C17 #110 mostly taped.

[Scott Dufour]

Taping those seams takes a chunk of patience and some scheduling to get them while the fillets are still pliable. On the long run on the starboard side I bit off almost more than I could chew and was up until close to 2 a.m. to get the fiberglass down before the fillets hardened.

I was really worried about pulling the wires out from the bow, so I did it in stages. I pulled the chines where Graham said there was little pressure, and taped and let them set up. Then I pulled just a few right at the bow and taped about 12 inches on the outside of the hull. I figgered that would hold it together, and it did. Then I pulled the rest of the ties and taped everthing. It's nice to have that job almost done. Just a little more tomorrow...

I've included a really ugly panarama I made while standing on chair above the boat. The camera literature said it would look fabulous and amaze my friends and family. I'm not so sure. :?

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[Scott Dufour]

Another set.

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[Joe Nelson CS#35]

I dont know the process you used...I like to pre-cut my tape and roll it up. Then use a small roller to wet out the surface and roll on the tape. Use a variety of implaments to get the good contact...large spoons work well.

You can also wet out the tape in a glassing box and simply apply it wet.

However you do it...it takes time. I usually do a section at a time and give myself a break.

There is nothing but experience that will make you good at it. You can read all you want...but you must make it through the learning curve.

[JeffM]

I just mixed up my first batches of epoxy, and let me tell you, your work looks better and better.

[Scott Dufour]

I rolled up the tape like Joe does, and use a chip brush to slap on the epoxy and also the gently press the tape into the fillets. I didn't run into any technical problems as much as personal physical fatigue. I'd put down a fillet - wait a few hours - then put down the tape. Where I got into trouble was running too long a fillet too late in the day. By 10:00 p.m. when it was ready for the tape, I'd looked at the 15 feet of tape and corners ahead and thought "Aw, crap. I should have just run 6 feet. "

Small managable pieces. They make the work go at a reasonable pace, and it's a lot easier to keep things clean.

Jeff: It gets easier with experience. My first batches of epoxy were tramatic experiences. Keep pluggin' away and go slow.

[mustangermatt]

I let the fillets harden and then sanded them prior to taping. I think it is a matter of personal opinion, but I would rather sand with 60 grit than be a slave to the epoxy curing time :-) Most of my fillets wound up needing very little fairing anyway. Just lucky I guess.

However your doing it, looks great!

[steveb]

Scott,

I am looking to build a C17 and apart from "Three summers" by Tim, I cant find any reference to performance or pictures. Can you provide some insights after 4 years . Size of motor, ease of use, best and worst aspects...

thanks, Steve