tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59683186945653366642024-03-05T13:20:09.640-06:00Minifish RestorationI'm out to prove you wrong. A Minifish, the smaller sister of the Sunfish, is completely worth fixing. Though I've been tempted by the rare listing of a Minifish hull for $50, I have valiantly refused the easy way (and possibly the prudent way) out and will march forward to restore this little boat. After all, it's the only Minifish hull I knew as a kid.Minfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18007245025810778531noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5968318694565336664.post-7342548211261759862010-05-04T16:20:00.010-05:002010-05-04T17:10:08.509-05:00Sailing!She had a blast last year and is out running about this season and having a grand time at it. This ol' gal can really boogie! :-)<br /><br /><a href="http://minifish-restoration.blogspot.com/2008/07/what-are-we-dealing-with-here.html">Click here</a> to start at the beginning of her recovery.<br /><br />May 8, 2009 was her maiden voyage last year. Sorry I don't have pictures. I needed to become more proficient with her before daring to take a camera. But here she is this season, on a plane.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmb3XeSh_DRQhREz7wpfxqLkQmuu8OMzC6S1oYzYLyhE582kLpBIwE-WWBlg9xJ3oY3j9zVbVfKNaiVvzyaCvkIyOpLmIaIysENxy5cx1y5jhPRTM8xrPAbG5-kxFg-jFg3DZxTdrAhLzD/s1600/minfish.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 261px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmb3XeSh_DRQhREz7wpfxqLkQmuu8OMzC6S1oYzYLyhE582kLpBIwE-WWBlg9xJ3oY3j9zVbVfKNaiVvzyaCvkIyOpLmIaIysENxy5cx1y5jhPRTM8xrPAbG5-kxFg-jFg3DZxTdrAhLzD/s400/minfish.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467528076089640642" border="0" /></a>Minfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18007245025810778531noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5968318694565336664.post-30628223100163013872009-03-22T10:36:00.007-05:002010-05-04T16:43:46.054-05:00Finished!To jog your memory about where this boat started from:<br /><br /><br />Cracks like this were all over the boat and needed repair-<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1KPj6f1a_W9MZkWuhVeIkdT9sR8rEyiUvGAtHkoUMq5w4XLbumiKIx4XObA8mhLSnKvJjpP_QRtyHSIy9OstlN2aSrmrG7PldGrBnVSQ-3lXq5h-vaE_8qK0ERECC4cixEdb-UiTxZpUF/s1600-h/c1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1KPj6f1a_W9MZkWuhVeIkdT9sR8rEyiUvGAtHkoUMq5w4XLbumiKIx4XObA8mhLSnKvJjpP_QRtyHSIy9OstlN2aSrmrG7PldGrBnVSQ-3lXq5h-vaE_8qK0ERECC4cixEdb-UiTxZpUF/s400/c1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316036883514316146" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The wood grain decals were in sad, sad shape-<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7_C3DdS8iE6hHYjpM1mb8NNaUkDMbx7eTtyVkC0X2Igb-B2KH6iLNKW5GvIxYTo3OkOgKahpARtsN9Qz7Ht04cV2Y0hVZRXGwb-PsX1KPlcRfcCDgbz8kEL53uFbUEUrmKHjD5vJCfVa/s1600-h/d4.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7_C3DdS8iE6hHYjpM1mb8NNaUkDMbx7eTtyVkC0X2Igb-B2KH6iLNKW5GvIxYTo3OkOgKahpARtsN9Qz7Ht04cV2Y0hVZRXGwb-PsX1KPlcRfcCDgbz8kEL53uFbUEUrmKHjD5vJCfVa/s400/d4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316036879649698754" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />The bow looked like it toyed with a semi truck-<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglyMjl6w993Q4i1DU22dhrGpr-JUhBebXUp90pWUWgpynYLpJx4SCE5gZU0Mg2QBJUW7u4-1OkixyiugLeL3gI27gqNyRRkZUl_nnUT4tPudFnhynOGGxdWRgMfh3qBXdNr4L8rQDIXW2q/s1600-h/d3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglyMjl6w993Q4i1DU22dhrGpr-JUhBebXUp90pWUWgpynYLpJx4SCE5gZU0Mg2QBJUW7u4-1OkixyiugLeL3gI27gqNyRRkZUl_nnUT4tPudFnhynOGGxdWRgMfh3qBXdNr4L8rQDIXW2q/s400/d3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316036877339810290" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This damage was about as long as your forearm-<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGuGLvWLeE-gbCToNrcUH6tyQJ9lYecvkR_ycBEuDvGmoDISE4m4tH1ZJCp4CxBzmTbtl4JgpKUzpTClbMn9KjHTHM5r4XiqYG_FbhK0Y-xc6PsBQtw7n5KjR-FF8yS93yTf7kslWbUhG3/s1600-h/d2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGuGLvWLeE-gbCToNrcUH6tyQJ9lYecvkR_ycBEuDvGmoDISE4m4tH1ZJCp4CxBzmTbtl4JgpKUzpTClbMn9KjHTHM5r4XiqYG_FbhK0Y-xc6PsBQtw7n5KjR-FF8yS93yTf7kslWbUhG3/s400/d2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316036872265749490" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This was about as large as your fist-<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7Ec8XgCzQJ5spy73emO-fAJwXRpEDQ_w_M6vwyvY6XJ13YxlY1CiQgecj-pC4KgbCPliPkJf_bG1V3qnJoteE_-0NgulTQpOP5xaWhNJDiCX39nq5s2jStYfsMpz99fmAtDdKe-RzdVm/s1600-h/d1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7Ec8XgCzQJ5spy73emO-fAJwXRpEDQ_w_M6vwyvY6XJ13YxlY1CiQgecj-pC4KgbCPliPkJf_bG1V3qnJoteE_-0NgulTQpOP5xaWhNJDiCX39nq5s2jStYfsMpz99fmAtDdKe-RzdVm/s400/d1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316036871748988434" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I had to cut out all of that damaged fiberglass-<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPJNIuetU3tGvWGDSN5v3KJYlNRsKSmV2kgUqkF8r3lBhNul2kBWB6bmQIicCND-fnan9YaPxxfta1tYoemJu7iluBJrl_eBEmbiPvyVAzhyphenhyphenMEEoIwvoHYcSjvxs6kwuOWJfRcE_F4fIa/s1600-h/r1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPJNIuetU3tGvWGDSN5v3KJYlNRsKSmV2kgUqkF8r3lBhNul2kBWB6bmQIicCND-fnan9YaPxxfta1tYoemJu7iluBJrl_eBEmbiPvyVAzhyphenhyphenMEEoIwvoHYcSjvxs6kwuOWJfRcE_F4fIa/s400/r1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316037552967870978" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP1Aw4Xh8Nv-613WwfeCGvEnMm05YVsxRnl40bTwslDtQWSJayzda9vjz_29sroB18YBZMQQ1YpeWdvdo1bt1ZWzf3n-McXcMTaua3V3PYQ78pl4whE4aPYGRjqJuDJWN6AMP-D0p9RsRE/s1600-h/r2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP1Aw4Xh8Nv-613WwfeCGvEnMm05YVsxRnl40bTwslDtQWSJayzda9vjz_29sroB18YBZMQQ1YpeWdvdo1bt1ZWzf3n-McXcMTaua3V3PYQ78pl4whE4aPYGRjqJuDJWN6AMP-D0p9RsRE/s400/r2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316037552608989490" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />And build custom bridges to support the patches as they cured-<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOon6O4fU3X3duDEKIV4VwGAJqL8hvPyEZP-lDwQMeC6RC1SqxKU40bd-7M7DChkj92oroE39_BTJAKJ_HwUr3vB7hzx13oZ9U0490-E5RgTBqkm5OZqczISL_6hV0c9Ec-2VYmX45mRpI/s1600-h/r3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOon6O4fU3X3duDEKIV4VwGAJqL8hvPyEZP-lDwQMeC6RC1SqxKU40bd-7M7DChkj92oroE39_BTJAKJ_HwUr3vB7hzx13oZ9U0490-E5RgTBqkm5OZqczISL_6hV0c9Ec-2VYmX45mRpI/s400/r3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316037558081700866" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />I applied new gel coat to the repaired areas as well as other places the gel coat had been damaged and sand it flush-<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjVnR8eyQTk6FXkr3MQCj31mf5C53-nUPbpsxQKce3P5tjwOl637-la88PaTZl2yPWKY5HrLOSkYfoY6mFaBFZwXWwqV-1P7eAZeB8wcPmCLjIh4bYAEfyhf3-bsKuAbyAiF2zhyqFcNe/s1600-h/g2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjVnR8eyQTk6FXkr3MQCj31mf5C53-nUPbpsxQKce3P5tjwOl637-la88PaTZl2yPWKY5HrLOSkYfoY6mFaBFZwXWwqV-1P7eAZeB8wcPmCLjIh4bYAEfyhf3-bsKuAbyAiF2zhyqFcNe/s400/g2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316037985231372626" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOntSEHyH1lC372KssUqV3SMfmdr7XECEe7ZCTjjXQEmtRPvrm19_yny0rJwcQHoU7CwU6lfh2sv7l7d-p1tW0z-9hL0fMi7mS14OhnIFV8Sth_E64y54LeZEA2EfAZdHn4No5h42AKTac/s1600-h/g1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOntSEHyH1lC372KssUqV3SMfmdr7XECEe7ZCTjjXQEmtRPvrm19_yny0rJwcQHoU7CwU6lfh2sv7l7d-p1tW0z-9hL0fMi7mS14OhnIFV8Sth_E64y54LeZEA2EfAZdHn4No5h42AKTac/s400/g1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316037980627172962" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Hours and hours I spent over this hull in order to restore her. With interest, my neighbor had watched this boat slowly improve, most likely relieved that I wasn't cooking up a meth lab in the shed considering all the running back and forth I did wearing latex gloves.<br /><br />Today, she proudly hoisted her sail for the first time in years. My neighbor stood at the fence and said, "A fine looking boat you got there". I'm amazed at how good everything looks and can't wait to take her out on the lake.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Well, here she is-a young 34 years old and ready to go sailing:<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDXWQ7rsCA-kJXvQTzW5rlvMn8mwSdjUklMEo1-sjKGWee5dDoJphGyPdpVXJeW6SdRUUoPBP-A0gpIHJVv8n_J-9ZvKznNk_TiFGbxhnglNto_v23CtUWAGaCEuOq0I-ZOvuVayNKk05/s1600-h/sbow.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDXWQ7rsCA-kJXvQTzW5rlvMn8mwSdjUklMEo1-sjKGWee5dDoJphGyPdpVXJeW6SdRUUoPBP-A0gpIHJVv8n_J-9ZvKznNk_TiFGbxhnglNto_v23CtUWAGaCEuOq0I-ZOvuVayNKk05/s400/sbow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316039739166741010" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"The two important things I did learn were that you are as powerful and strong as you allow yourself to be, and that the most difficult part of any endeavour is taking the first step, making the first decision." ~ Robyn Davidson</span><br /></div><br /><br /><a href="http://minifish-restoration.blogspot.com/2010/05/sailing.html">Next ></a>Minfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18007245025810778531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5968318694565336664.post-90720792824001773722009-03-17T16:03:00.016-05:002010-05-04T16:43:01.039-05:00The bow handleDespite an injury unassociated with the restoration of this boat, I move forward...with assistance of course from Trusty Husband.