Keep it simple. Rebuilding a 20 into a no frills fishing/work boat.

[Basketcase]

So I have both boxes done and their covers. Still working on trimming for best fit/alignment but that wont be too bad. Someone was asking what my plans were for the molds. They were built as one time molds and I really had to work to get them out of the part. Not because of resin, but just basic geometry and friction. I added a picture of what was left of the mold for the front platform. I thought about making them durable for multi-use, but decided not to waste any more time and just get it done.

[Basketcase]

So I now have the forward compartment (maybe anchor locker) bulkhead made and attached as well as 2 of the 6 "ribs" that I'll have along the hull.

I used an improvised version of vacuum bagging to do the bulkhead and the ribs. I used my big dust collector as a vac source and some trash bags as the bags. Still used peel ply and and breather fabric, but using a high volume vacuum source was so easy. It doesn't apply nearly the vacuum that a true vac bag setup would, but it works fine on parts that just need some clamping force. In this case, wrapping 2 layers of 24oz glass around those foam blocks was super easy. I just wrapped the glass, put on the peel ply and breather fabric, tossed it in the bag and turned on the dust collector while gently smoothing the glass into place. No need to seal leaks because of the volume of air that thing moves.

The ribs are to hold up the cap, and to add rigidity to the hull. (I did not do any bulkheads below deck). If I were to build them again, I think I might not make these two forward stiffeners so thick. I happened to have some thick 4lb foam blocks (surfboard foam?) so I used them. I think they just look a bit bulky. I'm hopeful that I have enough resin and good weather left to get the other 4 stiffeners done before I shut down for the winter. Once I get to that point, all of the major fabrication except for the console will be complete and I can start the 2 year process of fairing/sanding

[Ryan]

Lookin good. Itchy yet?

[Basketcase]

Originally Posted by Ryan

Lookin good. Itchy yet?

Ya know, I've actually developed a pretty decent system for reducing the itch. Before doing any itchy operations, I generously douse all exposed skin with baby powder and really work it into the pores. While I'm working I keep the air blower nearby and frequently blow myself off. When I'm done for the day, a shower as cold as I can stand seems to wash it off without letting it into the skin. Sometimes I still itch a little, but nothing like before when I'd just go at it with a grinder and "grin and bear" the itch for 2 days. Also, best thing I ever bought was a full face mask/respirator. Keeps the whole face clear and doesn't fog up.

[martin]

That is some really fine work

[abl1111]

Been stalking this project for awhile. Damn impressive - especially since I look at the pix of your molds and the finished product and I realize I just don't have the mind for it. All the forethought to design and then build the mold - all in reverse; lips, flanges, drains etc. I get dizzy thinking about it !

Very nice work and craftsmanship.