Finally Back To Work; Rub Rails and Gunwhales

Today, I finally got back to work on the tug, building the rub rails and the gunwhales for both sides and fitting them to the sides. I then took them back off and put a 1/2" roundover on each upper and lower outside edge. I used #6 x 3/4" stainless steel screws which I will leave in the gunwhales and rub rails when they are epoxied on later. The rub rails also have a stainless steel carriage bolt in the front end, which goes through it and the hull itself with a washer and nut on the inside.

I will also need to trim each end and smooth out the rounded edges before they go on. I was thinking about fiberglassing them, but I still haven't really decided on it for sure. I don't know if there would be much of a benefit, other than abrasion protection with the added fiberglass.

7 hours

Wondering Where I Have Been??

Well, I have actually been extremely busy building another large project. It is a RV-9A for Pat. I am almost completed with the painting and we are very close to moving it to the hanger.

Visor Drawn and Cut Out

Today, I finally got to draw out and then cut out the visor out of tempered masonite. It will now need to be smoothed out along the contour and then fiberglassed on the bottom side before installing.

1.5 hours

Gunwhales Made/Seat Position Set

A few days ago, I drew out the gunwhales on 1/4" plywood, and today I cut them out and fit them to the sides.

I also drilled the holes for the rear U-bolts and also drilled the holes for the front seats.

4.0 hours

Panel Holes Filled/Battery Box Box Made

Tonight, I filled the holes that were used to attach the panel into place with epoxy/wood filler.

I also built a battery box made out of 3/4" x 2 1/2" Pine that the new plastic battery box will sit in and be tied down so it can't move during the wave action. I will then epoxy it into place inside the back seat area after it cures up. The wood battery box was also epoxied everywhere to begin sealing it.

1.5 hours

Panel Epoxied Into Place

I finally decided to go ahead with the panel as I had previously built, after no other better designs were brought to my attention. The panel wasn't fiberglassed like all previous parts but was epoxied several times and sanded before being set into place. It should be plenty strong anyway. I will also apply another layer of epoxy when I add the layer for the interior of the boat.

3.5 hours

Panel Cut Out and Fitted

Today, I cut out the panel pieces and fit them to the cabin front, quarter panels, and side panels. I don't know if I like the vertical piece that vertical. I think I would like it more tilted, but I will see soon and I will try to tilt it a bit by sanding down the horizontal piece.

2.5 hours

Side Decks Sanded and Epoxied Again

Today, I sanded down my hand the side decks that were previously fiberglass taped and then applied a layer of epoxy.

3.0 hours

Side Decks Taped

Today, I fiberglass taped the side decks on both the left and the right side after adding a fillet of epoxy/wood flour. I also filled the area between the front deck and the side decks to make a smoother transition once it cures and is sanded down a bit.

Also filled the holes on the interior right side and left side where the screws held the side decks into place. They will be sanded down and then the entire interior epoxied one more time before sanding and painting.

3.0 hours

Cabin Top Sanded and Cabin Exterior Epoxied/Right Side Deck Installed

Today, I installed the right cabin side deck and sanded down the cabin top. I then applied a layer of epoxy on the entire cabin exterior and front deck.

5.5 hours

Left Side Deck Epoxied On

I also epoxied on the left side deck today.

1.5 hours

Cabin Top Fiberglassed

Today, I fiberglassed the top of the cabin top.

I also applied another layer of epoxy on the top of the transom.

2 hours.