<br /><br />At some point, the bow handle and the boat parted ways and the boat would never hear from the bow handle again. I questioned the boat in an attempt to locate the handle, but she keeps her lips sealed.<br />It must have been one of those really bad breakups. The kind where restraining orders are issued. They haven't remained friends or have even obsessively stalked each other. No phone calls or letters have been exchanged to my knowledge.<br /><br />So, I had to introduce a new bow handle and they've hit it off pretty good. There's word circulating about them wanting to go to the lake together.<br /><br />We'll need a little bit of help from a match maker to keep things going well.<br /><br /><br />Here is Ursula, the town match maker:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkPH3PJY3tCZyQZFZeJ4Oi-DMfp3tschmQyIHbPw06UhgAW_XTZoC1xC9To-mcPXxcEc06JIBTbmSN-ywf9srOkERgiTExDxwG7z4QPELrroViBAD_U-vuznaNPIEZOaln8fGYy4uNN9W/s1600-h/plate.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 175px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkPH3PJY3tCZyQZFZeJ4Oi-DMfp3tschmQyIHbPw06UhgAW_XTZoC1xC9To-mcPXxcEc06JIBTbmSN-ywf9srOkERgiTExDxwG7z4QPELrroViBAD_U-vuznaNPIEZOaln8fGYy4uNN9W/s400/plate.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314266398386573650" border="0" /></a><br /><br />She's been entrusted with getting these two to meet and on good terms. With a <span style="font-style: italic;">steely</span> resolve {snort}, she is committed to ensuring these two have a good strong relationship for many years to come.<br />The front is tapered because the bow is tapered.<br />Once it's inside the hull, it'll be impossible to photograph, so here is a picture of approximately where it will sit:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheOodu1hDMeVuenCKeeiHpSl-2Dnd4FpB1eYsO44kFGkb62kmKUMmIC_C2jDcULA7Xk9pNLo7v1Uc2y1GQ67mwc58JGooefQsGRhc-cOsv7wqmuNnxR948MXL82MAVziJZLXOOrUaxTDud/s1600-h/platebow.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheOodu1hDMeVuenCKeeiHpSl-2Dnd4FpB1eYsO44kFGkb62kmKUMmIC_C2jDcULA7Xk9pNLo7v1Uc2y1GQ67mwc58JGooefQsGRhc-cOsv7wqmuNnxR948MXL82MAVziJZLXOOrUaxTDud/s400/platebow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314267833876536226" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />It will sandwich the original wooden block between it and the handle. I haven't permanently mounted the front inspection port so that I have as much room as possible.<br /><br /><br />With MarineTex, I filled the holes and allowed it to cure. Then I sanded down what I didn't want and had a hull ready to drill. This stuff is pretty easy to sand. Unless you've got a big area, just go by hand with a sanding block or else you'll take off more than you want.<br /><br />After things were sanded to my liking, I marked the holes and drilled:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Opp4x3iR0wcOe63AZkAcy6GnVhGkXGYke2NxxbIlpPqT8UPPFHku0570_eE-0Qi9Fbctae2RdAuQ76R37kaXxDnPsDU69Cjb206bCWc1DK8cbPMfrcqQF7E_UaeEjSYIGrFaTAwSZ2Ol/s1600-h/bowhole.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Opp4x3iR0wcOe63AZkAcy6GnVhGkXGYke2NxxbIlpPqT8UPPFHku0570_eE-0Qi9Fbctae2RdAuQ76R37kaXxDnPsDU69Cjb206bCWc1DK8cbPMfrcqQF7E_UaeEjSYIGrFaTAwSZ2Ol/s400/bowhole.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314268446458558962" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Then I prayed I did things right and tested to see if the holes lined up. Success!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWfmAJkFKEAS5Fyitzu5e3beDe04Nu-UjNEc_mJDNHG6Qm7Cnksdr4a03cOek1DCR2_xNrxiwrKXYNim7C3Fp46aIbvJuC3TuEBimStfOS_Rs5MKEZxy9CHk9YvkDaC65RdadeoEw83ID/s1600-h/handle.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWfmAJkFKEAS5Fyitzu5e3beDe04Nu-UjNEc_mJDNHG6Qm7Cnksdr4a03cOek1DCR2_xNrxiwrKXYNim7C3Fp46aIbvJuC3TuEBimStfOS_Rs5MKEZxy9CHk9YvkDaC65RdadeoEw83ID/s400/handle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314268594617738978" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />While these two got acquainted, I prepared the marine silicone to seal things up. They seem to be getting along well and both brightened up a bit. It looks to be a perfect match as they look really great together...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPNKoxi8keCivNAPzvRTg6eoEBMFcomhMUdLgEDta77D39ZA4EGpf1CQgRs6dDBjcGz91h61i3Hr26UiS8m525JZ72vrpdvCGs7OC0sJmNanmM_o4WkYEseUktDvQOeqRGvpfOo2ehbVjX/s1600-h/phandle.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 197px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPNKoxi8keCivNAPzvRTg6eoEBMFcomhMUdLgEDta77D39ZA4EGpf1CQgRs6dDBjcGz91h61i3Hr26UiS8m525JZ72vrpdvCGs7OC0sJmNanmM_o4WkYEseUktDvQOeqRGvpfOo2ehbVjX/s400/phandle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314268956040929506" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />And no, the hull is not wet {wink}<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Alright, now for the tricky part. I pulled a magic trick and managed to hold the plate in place, put some washers over the screws and thread some nuts all with one hand.<br />Needless to say, I'm glad I have a 5" port instead of the 4".<br />The original block is still soundly secure to the hull so I didn't want to take it off. But I didn't want to use it to secure the handle either.<br />After my magic trick, before I tightened things up, I attempted to get a picture of it. Here's the best I could do:<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcG4Ai2sJGPwMKi1exVhWMpYbelVjs6b9-XYxHDnzZ2F0imX-ZeAD74UnmCDw7E_KgHNetJdWgfloo3TNK-9L-7teR4wlT8OIyB0vKZ6Tl9vUO44hgC7C1f2m17OgmjnmDN9XiY8CnS70Y/s1600-h/platepl.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 351px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcG4Ai2sJGPwMKi1exVhWMpYbelVjs6b9-XYxHDnzZ2F0imX-ZeAD74UnmCDw7E_KgHNetJdWgfloo3TNK-9L-7teR4wlT8OIyB0vKZ6Tl9vUO44hgC7C1f2m17OgmjnmDN9XiY8CnS70Y/s400/platepl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315647995215535426" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I hope you can see the plate.<br /><br /><br />After this, I left enough room to be able to pick up the handle enough to get sealant under it and around the holes. I also dabbed some sealant around the heads of the screws and tightened things down. I finished the inspection port and voila, a bow handle!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8eiCI_zfkhSIg0xcJsW3SjY1YDJYCDOQCNZJLn1Y2Y4BG4E-07GAyUEoYb0BBf-96e4BIdj-vz8r7GVbgNoOAHQcKxgQwJaM6T8aKUaMEOmXuc7Ah76lHDZcPNtpwzPOnQbk3UxpzRoQ/s1600-h/sealhand.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8eiCI_zfkhSIg0xcJsW3SjY1YDJYCDOQCNZJLn1Y2Y4BG4E-07GAyUEoYb0BBf-96e4BIdj-vz8r7GVbgNoOAHQcKxgQwJaM6T8aKUaMEOmXuc7Ah76lHDZcPNtpwzPOnQbk3UxpzRoQ/s400/sealhand.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315648014175507778" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Up next, the completed boat!<br /><br /><a href="http://minifish-restoration.blogspot.com/2009/03/finished.html">Next ></a>Minfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18007245025810778531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5968318694565336664.post-56782425793652021412009-03-07T14:27:00.004-06:002010-05-04T16:42:20.289-05:00I spy something shiny<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEygS_zGeFKIn9XDw8Jm8YH4hxMXUBmYL0VucRBy2ALNku_87SEck9YzyP5G7YvAur4Gj-Bo7t0MqJrlb_DSzmLntYOU3HcYwA0afIxJINXP3od7h-_t4M1RZcbwk69MYQ0FXtxe5tn1GN/s1600-h/shiny1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEygS_zGeFKIn9XDw8Jm8YH4hxMXUBmYL0VucRBy2ALNku_87SEck9YzyP5G7YvAur4Gj-Bo7t0MqJrlb_DSzmLntYOU3HcYwA0afIxJINXP3od7h-_t4M1RZcbwk69MYQ0FXtxe5tn1GN/s400/shiny1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310545646633350978" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCRlKruDqq_cc8fPZ4FZyqySAMdkqJbgQMs0i0W9uZutvgu32VaVQsABcbnE2x33CYRl-DFoE9LDv3la4UislOAV80wcRrKoWqdVw8e9qUP9GzT1cM6ogYKiUo-kt-DDj-EnI16w5Lycf0/s1600-h/shiny2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCRlKruDqq_cc8fPZ4FZyqySAMdkqJbgQMs0i0W9uZutvgu32VaVQsABcbnE2x33CYRl-DFoE9LDv3la4UislOAV80wcRrKoWqdVw8e9qUP9GzT1cM6ogYKiUo-kt-DDj-EnI16w5Lycf0/s400/shiny2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310545658456558146" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />The unveiling is coming soon...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"I learned the value of hard work by working hard." ~Margaret M. Fitzpatrick<br /><br /><br /></span></div><br /><br /><a href="http://minifish-restoration.blogspot.com/2009/03/bow-handle.html">Next ></a>Minfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18007245025810778531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5968318694565336664.post-45286221819810241852009-02-25T16:21:00.013-06:002010-05-04T16:41:47.555-05:00Smoothing the new finishWell, I'm quite tired. I can barely make a fist. My forearms burn with every letter I type so I probably won't be too wordy.<br />All day I have been sanding and I'm about 3/4's done with smoothing things out. Boy am I beat. And I'm not doing the majority of the work either!<br />Meet the work horse:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIa8EL9M0k6fK8xqRR4DNViyzI_JyNNjFmkpk8o0-hiKEOHLXNgDhngpOA0NU0PDJLshzV9Y8aGnm4JKfe5B0f_l_MlcRonjoug3Qv-jTwNPzqMSMcX8ZM1Cxd0joYQEdWoVqzbiqRLp26/s1600-h/sander.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIa8EL9M0k6fK8xqRR4DNViyzI_JyNNjFmkpk8o0-hiKEOHLXNgDhngpOA0NU0PDJLshzV9Y8aGnm4JKfe5B0f_l_MlcRonjoug3Qv-jTwNPzqMSMcX8ZM1Cxd0joYQEdWoVqzbiqRLp26/s400/sander.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306864660356892722" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />I don't know how people got on without power sanders. Wear a dust mask because that powder will make you sick.