They are getting there. The glass is 17 oz biaxial. I am using epoxy and didn't want to have to saturate chopped strand mat. I'd rather do a couple extra layers and get the strength from the glass.

Two more layers on the head thru hull patch on the outside and two on the inside. Inside layer on the kitchenette sink drain hole too. The transom patches are just about done. The lower unit keyhole needs one more layer in one small area. Sanding down nicely then they will be ready for fairing. That will wait until the rest of the hull is ready in the spring.

Speaking of that, anyone have any suggestions on the best way to get gel coat off? I will be painting. Or do I not need to worry about removing the gel and just fair, prime and paint over it?

Don't need to get the gel-coat off.
As long as its properly sanded and primed and doesn't have any structural issues (i.e. de-laminating, crazing etc.) you'll be fine.

That's good to know. I'll get more details when I get closer to that stage, but I'm happy to not have to strip all the gel off.

Yep. My gelcoat was sanded and thin. The PO put heaps of paint on it. I mean like textured walls... not smooth at all.

Sanded it again. Used a good primer. Sanded it. Painted it. Let cure. Cut and buffed it. If It can handle a buffer I figure that’s a real good sign.

Thru hulls are getting there. A little fairing and some paint and this one should be good to go.

looking good so far!

Thanks man. I wish I could still be out there every day working on her, but it is just too cold. The last thing I did was two weeks ago, laying up the last patch to the hull on the second thru hull up front and sealing up the transom core. I have not ground everything down yet though. I need at least 40 degrees so with my propane heater I can get it into the 50's. Hasn't happened here in MA.

What I have been doing instead is learning about wiring. I have a couple of books and then the internet has been a good resource. I laid out a rudimentary wiring diagram. 45 components to be wired together! I will be ready for spring to get back at it full time in hopes of a summer 2021 launch.

Well at least you’re doing what you can. Don’t feel bad the winter is the rainy season here. And by rainy, I mean some days or even weeks non-stop rain.

Keep doing what you can. Feel free to hit me up on wiring. That’s something I learned very well from my grandfather and father. Both electricians.

Always something, right? I found I do not like doing glass work when it is humid out. I do not like the consistency of the resin I have once mixed so I wait for dry days. Rodbuilding was the exact opposite. The guidewrap coating resin I used loved humidity. It would come out crystal clear and never crack.

As for wiring, I am still in the early stages of learning what I need to learn. I get the basics, but need to get the details and all the little tricks still. Luckily I have plenty of time. I will check in when I get closer as I am sure I will have questions. Thanks for the offer.

I almost went out today to do some grinding on the last of the raw glass laid on the thru hull. But the idea of laying on the ground even if it is covered in plastic in 34 degree weather was enough to nix that idea. I sharpened a few axes instead. I had the need to use a power tool. Haha

I truly admire you poor guys in the frozen tundra of the NE !!!
Today we are in shorts and T-shirt walking around outside, saying it is a little damp, maybe should put on a long sleeve T-shirt... :rolleyes:

Keep forging ahead, spring will be here before you know it !!

Just do not quit ..