need to fit the bow eye and fill/bleed the steering and I can take it for a ride. Here's a look at the console.

Well cats and kittens, it's been a while. Not sure anyone remembers or even cares about this build, but here it is, Nine years later... Nine years! Seems like yesterday I laid the keel. Progress ground to a halt during covid. Engines were difficult to get so I didn't see much reason to push hard. Then I picked up a project 1966 mustang that I did an 18 Month complete restoration on, a couple new rental house remodels and poof, five years have passed. After all of the nonsense it was time to focus back on the boat. Don't feel too bad for me, I have other boats to play with. Plenty of water skiing and cruising during that down time. Anyhoo, it came out of the barn this last week where it saw the sun for the first time, then the engines were fitted. There's a few more details to complete, but I'm thinking it will be in the water in October.

Looking nice. Just when you think you're finished with sanding. Ready,. set, time to sand it again... fairing putty, high build, finish primer. I think boat building is 95% sanding.

Completely agree with Riggs. Beautiful work.

I'll take a stab at this since no one else has yet. I don't know what is sufficient for the application because there is no application information... Then I still probably wouldn't. CSM, as a mat, usually has a binder that holds all the pieces together and the binder is dissolved by styrene, a product not contained in epoxy. Therefore the binder is never dissolved using epoxy and the fibers never come loose to make fitting work. There is also some sizing compatibility that causes the resin/fiber bonding to be less than designed. Stitch mat and some combination products don't have that problem because they're not glued and are therefore compatible with epoxy. Most combination products that my supplier provides are epoxy compatible. I don't think you will see a big difference laying 1208. It's a little bit stiffer but harder to pull out of shape. Can you use 1200 where 1208 is specified? I had this discussion with Graham. I heard from others in the business that combination textiles are hold overs from polystyrene products and the mat has no place in epoxy construction. Graham's response was that while it's true that you don't need the csm for peel strength, it does help getting glass fibers packed closer together and it provides some off axis strength. But in the end he said that if the csm offends me I could use 1800.

Hey Joe, We met this summer when you were out on the pond and I ran up with the little whaler (imitation) to ask if your's was Alan's old boat. Nice trip thanks for taking us along. Beautiful boat BTW.

Very clean work. Looks quite fair.

Really coming together. Nice work.

Nice work.

I really like how Graham uses his boat. Glad he's enjoying a nice adventure.

Let the fun begin.

Great progress.

Successful day, congratulations.

Beautiful work as always.

Thanks Gents. I was just reading through the first few pages of this thread, oh how optimistic I was at the beginning. Thought I would be done in 1.5 years. Two years ago the wife asked how much longer? a year? I had some smart arse retort like "it better not take that long!" OH, the fantasy. Whisky (just got back from Scotland and was taught the correct way to spell it) plank was over 3 years ago. That means I've been sanding for 3 years and I still have more to do.

Beautiful boat, good luck with the build. Maybe you could get Ken and Dutch OB to come over and help. They seem to be able to knock these builds out in no time. Done by Christmas.

Show coat to check my fairing. A couple of spots that need some work but generally OK.

Lots of detail sanding.

Very nice work.

Spectacular!

Beautiful. Congratulations.