<br /><br />Anyway, after washing down the hull, I had to attack this fine mess:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVoXl3xtGXUycIJMl_KP0pAcOQtnt5qM4080CL4VDGyqPgM43xRWjtzxBWFNPMs2s0noVEwcIoqsVNiH7jy7L7e7lgJFtUkFdxXQN1ipXdamGHPhTDqJKC6C7cWmAhXWJir_zF4kKLaXJZ/s1600-h/nsmooth.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVoXl3xtGXUycIJMl_KP0pAcOQtnt5qM4080CL4VDGyqPgM43xRWjtzxBWFNPMs2s0noVEwcIoqsVNiH7jy7L7e7lgJFtUkFdxXQN1ipXdamGHPhTDqJKC6C7cWmAhXWJir_zF4kKLaXJZ/s400/nsmooth.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306865058564079762" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />That was gel coat damage that didn't reach the fiberglass. I had routed out the cracks with a Dremel then filled with gel coat. All of the excess had to be taken away. It's simple, dull work but it has to be done. Sand away until things are flush.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHTStik-Ibvtb5dbWRAcBc60aUEPa-dUqRH2ni7-r2QhpTCW0S2Q8Y9Bi97idrxl_ajcu4Oc1IGzKp2_5PT352v9LJRVFgwpidE5utOvSnvItqmc-T6nNYQbR4g-gM4GkCqVNj1vm-KXV7/s1600-h/smooth.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 175px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHTStik-Ibvtb5dbWRAcBc60aUEPa-dUqRH2ni7-r2QhpTCW0S2Q8Y9Bi97idrxl_ajcu4Oc1IGzKp2_5PT352v9LJRVFgwpidE5utOvSnvItqmc-T6nNYQbR4g-gM4GkCqVNj1vm-KXV7/s400/smooth.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306865293025752018" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />After a while, the new color will fade and blend in with the old and this should be hardly noticeable.<br /><br /><br />Now, let me show you how the bow is doing.<br /><br /><br />This is before gel coat:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-5D7ZaLiXLRx1LGfMqz4sByu4Wf2lZzgH6t0oPMtL6VvRyN_DrRcpt2uTiB4RHL3r3FfDdCcOQJRFpXdPEWobhRxy83pE41Cul1uldIvd_JEJUF1tGtwDYKP8xUVtuw3UnvbU9dQ1val/s1600-h/bbow.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 222px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-5D7ZaLiXLRx1LGfMqz4sByu4Wf2lZzgH6t0oPMtL6VvRyN_DrRcpt2uTiB4RHL3r3FfDdCcOQJRFpXdPEWobhRxy83pE41Cul1uldIvd_JEJUF1tGtwDYKP8xUVtuw3UnvbU9dQ1val/s400/bbow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306865761781307346" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This is after:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCR-VUTnMscMGa3IdPE-_4vL9uwE0hbFRSlseYvJzvUhknG7BGAWrDY2DIzylaBgYC9AfEZjhFLxZfgFkM7eXD9pHqPrVevOZzjfFaBtVAqQ9bSiQxqaME60p6BYo4w_D5SqFZf0SxS36/s1600-h/abow.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 340px; height: 287px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCR-VUTnMscMGa3IdPE-_4vL9uwE0hbFRSlseYvJzvUhknG7BGAWrDY2DIzylaBgYC9AfEZjhFLxZfgFkM7eXD9pHqPrVevOZzjfFaBtVAqQ9bSiQxqaME60p6BYo4w_D5SqFZf0SxS36/s400/abow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306865909239012898" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Much better, huh? She no longer looks like that annoying ugly bucktoothed kid that chased you around at recess wanting a kiss.<br /><br /><br />Things are blending well. I'll finish with this task then move on to making that finish sparkle by wet sanding. Somewhere in there I'll fix the bow handle. So, the plan is, aside from a "how to" on the bow handle, there won't be another update until I unveil her sparkling shiny reborn self with her sail up and ready to take off across the water.<br /><br />Until then, these are pictures of places which had been damaged. Can you spot the repair?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG96ivHu-Q8_zKNTvFB-YSXNIfTqGFgm9hj5gIz28vh2j6l5bmAJJ9_TTmGULwKCR0hQtN28AHjKP0ZqyZejN-VEeOngfv1z-4rFaMeX85vtWJ9snUKX4j3tkyXk3TSVEj7s_yLD4Xfi97/s1600-h/repair1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 187px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG96ivHu-Q8_zKNTvFB-YSXNIfTqGFgm9hj5gIz28vh2j6l5bmAJJ9_TTmGULwKCR0hQtN28AHjKP0ZqyZejN-VEeOngfv1z-4rFaMeX85vtWJ9snUKX4j3tkyXk3TSVEj7s_yLD4Xfi97/s400/repair1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306866894339318610" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Could you see it? How about this one:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBiBWJ7SZ0d4lGaH6yQNFNQt7-W_AAArL-k2LiLR6-w4E04KPFtOraflvZRzbIqAUNF8FGj9CKD65c43orkqkHVch3AZUj1w5rA9wwhIhkX5bCkzrc6gDTsR-UWEsGaPwLoTcpvOBp1DX1/s1600-h/repair2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 161px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBiBWJ7SZ0d4lGaH6yQNFNQt7-W_AAArL-k2LiLR6-w4E04KPFtOraflvZRzbIqAUNF8FGj9CKD65c43orkqkHVch3AZUj1w5rA9wwhIhkX5bCkzrc6gDTsR-UWEsGaPwLoTcpvOBp1DX1/s400/repair2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306867066468932882" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Any luck?<br /><br /><br />What about these-<br /><br /><br />There was a big gaping hole here. Would you have noticed?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qkv4z8YDk_nqkgnS3ZzGEf3RGWM65vhchwWVEh_g-E8tM2BC2hGdrhjLbK9syQLoDixrdwaP1x4iagHKmvGNORy_wLI2kEB4L1xJa2nUCXaXyXZIwAhEbrr-Xokl6HAm2GljCxbBYGNV/s1600-h/patch1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 228px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qkv4z8YDk_nqkgnS3ZzGEf3RGWM65vhchwWVEh_g-E8tM2BC2hGdrhjLbK9syQLoDixrdwaP1x4iagHKmvGNORy_wLI2kEB4L1xJa2nUCXaXyXZIwAhEbrr-Xokl6HAm2GljCxbBYGNV/s400/patch1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306867361591882130" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />How about this one? Aside from the color mismatch, would this previous hole have jumped out at you?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_8RfLSw8dtu8moGNn9V5_LOVFB06RUBMI2BmfcCv2BFECzL1SM2u-ki2ferF1KaG8xnphB-9YREMGmCpyfpcFqZ_Sm7aNp2PqcgZqk1MD4D94Qd_SPyl7OFMkUcFUVa2xGM93gmpCy-ng/s1600-h/patch2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 215px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_8RfLSw8dtu8moGNn9V5_LOVFB06RUBMI2BmfcCv2BFECzL1SM2u-ki2ferF1KaG8xnphB-9YREMGmCpyfpcFqZ_Sm7aNp2PqcgZqk1MD4D94Qd_SPyl7OFMkUcFUVa2xGM93gmpCy-ng/s400/patch2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306867710942929218" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I've got some work to do. I'll see ya again when my bow handle gets here.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"We shall neither fail nor falter; we shall not weaken or tire...give us the tools and we will finish the job." ~Winston Churchill<br /><br /></span></div><br /><br /><a href="http://minifish-restoration.blogspot.com/2009/03/i-spy-something-shiny.html">Next ></a>Minfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18007245025810778531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5968318694565336664.post-4411170054102572472009-02-24T15:39:00.008-06:002010-05-04T17:03:15.899-05:00Gather 'round.Please regard these next few pictures carefully for they hold historic value. These are the last pictures that will be taken of the damaged boat:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMevEXBNuaVhskM8wn_L3rQx-LAe2Kmrb4ojF31TBIr5F9ln82-spDuAuMRY5Gbrhoex3ruqV0ml8wVhzBxkhlGdxgeXg9J5ifD00I8AxPWlzl9X9GoRodcPFE4DhhdkQRmr5j7mYGD46Z/s1600-h/ddamage1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMevEXBNuaVhskM8wn_L3rQx-LAe2Kmrb4ojF31TBIr5F9ln82-spDuAuMRY5Gbrhoex3ruqV0ml8wVhzBxkhlGdxgeXg9J5ifD00I8AxPWlzl9X9GoRodcPFE4DhhdkQRmr5j7mYGD46Z/s400/ddamage1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306482990871417538" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUiHJhU43vYud9GRxCDpkxbXdI5esYMsC9_j16qqiD-vQsmdRdVbpAk9rZU9c7bSe8LRi7E9v72EtQ8Dmusq4vamaTVU6NfvU75G6a6WYyOFSuurgJDYTNI41ZT5P3xtL11ZKwB5BHmNcU/s1600-h/ddamage4.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUiHJhU43vYud9GRxCDpkxbXdI5esYMsC9_j16qqiD-vQsmdRdVbpAk9rZU9c7bSe8LRi7E9v72EtQ8Dmusq4vamaTVU6NfvU75G6a6WYyOFSuurgJDYTNI41ZT5P3xtL11ZKwB5BHmNcU/s400/ddamage4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306483002451208066" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQJamHLR5vXJWCxyRh-VnILqcOVJJ07J4oPtFFJ-vC8AL-w8V9Z2lacZNiiFFQDZvYPvUN_CzSJqkYsgqDhl95Ha9VXskLrm5LWHgNIaKakTATlOFA0yH-skmQHecBWdQ0H3V-oq8mqFW/s1600-h/ddamage3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQJamHLR5vXJWCxyRh-VnILqcOVJJ07J4oPtFFJ-vC8AL-w8V9Z2lacZNiiFFQDZvYPvUN_CzSJqkYsgqDhl95Ha9VXskLrm5LWHgNIaKakTATlOFA0yH-skmQHecBWdQ0H3V-oq8mqFW/s400/ddamage3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306482998514344706" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_SjAv_SwZwrgQkQwam1R5rh_5xadYtxclZR7OQjnf2-_k1w6fhHihxb2hTnl4Qjx_HjldUBpxIzuvg6BgbfORIVoFq1jFBHfl2eZe3e3-ASfHbHLtLa24fvyr0mbDfDnBpywXI-mSTFi/s1600-h/ddamage2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_SjAv_SwZwrgQkQwam1R5rh_5xadYtxclZR7OQjnf2-_k1w6fhHihxb2hTnl4Qjx_HjldUBpxIzuvg6BgbfORIVoFq1jFBHfl2eZe3e3-ASfHbHLtLa24fvyr0mbDfDnBpywXI-mSTFi/s400/ddamage2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306482994186345106" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0foggKoc5dKh-9DkRGZ6jQvSCbTs3rAe3_9fIAa5lwbzKYA5f9_1qI90D5c1qrqiUf0SZc4Sa0WsJD26dT-ZJZNm5I2qh5-k-2HjxiB5figEhz1EpucTexIzWutNNs_P2J7qX6RGMg8qs/s1600-h/ddamage6.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0foggKoc5dKh-9DkRGZ6jQvSCbTs3rAe3_9fIAa5lwbzKYA5f9_1qI90D5c1qrqiUf0SZc4Sa0WsJD26dT-ZJZNm5I2qh5-k-2HjxiB5figEhz1EpucTexIzWutNNs_P2J7qX6RGMg8qs/s400/ddamage6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306483005679224002" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6u0AtW2QCcH6dCj7uHdBJiXlUzhaZT-v7mxD-SwVJ4oWfGTSWHLrp1408Xnjh1ZSIq7ofuH9j18yfQ4PBvAxkDftMSaoJchBfJ7GrmR3VSW4v8v_WtSezYcrAszISGwTJPi7T1LoGJTE/s1600-h/ddamage5.