Rolling Varnish/New Spindrift surfski

[Kennneee]

Just finished a new double strip surfski. Interestingly the Swedish designer calls it a Spindrift 2. I have built a version of his Spindrift single and of course Graham’s Spindrift dinghy.  I am on quite a Spindrift roll.  Which brings me to the other part of this topic.  I have been using TotalBoat Halcyon Waterbourne varnish for a couple of years.  Incredibly easy to apply and has proven to be durable.  Not as much gloss as traditional varnish but for me the ease of application is worth the tradeoff.  I have put 5 coats on Rosie’s rails in one day.

I just completed the new surfski and decided to try rolling and tipping the Halcyon on the hull and deck.  I used foam ‘hot dog’ rollers and soon realized the finish was better without tipping.  The Roller left a faint orange peel but acceptable.   I was able to do 4 coats in one day and am calling it done for now. I did take out for it’s first spin before varnish.  If the weather is good Luanne and I will do a longer paddle in it tomorrow.  Nothing quite as much fun as messing about in a boat you just built.

Ken

[Viktor Steimle]

Amazing workmanship! Just how long is this thing?

[Kennneee]

Short for a double at 20’.

[Nick C]

Looks great! And fast! how much does it weigh?

[Don Silsbe]

I’ve rolled and tipped Captain’s varnish.  The roller lays down a nice, even coat, and the brush helps smooth things out.

[Kennneee]

Nick- I built this one for rough use and was not super fussy about weight.  It came out around 50lbs. My other race skis which are singles are around 32lbs.  Some of the high end commercial skis are coming out at 18lbs! 

Don- I expected to roll and then tip but this product seemed to look better with just the foam roller.  Your results may be different.

Got a nice Fall paddle in yesterday.