What’s New

First coat of primer

Sun, 8 Sep 2019 16:14:52 -0500

Both layers of glass cloth have now been applied and the third coat of epoxy on and sanded. The first coat of primer on the bottom, garboard and number three lap plank. I have left the last two planks without primer until she is turned over just in case something might ding the sides during the turn. It is the first time using Rustoleum’s fiberglass and wood primer. I was pleasantly surprised at the speed it dried and the fast build up.

Final glass layer and fill coats

Wed, 21 Aug 2019 12:47:58 -0500

With the lead keel finished and the keel cap attached the hull was ready for final glassing. With a little help from the weather the final coat of glass cloth and epoxy filler coats were accomplished on the Pathfinder. After a good cure a long board will knock down any hiccups. Then, the primer coats and finish coats prior to turning the hull and starting the interior. It has been a long effort but it is starting to look like an almost finished boat. The paint will help a lot.

Off the building jig

Mon, 29 Jul 2019 11:44:14 -0500

Pulled the Pathfinder off her building horse yesterday. Lowering her to the ground on a couple of beams so as to work on the lead ballast, install the centerboard, CB cap and apply the last coat of glass cloth on the bottom and garboard planks. These steps will complete the hull. Next the boat will be turned over and the interior and cabin completed. Then final painting/varnishing, rigging and launching,

Outer stem fitting

Tue, 16 Jul 2019 11:51:04 -0500

Slow but sure progress on the yawl. Started fitting the outer stem today. laminated the seven thin strips of oak and epoxied them onto the inner stem separated but plastic of course. The upper three strakes now have their fill coat of epoxy on the glass cloth. The bottom and garboard panels will get an additional 10 oz cloth cover for extra protection. Getting ready to raise the hull, pull the building form and lower the hull onto a couple of 4 by 6 beams so I can reach over the top to work on the ballast, install her centerboard and cap the shoal keel.

Put away for the winter

Mon, 16 Jan 2017 15:52:15 -0600

2016 saw very slow progress on this project. Too much to do and too little time. Looking forward to warmer weather and the planking project on this lapstrake boat.