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6u0AtW2QCcH6dCj7uHdBJiXlUzhaZT-v7mxD-SwVJ4oWfGTSWHLrp1408Xnjh1ZSIq7ofuH9j18yfQ4PBvAxkDftMSaoJchBfJ7GrmR3VSW4v8v_WtSezYcrAszISGwTJPi7T1LoGJTE/s400/ddamage5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306483340600687602" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Because all of that damage is tucked away under brand spanking new smelly gel coat!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY8o04LGyJdHmizFoXlOAwI0OVfs4ADjGrqBquZf6APRBxjvL5SUjEvkorEM-DzABnDbT1YnOu5sKF7lR_cnMcoDab2umEweSCyryChBj9XutscSNmeDaOaKeJRv_k8hhYBtD0bWF9Tp9z/s1600-h/1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY8o04LGyJdHmizFoXlOAwI0OVfs4ADjGrqBquZf6APRBxjvL5SUjEvkorEM-DzABnDbT1YnOu5sKF7lR_cnMcoDab2umEweSCyryChBj9XutscSNmeDaOaKeJRv_k8hhYBtD0bWF9Tp9z/s400/1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306484440044904082" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjye0vDRumpjdeeOdAs_e3UaRQ925bap3r4GShNiY0rpqq7qyN-4z7dIEkOIbGkG8l-WseujnPb823S6xjDwbbrhRjkgHb0HtB8hcse6E0GVS5KjgB8J_bA3W9206nVb3ao7NF6YkH7lkVw/s1600-h/2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjye0vDRumpjdeeOdAs_e3UaRQ925bap3r4GShNiY0rpqq7qyN-4z7dIEkOIbGkG8l-WseujnPb823S6xjDwbbrhRjkgHb0HtB8hcse6E0GVS5KjgB8J_bA3W9206nVb3ao7NF6YkH7lkVw/s400/2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306484438396865890" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Lets give this boat a round of applause folks. This is quite a milestone. She's been sitting so patiently waiting for this day, never yelling at me, never asking if I really knew what I was doing, just quietly appreciating that someone was taking the time. If she could, she'd crack open a bottle of wine in celebration of this victorious day.<br />But she can't so I guess I'll have to. <br />Muwha! <---rich snobby person chuckle<br /><br /><br /><br />Okay, back to business. There's a bunch of sanding to be done. A. Bunch. I will have arms of steal after this.<br />Still, I'll get that surface as smooth as pudding, finish removing that one wood grain sticker, decide on stripes ( to update her and add some pizazz), and fix the bow handle. Then, we're going sailing, woot!<br /><br /><br /><br />I do believe I caught the ol' gal smiling...<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQtYdTfS8xqKWDCLBnJvNtxTEpC-DkWrd42pBAG_FNsE_S7uUeVMdHdZvO_TbKci9uFhXpHKCPNOKiZd1u74pE8mC64TF8uufMTEPQVgbIo5f-o1DZFtd_LY66Eb8oKYGZUgysjYsbzSml/s1600-h/3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQtYdTfS8xqKWDCLBnJvNtxTEpC-DkWrd42pBAG_FNsE_S7uUeVMdHdZvO_TbKci9uFhXpHKCPNOKiZd1u74pE8mC64TF8uufMTEPQVgbIo5f-o1DZFtd_LY66Eb8oKYGZUgysjYsbzSml/s400/3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306484442123889490" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"When you do nothing, you feel overwhelmed and powerless. But when you get involved, you feel the sense of hope and accomplishment that comes from knowing you are working to make things better." ~Anonymous</span><br /></div><br /><br /><a href="http://minifish-restoration.blogspot.com/2009/02/smoothing-new-finish.html">Next ></a>Minfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18007245025810778531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5968318694565336664.post-67642830443928791472009-02-22T18:10:00.021-06:002013-01-24T08:36:31.442-06:00Inspection portsNow that I've spent countless hours repairing holes in my boat, I decided today that I had grown tired of a sound boat and that I needed to put some holes in it.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">You what?</span><br />
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Meh, I was bored.<br />
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I also need to be able to repair the bow handle. And, because of <a href="http://minifish-restoration.blogspot.com/2009/02/meet-dolly.html">"Dolly"</a>, I should have a way to keep tabs on the rudder mount. And the rudder mount may need attention simply from wear and tear anyway. Then, I'd also like a place to put my ID, keys, cell phone, and maybe a drink.<br />
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So, a few weeks ago, I emailed <a href="http://www.apsltd.com/Home.asp">Annapolis Performance Sailing </a>and said, "Hey, I noticed you sell <a href="http://www.apsltd.com/c-4514-vikinginspectionportsandbags.aspx">inspection ports and cat bags</a>."<br />
They said, "Why yes we do."<br />
I said, "Well send me a few of them there things. Oh, and I'd like that there cat bag too."<br />
They said "Sure! No problem!"<br />
I asked, "Is a cat included in the cat bag?"<br />
They said, "Nope."<br />
Shucks. Well, I ordered things anyway and within a week, a UPS truck showed up.<br />
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Mine are the 5" variety. 4" is generally recommended on the bow but I can't stand not having room to work. So mine are 5", white, and the lids screw on. The inside of the boat isn't really pretty so I didn't want clear lids.<br />
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Anyway, while it's too cold to mess with gel coat on the deck like I wanted, it wasn't too cold for handy dandy 60 year old jig saw to come out and play.<br />
I taped the underside so it wouldn't scratch up my less than perfect finish. He's old, but he's still fierce!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2iNTQBS4DLBhgin2tstkE3I2pr5UHmkiDmQKw-vUjslyhd7N_exsPBzBli-nyDrwboB00VHlkDW8SnBW5bHqpfg_iu9EY_zkc7gF5TDzCgYagGGPkmVNJiLpSUO85XijRyzjS8DSUISrE/s1600-h/jig.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305783141539297234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2iNTQBS4DLBhgin2tstkE3I2pr5UHmkiDmQKw-vUjslyhd7N_exsPBzBli-nyDrwboB00VHlkDW8SnBW5bHqpfg_iu9EY_zkc7gF5TDzCgYagGGPkmVNJiLpSUO85XijRyzjS8DSUISrE/s400/jig.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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I've seen instructions saying to whip out your compass and draw a circle, but I'm not nerdy enough to own a compass. *snort*<br />
So I obsessed a little over whether or not the port was centered, then used a pencil to trace the outside. When done with that, I used a drill to put a hole in where I would start with the jig saw.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0opwjHfcneK9Qb2Flk97oy9a4b3_jLTfbrcad2Nf5WnjM8-hZShljLWre8n38sZedjtgcIpQVvmE5VkcKhPEAkCd_03q-Cxng4ulTTYx9heFWiZMhYoRtxaw49pmqfA0cHjNUh1DIFI6/s1600-h/dhole.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305783795743773282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0opwjHfcneK9Qb2Flk97oy9a4b3_jLTfbrcad2Nf5WnjM8-hZShljLWre8n38sZedjtgcIpQVvmE5VkcKhPEAkCd_03q-Cxng4ulTTYx9heFWiZMhYoRtxaw49pmqfA0cHjNUh1DIFI6/s400/dhole.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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Once you've sawed a circle, pull the jig saw and sit down while your heart pitter patters over what you've just done. If you develop chest pain, go to the ER.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDNaloF_RfJ6u5pbGTa9VdvAmy2MEVIiBFSbOxHEQvQ3HHlxa-TU8S-eE_Uk9AwaVTHvMFHDaja0-lPUXnjDGnojiAJH7tDkzf2Wo9qPGLBbLipcaPkd3hEgcXFtNpSSrOd2teBUlzOOX/s1600-h/chole.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305784659627320562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDNaloF_RfJ6u5pbGTa9VdvAmy2MEVIiBFSbOxHEQvQ3HHlxa-TU8S-eE_Uk9AwaVTHvMFHDaja0-lPUXnjDGnojiAJH7tDkzf2Wo9qPGLBbLipcaPkd3hEgcXFtNpSSrOd2teBUlzOOX/s400/chole.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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Once recovered, take a screw driver and start working that circle off. There's foam attached to it underneath and it doesn't want to let it go. So be gentle.<br />
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Here's what I found when it popped off.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgReUj1bHzxU5RuurtKOokiVJWKYIea9sjhHTn8qZ9kzsf4aM9uVmcccZEQnslzrOSVBx7owIxMcuFs-uB_P22FFP4Z5wjSxT7hD1xfC9XLLb59ygifBT_MwUWwg4YvMhNqr99ZvCHuqHo_/s1600-h/foam.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305784955717092978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgReUj1bHzxU5RuurtKOokiVJWKYIea9sjhHTn8qZ9kzsf4aM9uVmcccZEQnslzrOSVBx7owIxMcuFs-uB_P22FFP4Z5wjSxT7hD1xfC9XLLb59ygifBT_MwUWwg4YvMhNqr99ZvCHuqHo_/s400/foam.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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The yellow foam is the "glue". The white foam are the "blocks". And boy have they loaded up this hull with foam!<br />
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Now, here is one important reason to install these ports. The foam blocks do very well floating in liquid water. However, vapor can penetrate it and it becomes water logged. So, for simple preventive maintenance for your foam blocks, you can uncork these ports and let them dry out. This isn't a problem with boats which don't leak. However, this one is over 30 years old (1974 judging by it's hull number) and so it may have some spots like in the hull joint which haven't made themselves known.<br />
These foam blocks are a major pain to replace so it's easier to have a way to allow them to dry.<br />
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Where was I...<br />
