Finishing up second float half

Categories: Floats Misc Boat
The second float half is complete and ready to be released from the mold with the exception of the chainplate installation, which I sent an email to Ian Farrier about earlier today to try and clear up a few questions that I have to make sure I follow the intended instructions properly. This can be done without the float half in the mold, however, and I plan on doing this portion after the halves have been joined since there will still be other work to do after joining – I don’t want to hinder process in de-molding and reversing the frames to make the last two halves.

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Second float half laminated

Categories: Floats Misc Boat
I said I was going to look for air leaks first, but after mulling it over for a few minutes, I decided the time would be better spent just doing it by hand and progressing. I was able to bribe Teresa into helping with some Starbucks. Dad’s back is injured right now, but he made for a great epoxy-mixer. 590 Still having a little energy, I glued the stringer into place and we put the two layers on top of it and called it an evening.

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Chasing leaks

Categories: Floats Misc Boat
With my sympathetic ear on the phone, dad has spent some time looking for leaks in the part – and has managed to get things sealed enough to pull 10″hg – but still not enough to risk infusing. I’m sure part of the problem is still coming from where we are sealing against the DBM, as nothing wanted to stick to it even after tons of sanding. As much as I like the process, at this point I’m going to give it another hour looking for leaks with some smoke before I pull off the bag and do a hand lay-up of it and call it a day — don’t want to waste too much time on this part.

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