Started out with a second coat of paint on the rudder . . . .
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And a first coat on the centerboard.
Hull bottom and cabin roof is going to be that same color.
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While I was waiting for all that to dry/cure, I sanded (and sanded, and sanded and sanded!) >:( the hull, to eradicate any drips or high spots.
Weather was way too cold for any paint or epoxy work, but it was just fine for sanding. :P
Swell. >:(
This was in preparation for the third coat of graphite infused epoxy.
(If I ever got a decent weather window and temps.)
That is one dusty hull! :o
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I have to say, running your hand over it, it feels far better than it looks! 8)
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Couple final issues:
1) An inadvertent seam from a failed fiberglass lapping experiment needed filling, and . . . .
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2) I needed to get some marker holes for the epoxy plugs that the Stainless Steel rub strip screws will screw into, since I won't be able to see them after I get the black epoxy on the hull.
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Using the front hole as a marker, I was able to mark the holes with a Sharpie and drill shallow holes that won't get lost in the epoxy.
This will ensure that I get the screw holes centered in the epoxy-filled plugs in the skegs.
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While sanding, I discovered small holes from where stainless steel brads had been nailed into the planks, during construction by a DPO.
I marked them with a pencil so I wouldn't miss any, when I mixed up the fairing compound.
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Filled that pesky seam . . . .
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Clear down its length and on the sides, where the brad holes were.
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One more round of sanding and tack ragging (is that a verb?) ??? and I was ready to start taping off to the water line.
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Also taped over the centerboard slot gasket. Nearly forgot!! :-[
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And after nearly a week, I got a usable weather window! :D
Ta Da!! ;D
The third and final coat of graphite infused epoxy on the hull! ;D
This was rolled on and I was all the way unhappy about air bubbles and texture of the finish. :(
I actually used a foam brush for "rolling and tipping", until it laid down a little better.
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Came out pretty good. 8)
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Check out the reflection of the beams and panels of the carport roof, reflected onto the garboard planks.
No "orange peel" for THIS guy! :D
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Of course, after it gets ample time to cure, it will get promptly sanded back to "dull", in preparation for the EZ-Prime, primer coat.
Finished out the day with a 2nd coat of paint on the centerboard.
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After a week of cold weather (and rain) the graphite epoxy was hard enough for sanding and EZ-Prime primer.
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Astute observers of my SCAMP posts, will notice the stern further away from the edge of the carport posts, than previously.
The step stool (at right in the pic) had its feet dig into the ground unexpectedly, while I was painting the inside of the port skeg.
Struggling to regain control, not spill the remainder of a quart of EZ-Prime and maintain my balance, I dug a knee into the side of the hull and knocked it off the jack stands. :o
I lifted the hull, while my wife replaced the jack stands and after I calmed down again (heart no longer trying to beat through my chest) :o noticed it was askew.
I will probably realign it by suspending the stern from the carport, moving the jack stands and then reposition the hull before lowering it.
That's the Plan, anyway.
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From a black hull to a white one, is probably not much of a milestone in SCAMP progress, but I am excited, since I know I'm three coats of top coat away from being able to invert the boat and start working on the inside.
It will also mark the approximate 50% progress point on my mental Project Management Plan. (Old construction habits, die hard.)
Unless I decide to paint the sides too, before flipping; still mulling that one over.
Trying to be done by the beginning of May, in time for the Cedar Key Small Boat Meet, or maybe even the FL 120.
We'll see; whether I get it done in time or not, I will not rush this project.
This will probably be the last sailboat I ever own; it has to be right.
Charles Brennan
Always impressed with your work and attention to detail. My Scamp didn't have that level of care with the work. Still, It's the boat I now own, and I am glad to have it.
Doug, Thank you for your kind words.
Just so you know, your pics detailing the DPO's shortcomings on your SCAMP and your descriptions of remediation, have gone a long way towards keeping me "honest" on this build.
I do NOT want to experience some of the issues you have gone through.
So, every time I want to shortcut or rush through some process or step, I mentally stop and remember one of your pics! :o
The SCAMP Face Book group is a very supportive group for what is essentially a crowd-sourced build, but I feel like the support of everyone on the TSBB, is every bit as helpful to me.
Thanks (to all),
Charles Brennan
Nice work Charles! I'm excited to see some color!
Yes, amazing well-done progress.
I am also pleased that the stool, caught in a bit of ground swell, did not cause you to capsize.
I think we have all had a ladder or stool stability incident with recovery not captured on film.
Fantastic work! That finish looks great. I had trouble getting my epoxy finish smooth. You're at a very exciting stage. Turning that hull is momentous.
Lookin good!
Chris, Thanks for the encouragement.
Here's what is to come:
First coat (of 3) of Grand Banks Beige! ;D
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Highly peppered with Kamikaze Gnats!! >:(
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After everything dries and cures, I guess I'll sand them off and entomb their carcasses between coats! >:(
Take a Good Look:
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The ONLY 6 square inches on the entire hull, WITHOUT gnats all over it!! >:(
Progress, (however Gnat Infested!) >:( at least, is still Progress.
Charles Brennan
Gnats and midges, the bane of my attempts at varnishing! >:(
Are you sure that color is Grand Banks Beige???? Looks like Gulf of America White to me 8) The catboat has Hatteras White decks. What is it, only New England locales has a specific shade of color? Don't worry about the gnats. The mocking bird will be by shortly to peck them out of the paint ;D
The only gulf of america is between his....oh never mind
CB had a good idea on that one he advocated. He was just a little ahead of his time!
Riley, The difference is that I was joking, and Pumpkin Spice Palpatine is not.
And Please, let's leave it there.
Charles Brennan