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Ah yes, so you peer into the hole and find foam in your way. You have to dig it out. I used a combination Dremel and knife. I want to leave as much foam as possible so up in the bow, I only removed what would get in my way for the handle repair.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiM9YxwP3oblQOV5_TnxoZeKF7an8HIKfADCrpbewRGCbEAFtk9S70Wj2pbKFH-YechO0raldcwDbJeuslEVxQcmMkczOE405P6-SlZAhzC8QfeD7DISC6j-_g7gh7kXc3zkuaEPeSGDd7/s1600-h/foam2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305786469412181522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiM9YxwP3oblQOV5_TnxoZeKF7an8HIKfADCrpbewRGCbEAFtk9S70Wj2pbKFH-YechO0raldcwDbJeuslEVxQcmMkczOE405P6-SlZAhzC8QfeD7DISC6j-_g7gh7kXc3zkuaEPeSGDd7/s400/foam2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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Now this is exciting stuff. I've searched the internet far and wide and nobody has really documented where the blocks are on the Minifish. They have on the Sunfish, but not its smaller sister. So, for those wondering and appreciative of my bravery, here is where the block stops in the bow...<br />
First a picture to orient you from the hole and the bow:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPE3yKxUKNf1GHB9aogdsRpak3qX7d5prDaAASNb6QaWCAy-o4ls1t47TR7-ti8Kil1mZolh-lFIdf-IE4iWvQ3XNQjf1l9yr_wyRs8uUzI-5bHSWbRyo9JPbzBJxj9D3lWAflgzzXvVc/s1600-h/bow1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305786980228091682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPE3yKxUKNf1GHB9aogdsRpak3qX7d5prDaAASNb6QaWCAy-o4ls1t47TR7-ti8Kil1mZolh-lFIdf-IE4iWvQ3XNQjf1l9yr_wyRs8uUzI-5bHSWbRyo9JPbzBJxj9D3lWAflgzzXvVc/s400/bow1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
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The red line is where the block stopped...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizD1I0QUDwm7-TIov7Ri8hQQ466m0uC747ARfs2K9BFHAzVtz14LlljwBHBmJwK5MUhQh5StcivlSZ-WU19c0w88RpASMC1DONF4TRzTMMevngtrwhsVHLBojE_JzPr-onTgM8LGHqUZTs/s1600-h/bow2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305787638605947970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizD1I0QUDwm7-TIov7Ri8hQQ466m0uC747ARfs2K9BFHAzVtz14LlljwBHBmJwK5MUhQh5StcivlSZ-WU19c0w88RpASMC1DONF4TRzTMMevngtrwhsVHLBojE_JzPr-onTgM8LGHqUZTs/s400/bow2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
...which is about here when you look at the boat from the outside:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOjwRQGUINNhE0qN9Bg7ZZE49_I5jZma71BXIcnKtTRrDjgBi7Wbtmh_s5u2rNCVFjUa30gzUxSSPst9xw2yakp0Sgnm_XkK7QfyF49U6BKC9uA1hWfKGOVWSFSAS7-Ucra65V_jmzEoJ5/s1600-h/bow3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305787870495801314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOjwRQGUINNhE0qN9Bg7ZZE49_I5jZma71BXIcnKtTRrDjgBi7Wbtmh_s5u2rNCVFjUa30gzUxSSPst9xw2yakp0Sgnm_XkK7QfyF49U6BKC9uA1hWfKGOVWSFSAS7-Ucra65V_jmzEoJ5/s400/bow3.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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I could have moved the hole further up, but I don't have the handle and needed to leave enough room.<br />
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For curiosity's sake, here's a look up into the bow:<br />
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<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8QJfPcSGb6OEcle6DZ98bmWXHoMvf8eAhtDAjsTgUrfurXSSW6vP0g9nBYoYpyW5XkGNMj0rQ0n68n4m1R4kkYQ26gWPHys4q37ZwTIshasvx6ylEv7zj3bdaH0qXni3LCCWezOglUX5i/s1600-h/bow4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305788136542016514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8QJfPcSGb6OEcle6DZ98bmWXHoMvf8eAhtDAjsTgUrfurXSSW6vP0g9nBYoYpyW5XkGNMj0rQ0n68n4m1R4kkYQ26gWPHys4q37ZwTIshasvx6ylEv7zj3bdaH0qXni3LCCWezOglUX5i/s400/bow4.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 400px; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
I took my trusty shop vac and vacuumed out those pieces of foam. Minifish wouldn't want parts left laying all over so it was the right thing to do.<br />
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The next step is to test fit the port. It's easier to enlarge a hole than to shrink it. Slow and steady wins this race.<br />
I got a lovely fit.<br />
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<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCwvKNpjSJnxsbO2037TJy22cTEHgJneqmm2DorFkDP2H6oWtpNCWGL4QZCB__1_KuBSiK69cws6Bm6KhcA0tuVL2zvVZiu3L9fsGRDQVhE35uqWgWMdB7zr1wGWgLyxJo6PTxe3KuCS-k/s1600-h/port1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305789482085389522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCwvKNpjSJnxsbO2037TJy22cTEHgJneqmm2DorFkDP2H6oWtpNCWGL4QZCB__1_KuBSiK69cws6Bm6KhcA0tuVL2zvVZiu3L9fsGRDQVhE35uqWgWMdB7zr1wGWgLyxJo6PTxe3KuCS-k/s400/port1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
I'll wait to seal this one until after I've fixed the handle, but here it is with the lid on:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9XPelzo6xcnFPGgRTcTcvRX3vMXvTy6rQX4JYe9T2sNOi-x1T1-yJz1nl844K7WCfKqf9xUlSOFBouBP6BVQDBeAFSJ14GWJpIOFC6ixeggkZ2fjm-x-dHc8ra7_2yZX8M3hJ_qN1OV1K/s1600-h/lidb2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305789820558849906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9XPelzo6xcnFPGgRTcTcvRX3vMXvTy6rQX4JYe9T2sNOi-x1T1-yJz1nl844K7WCfKqf9xUlSOFBouBP6BVQDBeAFSJ14GWJpIOFC6ixeggkZ2fjm-x-dHc8ra7_2yZX8M3hJ_qN1OV1K/s400/lidb2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 400px; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAz1ohrY8M8bCTN3J5VXTf7bpnVGs1Xbs6BLGyM4iKH5tcJxpBqjUwKXTcNTim2cILt6k5Dvsu6R83ZZEsuYi-V1vOEcLlen-Q7f-qE04-VaerVofWubCE6whi9_Jrpe8T76A5EwqLb2EV/s1600-h/lidb1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305789817067487170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAz1ohrY8M8bCTN3J5VXTf7bpnVGs1Xbs6BLGyM4iKH5tcJxpBqjUwKXTcNTim2cILt6k5Dvsu6R83ZZEsuYi-V1vOEcLlen-Q7f-qE04-VaerVofWubCE6whi9_Jrpe8T76A5EwqLb2EV/s400/lidb1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Wow, deck ports! Just like a big boat!<br />
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<br />
Okay, so I was done with the fore port. It was time to cut the aft port (vocabulary practice again). This is where my belongings will be stowed away.<br />
So again, same thing. Trace, cut, rest and avoid a panic attack, dig out the foam and here you go...the inside of the rudder mount looking nice and strong and ready for action:<br />
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<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29O7wz2vNQdYPl1DN2PTZTdydukqqwQy2MyDtvK4pN_Vmo5XlVJq5LOt88NhiP9wff_3EVBi7M2pqLX9SwFxudgeGQd0a8F1MCaobCf_Rvxoghbfnp6K3NsalFuSgUSWYHnUgvT67fTRN/s1600-h/rudderm.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305790926165840450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29O7wz2vNQdYPl1DN2PTZTdydukqqwQy2MyDtvK4pN_Vmo5XlVJq5LOt88NhiP9wff_3EVBi7M2pqLX9SwFxudgeGQd0a8F1MCaobCf_Rvxoghbfnp6K3NsalFuSgUSWYHnUgvT67fTRN/s400/rudderm.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Drawings on a sunfish would show you that a block does not go all the way to the stern. In fact, a 5" port would fit without digging through a block (again, by drawings I've seen). On a Minifish, it extends to merely an inch or so from the stern.<br />
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<br />
Not knowing how thick things were, I waited until I had seen the inside before getting screws. I ended up purchasing 1" long screws with tapered heads. You could get away with shorter however, I found the length was easy to work with when threading a nut.<br />
<br />
I fitted the port down into the hole and drilled one hole using the port as the guide for where the holes would be. I drilled one hole at a time and dropped a screw in to hold it in place so all the holes would line up.<br />
<br />
Now it's time to seal things up and for good. You'll need marine caulk or equivalent to seal the port.<br />
<br />
Here's an illustration of what you want:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ547Xhl-Jx6UoRZ08wrsOlCUxJ6kXfTD9dp-gvWEwsN56JZvtgKVIikxd9G1yddfizYsjcnyfqwVCfQjqfpuPXu88OY4Tpt4YP8kcbAK_r06QslfVKn-OGE3fGV8-ClVk_JCj7QNPtrMX/s1600-h/layers.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305796950395856898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ547Xhl-Jx6UoRZ08wrsOlCUxJ6kXfTD9dp-gvWEwsN56JZvtgKVIikxd9G1yddfizYsjcnyfqwVCfQjqfpuPXu88OY4Tpt4YP8kcbAK_r06QslfVKn-OGE3fGV8-ClVk_JCj7QNPtrMX/s400/layers.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 339px; width: 366px;" /></a><br />
<br />
I ran a bead around the bottom of the port where it meets the deck. I slipped it in and gave the port a 1/4 of a turn to make sure things were sealed. I then dabbed caulk where the screws go and tightened things down. I used a similar pattern to how you tighten a wheel on a car. You tighten a screw, move to the screw opposite of it and tighten, etc. That way it goes down as evenly as possible which will help keep it sealed. Wipe away the excess using acetone and you should get this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC7yFQrRxS5ZRHZ0NMBfF1tr79ZUvF5I5wMTMTzCO37u0EnJI8a6_UWh1qFW2udFF0Mz6zFoFI9zRHyPadJXDCcsI3ygDETJm_pA3wQ2cqBQVW_iKcRgo-jroFcE2zuuTA8vbfAQdpCRUF/s1600-h/aftport.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305797166519691490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC7yFQrRxS5ZRHZ0NMBfF1tr79ZUvF5I5wMTMTzCO37u0EnJI8a6_UWh1qFW2udFF0Mz6zFoFI9zRHyPadJXDCcsI3ygDETJm_pA3wQ2cqBQVW_iKcRgo-jroFcE2zuuTA8vbfAQdpCRUF/s400/aftport.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Good seal:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZGnPEdB36F9hXoqM9Q2TFdNe8bLhUjOuhg-TGeHXs7-2W2nGnndzCJH4HpkTKmtjiVONzSgnatTAsydaUs9-XO-hVpqsiVS8fa8khOdxYtRGKL1AcInUiErwyqh3-uJzVkDFE13ugHv9/s1600-h/seal.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305797357824566610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZGnPEdB36F9hXoqM9Q2TFdNe8bLhUjOuhg-TGeHXs7-2W2nGnndzCJH4HpkTKmtjiVONzSgnatTAsydaUs9-XO-hVpqsiVS8fa8khOdxYtRGKL1AcInUiErwyqh3-uJzVkDFE13ugHv9/s400/seal.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So, When things are cured, drop in the cat bag minus the cat:<br />
