CS 17 #218, water line?

[SUKIE]

OK, I've flipped the boat (with help from my wonderful husband Pat), and put the tape on the seams. Now, I plan to 'glass the bottom but am in  indecision about where to stop the glass. On the plans there's a line labeled "DWL". Is this the water line? So, my choices are to bring the glass up to the water line where the seam (yes, it will be visible, no matter how I try!) will be slightly disguised by the change in paint color. Or, just cover the bottom panels, having the seam be at the chine. 

Any suggestion or thoughts? Thanks!

Sukie

[Tom Lathrop]

You already have glass tape on the outer chine so the issue of hiding the edge of the glass is already there.  Usual practice is to feather sand the edge of the glass and spread on some fairing compound to blend the edge with the surface.  Don't scrimp on the fairing compound or you will be adding some more after sanding which adds yet another sanding operation. 

What I often do is drape the glass over one side from the sheer to as far as it will go on the bottom.  The cloth will easily conform to this shape with no wrinkles.  Depending on the width of your glass cloth, this will often leave a banana shape uncovered area near the keel in the center.  Do both sides and then lay an oval piece of glass to cover the gap.  This will leave only a small section of edge to be faired on the bottom where it will not be seen. 

Don't put any epoxy on the glass over or on the edge of the centerboard slot yet.  Later slit the glass over the CB slot down the center and fold it down into the slot on all sides.  Add epoxy and use a plastic covered board to press this glass against the sides of the slot.  Helps make sure that there are no voids or leaks here.

The glass over the chine seams will also tend to hide those edges too.