Fiberglass/ epoxy tecnique

[Barry Pyeatt]

I have found on thing to be an absolute when it comes to small boats. Those that get used a lot and enjoyed generally are not the best finished boats in the fleet. But they are well maintained for the most part.

The most important part of any project in my mind is the use of it as intended. The building part is for some the most rewarding and satisfying to the ego. But in the case of building a boat, the use of it is what we are after.

I have seen boats with crude construction, lots of caulk and slapped on coats of paint out perform some pretty sophisticated sailing rigs. It is in the knowlege and experience of the person handling it. Just who is the most satisfied between them. Hard to say, but I'm always inclined to feel that the person that faced the challenges of building from scratch and had finished it to the best of his abilities probably will use it the most and get the greatest personal satisfaction from the project.

I see kids building small boats all the time and having a blast with them. It doesn't have to be a show stopper to be a good performer.

The finest finishes in the fleet don't bring much satisfaction if the boat doesn't get used and banged up a little. That is part of boating. Small boats take abuse.

People that are learning will cause things to happen...repeatedly until they get it right. :roll: I would much rather see people out making mistakes and having a ball than tied up at the dock and not going out because they don't want to scratch the finish up.

Maintenance is a given. Nicks, dents, scrapes and gouges are part of the experience. Learning how to repair them is part of the experience and confidence building that we all need to acquire.

So I say, don't worry about it. Just get it done and in the water. You will always want to do something to modify or change or improve after you have used it a bit. Somethings work for some people and won't for others. So it isn't worth it to try to have all the bells and whistles installed before you get the experience with the basic package. Conditions are different in every local you go to. What works well in Maine, will be different in the Florida Keys or the San Juan Islands in Washington. "Different strokes for different folks" to quote an oldie but goodie! Try it the way it was designed, worry about the changes later after you find out if you will even use it enough to make the changes worth doing. No need to go to Harken blocks in the beginning if you are just learning to sail. They are expensive and nice, but not necessary. The Galvanized hardware store blocks will get you going and will work well until you get to the point that you are ready for more sophisticated rigging.

Don't worry about a glass finish on the boat. You are going to beat it up in the beginning. Get it painted and in the water. Use it, learn about it and how to handle it. Then learn from others in your area that have more experience about changes that might work for you. Then it is time to upgrade or make modifications.

If you really like what you are doing and sailing, this will probably not be your final building project. A large number of us get hooked and keep on doing this with different levels of equipment and with various goals in mind. They are all probably valid. But for a limited budget, first time building experience, these are great boats. They can be finished to what ever level you desire and equipped to what ever level of expertise you are willing to pay for. Just be realistic about what you are expecting from the project in the way of use. And remember the goal is to have fun. :wink:

[Dave Ruedel]

Dead on! My outside hull had a good smooth finish, because I wanted good flow over it. My topsides are not nearly as good, but passable. And the bit of uneveness does make the footing better. Yes, there are scrapes on the keel from beaching her. The boat is strong - I've banged docks with the sides, banged a concrete breakwater with the bow hard enough to bend the dolphen striker, tried to knock it off the trailer (the rudder box can take a good whack, too.), bounced the mast off the top hatch a time or two. and scoured the rudder with the outboard prop!! The pulleys are Ace hardware, the ironwork is painted galvanized, and the sheets and lines are Lowes racing special. Hell, it's a pirate craft, not NYYC! But the boat does get used, or abused, if you prefer, and it still draws attention wherever we take it. Time allowing, I may redo the topsides, and when wood is replaced, it may be with better than stained spruce, but until then - SAIL ON!!