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<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocPmvWyWEIgrZaaW2sPjaVVL4-46Zp3YwqC4b9jq3TkrQwKjJ-CIlBXRhyphenhyphen1SdkG32mhlTyoa-6gUTfA6PUk9fLRC2-RDEsx_pietrb38w0zaK1BbHhzrb9vBQiqYftMvB9tVZj89FEcPG/s1600-h/catbag.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305797649536317538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocPmvWyWEIgrZaaW2sPjaVVL4-46Zp3YwqC4b9jq3TkrQwKjJ-CIlBXRhyphenhyphen1SdkG32mhlTyoa-6gUTfA6PUk9fLRC2-RDEsx_pietrb38w0zaK1BbHhzrb9vBQiqYftMvB9tVZj89FEcPG/s400/catbag.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<br />
<br />
Then screw on the lid:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-Y9cTswNwomfu59hXLCsTMHiOVTNd_SDsxBB1kfC7BfLN34dbVYbbZ6IUEW5lBRYLiepgMMZKbdNKQt3SYKdr34Xrb5tdg2k6icSQifB48iuXBB293q8LSnCI9uvCFFBwKZF4XFCKtc8/s1600-h/aftport2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305797817033931554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-Y9cTswNwomfu59hXLCsTMHiOVTNd_SDsxBB1kfC7BfLN34dbVYbbZ6IUEW5lBRYLiepgMMZKbdNKQt3SYKdr34Xrb5tdg2k6icSQifB48iuXBB293q8LSnCI9uvCFFBwKZF4XFCKtc8/s400/aftport2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<br />
<br />
And your boat will keep your things with you even in a capsize.<br />
<br />
Note: Not all catbags are waterproof so ye be warned.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-style: italic;">"There's no thrill in easy sailing when the skies are clear and blue, there's no joy in merely doing things which any one can do. But there is some satisfaction that is mighty sweet to take, when you reach a destination that you never thought you'd make." ~Anonymous</span></div>
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<a href="http://minifish-restoration.blogspot.com/2009/02/gather-round.html">Next ></a>Minfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18007245025810778531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5968318694565336664.post-881792100920230332009-02-22T17:51:00.008-06:002009-02-22T19:49:21.828-06:00Meet "Dolly"."Dolly" has graciously volunteered to help me move my boat around after having built her myself. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMNUbRtt_cCMsWo7c2JmA362HiDnfa5iMFRQ0K3fJ59kUG03kUyB8GIS4IJ1jTqCGZhTWH2rjKMsfbw2UHUQ1Gpyhq21qVWcxvJuz-d1lzUUYfd4WEyOoVU0Ko0gIAOcH9lYSojM74RE4/s1600-h/dolly3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMNUbRtt_cCMsWo7c2JmA362HiDnfa5iMFRQ0K3fJ59kUG03kUyB8GIS4IJ1jTqCGZhTWH2rjKMsfbw2UHUQ1Gpyhq21qVWcxvJuz-d1lzUUYfd4WEyOoVU0Ko0gIAOcH9lYSojM74RE4/s400/dolly3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305775635505366242" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I simply lift by the handle of the bow and off we go with "Dolly" faithfully holding the other end. This should help me get the boat from the truck to the beach by myself. What a helpful little thing. Don't laugh at my booger welds for this was my very first welding project and it would hurt "Dolly's" feelings. <br /><br />The axle:<br />The axle is homemade. At the end of the tube are bolts which are welded in place with washers. The tires and wheels came from Tractor supply and have bearings already installed. It's nothing special and works for low speed. I wouldn't dare trailer on this.<br /><br />The mount:<br />Today, I finally got around to welding in the spacer and mount so I could finally move my boat around without another pair of hands.<br /><br />I'll be repainting the bare parts shortly in that nice lovely shade of red by Rustoleum that you see on the rest of it. The black pipe serves as a spacer to support the rudder mount.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vR76uo0wHIVQqWhmMDL_CfTlsve885-tFQiVHlQpVHiVt7hUX8fPEApPdzWXvn1Np36R3KS9C9PpLRboTVQQuoMJchV7TapTNlhp_bB3so2n7736wQm47wlvPbQMCjUvR1UyMvN2I0fR/s1600-h/dolly1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vR76uo0wHIVQqWhmMDL_CfTlsve885-tFQiVHlQpVHiVt7hUX8fPEApPdzWXvn1Np36R3KS9C9PpLRboTVQQuoMJchV7TapTNlhp_bB3so2n7736wQm47wlvPbQMCjUvR1UyMvN2I0fR/s400/dolly1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305775454651425250" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbQdJUWzvJu8gmtHqJv-ws8ZIO6vjpCg-yi-_M7HHVOnWT9edIMx6_JXy61f5WqXTaouDgd9XoLnSavpQZec9WEeidnJm722ugSrk9RnDuMVP4SYI1PrVg_jtYa5pkgqMWwhA-_93GWRx/s1600-h/dolly2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbQdJUWzvJu8gmtHqJv-ws8ZIO6vjpCg-yi-_M7HHVOnWT9edIMx6_JXy61f5WqXTaouDgd9XoLnSavpQZec9WEeidnJm722ugSrk9RnDuMVP4SYI1PrVg_jtYa5pkgqMWwhA-_93GWRx/s400/dolly2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305777647940442626" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />And then the washers are used to keep things perfectly aligned for the bolt the same size as the rudder's.<br />The carpet is an out door carpet from Home Depot. Well see how everything works. It did just fine moving it around in the back yard this afternoon for today's tasks.<br /><br />Coming next: <a href="http://minifish-restoration.blogspot.com/search/label/Step%209-installing%20inspection%20ports">inspection port installation</a>!Minfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18007245025810778531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5968318694565336664.post-61854431123351458642009-02-20T17:03:00.022-06:002010-05-04T16:38:26.833-05:00ProgressWell, well, well...a sunny glorious day in the seventies and I had to remove myself from the couch, stretch, and shield my eyes from the sun. The day was golden, just perfect for applying gel-paste.<br />So I readied my supplies:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgslemL0XMP9x-V2IOdhxuMfRbASTFB3vhR_5e2bc_9UhFStV0lQOIVLLyAQxM8BMadnMzd1ejVrAOegX3KKZ0pOPZyBqggR2iQdh-F2OqV9cKA7pv40nkT3eGki-CU2jI202LT4MRb8vin/s1600-h/supplies.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgslemL0XMP9x-V2IOdhxuMfRbASTFB3vhR_5e2bc_9UhFStV0lQOIVLLyAQxM8BMadnMzd1ejVrAOegX3KKZ0pOPZyBqggR2iQdh-F2OqV9cKA7pv40nkT3eGki-CU2jI202LT4MRb8vin/s400/supplies.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305020785502108386" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I learned a lot of things that day (the day before yesterday). There was a mishap, which I will tell you about first. Then, certainly clean your ears, your glasses, and pay attention because I am going to advise you on a few "What <span style="font-style: italic;">NOT</span> to do" lessons that I learned.<br /><br />First, the mishap. Evercoat has this wonderful product that is called a gel-paste. It's great for filling in gouges. It was perfect for my application. However, the Evercoat can I bought was not perfect.<br />I had taken pictures of the goal for the day.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjG2ots3St1OSLtTQV-n0IBHTJ4Ok4s7m9krbBsx3s9BY19I2KndpJ5d1yGfedrdUKoORw756FaiB3_0fDmb2hh6IEcIGvs_eShedXpt9YcvO8O8mFARfmqgtqHaFgB8xAutntod_amOV/s1600-h/goal1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjG2ots3St1OSLtTQV-n0IBHTJ4Ok4s7m9krbBsx3s9BY19I2KndpJ5d1yGfedrdUKoORw756FaiB3_0fDmb2hh6IEcIGvs_eShedXpt9YcvO8O8mFARfmqgtqHaFgB8xAutntod_amOV/s400/goal1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305023836339581490" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2eyyMwqibnlEEKpo7vQmOddYvGkNiEbOPrV7wT92nFbxTlekFOcRhOajveENX4AfA3kPkGvxpvocBg2DYsav6NVlqHjEiA88fS_KKwoJgpRLEKcrrKEZLraw1wynOQ-1YuiU_I1t3MIj9/s1600-h/goal2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2eyyMwqibnlEEKpo7vQmOddYvGkNiEbOPrV7wT92nFbxTlekFOcRhOajveENX4AfA3kPkGvxpvocBg2DYsav6NVlqHjEiA88fS_KKwoJgpRLEKcrrKEZLraw1wynOQ-1YuiU_I1t3MIj9/s400/goal2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305051092349131410" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />I cut pieces of plastic and taped them so all I'd have to do is spread on the paste, place the plastic over, and I'd have a nearly invisible fiberglass patch, right?<br />Wrong.<br /><br />As I tinted the neutral product white, I became concerned that it was still see through. When I added the hardener, I noticed the product turned blue.<br />Odd because the hardener is clear. Well, I figured when it cured it would improve.<br />No dice.<br />I covered with plastic as recommended by many online sources. The plastic shrank, curled, wrinkled and ruined the finish. On top of that, the gel-paste remained a blue color and made the gouges I was filling in more visible.<br /><br />I was gutted. Completely gutted.<br /><br />I contacted Evercoat who confirmed it had gone bad. They were very nice and pleasant and say I deserve a refund.<br />This product is still a wonderful thing especially since I had gone ahead with regular gel coat and know the benefits this product gives, but heed this advice: If you need white, don't use the neutral color to start with. Find the white paste...even if you have to order it online. The coverage will be much better.<br /><br />I was so upset over this mishap that I didn't even write about it the day that it happened. My perfect finish was now ruined. I had spent hours on it before. I was mad.<br /><br />24 hours later, I had calmed down and realized it's all completely fixable. It took a few hours this morning to sand things down and retrace the cracks with my Dremel, but by noon today I was back at where I had started two days ago.