The past week have had some very hot conditions so boat building progress has been measured rather than spectacular. In the hot conditions the epoxy resin cures quickly so any work had to be well prepared. Also as I am doing a lot of small jobs I try to have some extra work ready to use any surplus glue. bog or paint. I am at the stage where I want to prime a few panels with International Interprotect and as I use up a disposable roller with each batch I like to have a large area ready to paint.
After a few days of sanding in between jobs I have the head ready to paint with any surplus paint and am a couple of hours of sanding away from having the quarter berth ante room ready. The shell of the vanity unit in the head is completed except for one side panel which I need to leave off until the painting is finished. The top of the vanity and the one shelf are grouted and fibreglassed to the hull and have cleats ready to take the side in due course.
So that I have places to use up extra fillet bog and extra primer I have started preparing the forward berth ante room. I still have to cut our the four shelves and two fronts but the preparation gives me plenty of uses for the spare bog and paint.
In the dim light of approaching evening I set up the laser level to mark the line on the transom for the cleat where the swim platform will be attached. I have agonized about the slope of the platform but in the end accepted Dudley’s plan with it dead level. The other option was to have it follow the slope of the cockpit floor so it would shed water better but I went for the flat option when I realised how much I use the platform to store items I am transferring from the tender.
One job I must not forget to do before installing the locker fronts is to cut access holes for wiring, instruments, gas and plumbing and install cable conduits where needed.
Quarter berth locker fronts ready to paint
Quarter berth ante room seat and locker front before cutting the locker opening.
Top and shelf in the vanity. The tiny shelf at the side is a small seat under which will run cable ducts. I will think about a wider seat higher up the hull once the boat is upright.