<br /><br /><br />And now, here is today's feature of: <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">WHAT NOT TO DO</span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> </span><br /><br /><br />First, research what to use to cover your new fledgling gel coat. Gel coat gets along with some things, but not all. Drop sheet plastic is something gel coat really hates. So...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqdyiUEQiLZzgSaa20JbJiSgzcY7DDZIA2fD5DlSAp5rhD_IFTTRY2Vt3xjjxkU-VwDPSvpPmJKetLq_Hdmnb4kIccmhyphenhyphenDzTLaBcGXHPN2yP3rftNrNLKTsLo3Xs2dKgZF-i_l80GldjL/s1600-h/x1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqdyiUEQiLZzgSaa20JbJiSgzcY7DDZIA2fD5DlSAp5rhD_IFTTRY2Vt3xjjxkU-VwDPSvpPmJKetLq_Hdmnb4kIccmhyphenhyphenDzTLaBcGXHPN2yP3rftNrNLKTsLo3Xs2dKgZF-i_l80GldjL/s400/x1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305026212554945650" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Instead, purchase the PVA mold release which has been recommended by many a manufacture of gel coat and gel coat like products for friendly, hassle free gel coat curing.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBY5rFy1WOCGLJmixJ062_Jdt8vo6Iw9EJCNIM14pdPzYcJPNPH_4X7yty0ljYDyi70P0k2RNkdKFHLG8A1mDc9Q5TYjt_w-7_uX14WCIOloe9r7SF680IWNFCl5FI_d4aaV0zHQaUUN-D/s1600-h/check1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 190px; height: 190px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBY5rFy1WOCGLJmixJ062_Jdt8vo6Iw9EJCNIM14pdPzYcJPNPH_4X7yty0ljYDyi70P0k2RNkdKFHLG8A1mDc9Q5TYjt_w-7_uX14WCIOloe9r7SF680IWNFCl5FI_d4aaV0zHQaUUN-D/s400/check1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305028651154427602" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Another thing. Just because you saw it on TV doesn't mean you should do it. You may have missed important details. To me, it looked like a normal plastic bathroom cup. In real life, what was on TV that some strange man was using to mix gel coat, was not a plastic bathroom cup. So...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGZo2kq9gTgRaIdHQene3EwLSUY0BlNEFX2GYmKZm-rwBbZbgwpHzgCkuML7t1BoNT4eiF_fL9q8j90eB57VrApyh3oDB5U5EG-xU1tjW7TKz0oNsZ_qqMVF-kMwdgg6W9oJvfhF2NXaz/s1600-h/x2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGZo2kq9gTgRaIdHQene3EwLSUY0BlNEFX2GYmKZm-rwBbZbgwpHzgCkuML7t1BoNT4eiF_fL9q8j90eB57VrApyh3oDB5U5EG-xU1tjW7TKz0oNsZ_qqMVF-kMwdgg6W9oJvfhF2NXaz/s400/x2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305029029983792642" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Approximately 1 second after adding the hardener, the bottom of the cup fell out. It made me curse.<br /><br /><br />Okay, so that was the short "what not to do" section. Now lets get on with covering these patches and gouges.<br /><br />The gel coat I ultimately went with is made by West Marine and is a non-waxed version and in white. WHITE!!! LIKE 90% OF THE BOATS OUT THERE, WHITE!!!<br />(that's for all boat supply stores who seemed to have missed that memo-they have all colors of the rainbow except for WHITE)<br />Something important to know about gel coat made for repairs. Some contain a wax. Some don't. Those that have wax will cure on their own. The versions without wax need a barrier from air or else they will remain tacky.<br />Why on earth would you want a tacky cure, you ask? I'll tell you. If you're filling in gouges and will be building layers of gel coat, a tacky cure allows you to add another layer without having to sand. When you're done, you put a barrier over it to keep air off of it and it cures to a hard finish. If you're only putting on one coat, the waxed version will do and you won't need PVA mold release. The barrier is the wax.<br /><br />Okay, it can be difficult to mix the right amount of hardener and gel coat. However, the metric system makes it easier on us as does Google.<br />The paste I had been working with said 4 drops of hardener to every teaspoon of paste. One teaspoon = 5 mL. Syringes measure in cc's and 1 cc = 1 mL. So you see how that can be easy?<br /><br /><br />Booyah!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwqy7yLTobahMduufHZHyG4iRJK3Do_l0M55wguBiE5_cqwTt0UfIU1HNwH0C2n5fx30JAu8W_eZcnzYySNhiZ_LTLYkfFYDh7mzemcRmPXU1Cq4TYPVyLjTUvuNO2vZvf8efUchC1kW0f/s1600-h/syringe.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwqy7yLTobahMduufHZHyG4iRJK3Do_l0M55wguBiE5_cqwTt0UfIU1HNwH0C2n5fx30JAu8W_eZcnzYySNhiZ_LTLYkfFYDh7mzemcRmPXU1Cq4TYPVyLjTUvuNO2vZvf8efUchC1kW0f/s400/syringe.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305032747442082530" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />^that thing there is better than Advil.<br /><br /><br />This West Marine gel coat said 1 tube of hardener to 1 can of gel coat.<br />That didn't help me too much since I'm not using even half a can. But I found instructions saying 1 ounce of gel coat to 12 drops of hardener. Hmm...I don't having anything measuring in ounces (hmph...I just now noticed my trusty syringe did have the ounce measurement). But google says 1 ounce = approximately 30 mLs.<br />I can do that.<br />And 30 mL's was roughly how much gel coat I could work with before it started setting up. Perfect.<br />So, first things first, mask off what you don't want gel coat on.<br />The ID number on the hull...we don't want to cover that up. That proves that she's a veteran of water.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnlEpVYJTYah1JGLtHInH1LBw4T5mXP-S4k89ej3JjrBlJFTxLdmVcAUnIoIqyKNcqLOKfwUVhN5yUK6YaFNTHsciktJ_M32PHoDF0r8OL1NRa8uhQKmuvjQsD0zpfJHMyyYjzlbgTwer/s1600-h/id.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnlEpVYJTYah1JGLtHInH1LBw4T5mXP-S4k89ej3JjrBlJFTxLdmVcAUnIoIqyKNcqLOKfwUVhN5yUK6YaFNTHsciktJ_M32PHoDF0r8OL1NRa8uhQKmuvjQsD0zpfJHMyyYjzlbgTwer/s400/id.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305033442092683842" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />And we can't go over the sticker because I haven't decided what to do about that just yet.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfDICbbW7MQ_g_VTy-WPWHpWgqZXzNId4Obdf59HxibZrKFfaBxu4rFeuQ8PEcmmrIySqMsRuTOpB5XbSdBsUNt6fSmbtNRaRwwF-laXABaDm7nyM5wVuYup723slBuWV7vyrZ3Y_HPAG/s1600-h/lab.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfDICbbW7MQ_g_VTy-WPWHpWgqZXzNId4Obdf59HxibZrKFfaBxu4rFeuQ8PEcmmrIySqMsRuTOpB5XbSdBsUNt6fSmbtNRaRwwF-laXABaDm7nyM5wVuYup723slBuWV7vyrZ3Y_HPAG/s400/lab.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305033686949363442" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Next, I had to wash it. That's pretty self explanatory.<br /><br />I let it air dry and set up my table. I put on latex gloves and kept my nose to the grind stone.<br /><br /><br />But first, before I display results, I wanted to ask...<br />You know that guy who always wants to help out but ends up messing things up? And you know he wouldn't understand if you told him to get lost so you just deal with it?<br /><br />Well, meet that guy:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZcZidBWFQFNcfXl0KLT2Y-Nuzeut-dtW5OQSPZaiG2NHd5K9bvLs9mv5oDUUWJBguIT_LrgpIXLhqxAQS3erBVuLMCgLNy7H8LQxloTLVA6fgMrLPUdcIHgW9U_ucg3EEa0j6oPrErK8u/s1600-h/bug1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 398px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZcZidBWFQFNcfXl0KLT2Y-Nuzeut-dtW5OQSPZaiG2NHd5K9bvLs9mv5oDUUWJBguIT_LrgpIXLhqxAQS3erBVuLMCgLNy7H8LQxloTLVA6fgMrLPUdcIHgW9U_ucg3EEa0j6oPrErK8u/s400/bug1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305051848411947410" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Ugh, bugs love the smell of this stuff for some reason. Even a bee wanted to drink from the cup.<br /><br /><br /><br />Anyway, on to the revealing...<br /><br />Now you see it:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyezYyS4S7eos-d-5yE_YDkEDK2nAHfi98aAP9Zj19UPh5ucog0DrQoZPv1Z-FB0Oof7Pz434PEI3OUzmb5HYo7eCt8AjlUVDOqfPmuRfc-GHvbn72p0A4Als0hE__dGvg9BQy9m8WX-IC/s1600-h/bow2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyezYyS4S7eos-d-5yE_YDkEDK2nAHfi98aAP9Zj19UPh5ucog0DrQoZPv1Z-FB0Oof7Pz434PEI3OUzmb5HYo7eCt8AjlUVDOqfPmuRfc-GHvbn72p0A4Als0hE__dGvg9BQy9m8WX-IC/s320/bow2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302443838986732018" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />And now you don't:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOwm3QNYr_0shwNkjeKEzuJT75MeRQDFN8MfmU5QltW1C7EstYZ3wBEsnoVJW-lwFMD17jSkY2nxVfTNEXRZbLtOHclg6vhbXa9SkQgYrZTymqk5BqGKQOFc0L7g-LmcardihQQm3dyOwA/s1600-h/bow1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOwm3QNYr_0shwNkjeKEzuJT75MeRQDFN8MfmU5QltW1C7EstYZ3wBEsnoVJW-lwFMD17jSkY2nxVfTNEXRZbLtOHclg6vhbXa9SkQgYrZTymqk5BqGKQOFc0L7g-LmcardihQQm3dyOwA/s400/bow1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305034483438090258" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />:-)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Now you see it:<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVpQb69Ol_l727DvgMoPwFw3UC7XjI3G2IgFo4Jut0q2f8PJUaRB0SztKLzaBWOIoXLD3HcmjlK024dCPoE79E8nLmcdK-whXzqSWK50CNsc9pq3GVrRP4yZO94hTU12zLrPhg-VoG3LOL/s1600-h/DSCF1222.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVpQb69Ol_l727DvgMoPwFw3UC7XjI3G2IgFo4Jut0q2f8PJUaRB0SztKLzaBWOIoXLD3HcmjlK024dCPoE79E8nLmcdK-whXzqSWK50CNsc9pq3GVrRP4yZO94hTU12zLrPhg-VoG3LOL/s320/DSCF1222.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226613122573635186" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Aaannnnnddd, now you don't:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRV-vvD6YBHB8XT4ibcrYk3CCzLlxisATQQ4DUGkIsvcGDCeNO3SKz1cOEsitdJx9I5ByRztYy4znS9BNJJ70Hlb-4BuOG3ZLp3ldkuEaccI9SjORw9_9qMF4u-Av97gG2wEpCrEW_GmpJ/s1600-h/side1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRV-vvD6YBHB8XT4ibcrYk3CCzLlxisATQQ4DUGkIsvcGDCeNO3SKz1cOEsitdJx9I5ByRztYy4znS9BNJJ70Hlb-4BuOG3ZLp3ldkuEaccI9SjORw9_9qMF4u-Av97gG2wEpCrEW_GmpJ/s400/side1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305034985188535010" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Alright, so you can see it a little, but that's because I haven't feathered it in or made the rest of the old gel coat pretty.<br /><br />She hasn't looked this complete in a while!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsXWN4mSsKjPqQUwD3QlKDVEVaOdRJ4QPb65s4Jma7roqED-vtmlazsr69IfMxmD1zFY6XXnes1pNKmis6d8ZDsFU6dyegjozIRqRx2oyZh4_HHDR0gI_s7oSAg_yJS-Y6V8ZbW-eyEDN_/s1600-h/side2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsXWN4mSsKjPqQUwD3QlKDVEVaOdRJ4QPb65s4Jma7roqED-vtmlazsr69IfMxmD1zFY6XXnes1pNKmis6d8ZDsFU6dyegjozIRqRx2oyZh4_HHDR0gI_s7oSAg_yJS-Y6V8ZbW-eyEDN_/s400/side2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305035575821851970" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Here's the port side (I'm practicing my vocabulary):<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_pvBmo8QnsUvte6Bk1UktzwLDcpVpz-4K6Zd42EGvT8S0GiU1o66r0ZP00Wa_SIPts9uKxl530YBfn6VEQnLHYZqeOCfukG4YNUjqTJkP3iUcKGDa1Yr9X6ICnL12UQ4qdkJD6vtGeCX/s1600-h/port.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_pvBmo8QnsUvte6Bk1UktzwLDcpVpz-4K6Zd42EGvT8S0GiU1o66r0ZP00Wa_SIPts9uKxl530YBfn6VEQnLHYZqeOCfukG4YNUjqTJkP3iUcKGDa1Yr9X6ICnL12UQ4qdkJD6vtGeCX/s400/port.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305035845881226114" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />So, after two sometimes three layers, I had the gel coat thick enough to where I'm 90% sure it'll smooth out. My back was hurting and I think I killed some brain cells sniffing those fumes.<br /><br />So, then it was time for the PVA mold release. They say to use this make a spray can they sell. Mine didn't work so I went with a cup and brush. The purple helps to see what you've gone over on a white boat (it seems PVA knows there are more WHITE boats than purple...heh...figure that).<br /><br />With the purple highlighting everything, now do you see why I didn't get it in the water by last August?<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsAqFp1y9zcECnOZfIL_dSQS8Sz_uBTBiKvDqO2S90cRRUK3aKsL6Zx3k8j0bzHL3T45vQr7W8Uob59BUQdoC_yJZ0HH_4g9BvZzbjgVrOJN5_VLJfqwYinT18JWusnl2M5UD_-RaCrw6M/s1600-h/m1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsAqFp1y9zcECnOZfIL_dSQS8Sz_uBTBiKvDqO2S90cRRUK3aKsL6Zx3k8j0bzHL3T45vQr7W8Uob59BUQdoC_yJZ0HH_4g9BvZzbjgVrOJN5_VLJfqwYinT18JWusnl2M5UD_-RaCrw6M/s400/m1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305044724275089170" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7IcSC8yLpRfNCnUJVU8zyPfywwE8_UwXVFv_Q4fqMbbYF8gLr7IA5qWqX69CaGXYRVAmILNPRtBGjzstFZ77agBYxZGrmrnbP3QPNS3hRvbSiL6iWYiBpLXAK47IcQCPoou2ZLRiO97G/s1600-h/m2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7IcSC8yLpRfNCnUJVU8zyPfywwE8_UwXVFv_Q4fqMbbYF8gLr7IA5qWqX69CaGXYRVAmILNPRtBGjzstFZ77agBYxZGrmrnbP3QPNS3hRvbSiL6iWYiBpLXAK47IcQCPoou2ZLRiO97G/s400/m2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305045143623130098" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70GT8VmYuD3Cg-jYL7ILU3YYqlaaTGw7Jp0q39rqtLQMaD2-qjVpV3C_qMq0OAGsGsSQtMsMgEEbg12kIHJM5BzVI4GnIUfY2hncbRI1Alarhq3Hcvq59OcfwzcjCqpRQbg6UH7zeX0op/s1600-h/m3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70GT8VmYuD3Cg-jYL7ILU3YYqlaaTGw7Jp0q39rqtLQMaD2-qjVpV3C_qMq0OAGsGsSQtMsMgEEbg12kIHJM5BzVI4GnIUfY2hncbRI1Alarhq3Hcvq59OcfwzcjCqpRQbg6UH7zeX0op/s400/m3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305045142319578098" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsK5YF-lObZkd3WWxmFuLF1lDtgkx4jTWDAvyanjfYSbU_0pEB0KCsWBAOSwue1LnSHmxL5ixzAaV__ORepC7MvbMAaQX6rS9Q156dAUTlvhMM20zZhPjaINeInA9hPinA8ETNax4RQwC6/s1600-h/m4.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsK5YF-lObZkd3WWxmFuLF1lDtgkx4jTWDAvyanjfYSbU_0pEB0KCsWBAOSwue1LnSHmxL5ixzAaV__ORepC7MvbMAaQX6rS9Q156dAUTlvhMM20zZhPjaINeInA9hPinA8ETNax4RQwC6/s400/m4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305045143592338738" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Dang it! >:-(<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0VZkmZECkkxY0_nh228dVE_B2hKGcPYYVbLNE2CzvnRr6pNqG8KFg-gUT3nLv-J7rxZgvne0CZj7qzCKeB0hSLhnGofpnEsrBYoO6K6vbhSU77VSWcDuoOxXi8fHvCK6pO4OW1Tmt-z3/s1600-h/bug2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 305px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0VZkmZECkkxY0_nh228dVE_B2hKGcPYYVbLNE2CzvnRr6pNqG8KFg-gUT3nLv-J7rxZgvne0CZj7qzCKeB0hSLhnGofpnEsrBYoO6K6vbhSU77VSWcDuoOxXi8fHvCK6pO4OW1Tmt-z3/s400/bug2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305046979998090402" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"There is no difference between a pessimist who says, 'Oh it's hopeless, so don't bother doing anything,' and an optimist who says, 'Don't bother doing anything, it's going to turn out fine anyway.' Either way, nothing happens." ~Yvon Chouinard</span><br /></div><br /><br /><a href="http://minifish-restoration.blogspot.com/2009/02/inspection-ports.html">Next ></a>Minfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18007245025810778531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5968318694565336664.post-52277414894411110002009-02-13T18:15:00.014-06:002009-02-13T19:00:54.173-06:00Step 4 is complete!I just thought I'd tell you. :-)<br /><br /><br />*jumps for joy*<br /><br /><br />This means I don't have to add to my counter at the bottom of this blog. I <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> am done with this step.<br />So now, the boat is <span style="font-style: italic;">officially</span> ready for gel-coat! Could it be? Seriously??<br /><br />*jumps for joy a second time*<br /><br />I've already shown my significant other and have watched for signs of jealousy over my magic hands.<br /><br />Now, Sunday I'm going to have to move it outside and wash it. Hopefully the weather will cooperate.<br />Eh, I don't know. I've been working pretty hard with school and work and this in between. I may need a day of rest.<br /><br />Anyway, here are the pictures. This is the work of an ar<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">tist</span> (please emphasize the "tist" when you read...as in "teest")! She's only been dreaming of fresh new gel-coat for a matter of years. The lake seems to be getting closer and closer!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Alright. This is the biggest hole:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELBJZok2bU49ToYepzlnPG30iF3Qd2C8KgwqHvWXHTGfU5har4BhG-Mcn0_g2FIFOFW2w6WxpBfKphF80i88Yelq1iU4vwAjzq21VMdkPT6ECNDwyMTIQ84EKXXEJrnNR_VREcYL3vX7i/s1600-h/side2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELBJZok2bU49ToYepzlnPG30iF3Qd2C8KgwqHvWXHTGfU5har4BhG-Mcn0_g2FIFOFW2w6WxpBfKphF80i88Yelq1iU4vwAjzq21VMdkPT6ECNDwyMTIQ84EKXXEJrnNR_VREcYL3vX7i/s320/side2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302443838154720018" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Though while the biggest, it's one of the more simpler ones. Later I'll show you the most difficult one. I've been using a medium grit sandpaper, if you are pounding your head for the answer to that question.<br />All of these holes require me to recreate the 90 degree bend from bottom of the hull to the side. If it sounds difficult, it's because it is. It's very difficult. I've fine tuned the filler as best as I'm capable. If a little repair work shows, fine. But I think it will take a keen eye. I'm pretty proud of my accomplishment today.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This is one of the easier holes. It's not as long as the one above so there's less curve to match:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHs7vH41z81txQhCrZusdshW38KBxn_Wtvh7DrCRSTtAQQlCoHAzrr57AOXpSC_gJ7pgShF94z4FayQHhA62ZC7qkfTVEjP18fBiDSiKinz2j4t_otzCRNuEV99yQsOiFOw4SI-ftPtjNz/s1600-h/side1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHs7vH41z81txQhCrZusdshW38KBxn_Wtvh7DrCRSTtAQQlCoHAzrr57AOXpSC_gJ7pgShF94z4FayQHhA62ZC7qkfTVEjP18fBiDSiKinz2j4t_otzCRNuEV99yQsOiFOw4SI-ftPtjNz/s320/side1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302443830866578770" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />And now.... [enter drumroll]<br /><br />The main event....<br /><br />[thimble crash then trumpets]<br /><br /><br />Behold the photographic evidence that I should rule the world, muwahahaha!!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcp_5pOtm9T5OdggXJ3RRiHy8wEFvdbYAmWUqY71sHJrMqyjKqdLOVQC-QNl7mbudafJ5AwFpvz1QOyFnXBCfooINR93fF4A4szrV-ckXjVgdSdRtcdVJEGoQblQ1439B9ayysutvpLAKu/s1600-h/bow1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcp_5pOtm9T5OdggXJ3RRiHy8wEFvdbYAmWUqY71sHJrMqyjKqdLOVQC-QNl7mbudafJ5AwFpvz1QOyFnXBCfooINR93fF4A4szrV-ckXjVgdSdRtcdVJEGoQblQ1439B9ayysutvpLAKu/s320/bow1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302443841647875538" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Click on that picture to take a closer look!<br />This is near the bow and where the hull does this irritating curve and bulge that makes newbies to fiberglass (such as myself) obsess, curse, scratch their heads, and wonder why they dove into such a project. Eh, a <span style="font-style: italic;">great</span> learning experience.<br />*rolls eyes*<br /><br />No really, it was. I think I could tackle some basic body work now. In fact, I've had requests to fix a few things from others. I wonder what I should charge?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyezYyS4S7eos-d-5yE_YDkEDK2nAHfi98aAP9Zj19UPh5ucog0DrQoZPv1Z-FB0Oof7Pz434PEI3OUzmb5HYo7eCt8AjlUVDOqfPmuRfc-GHvbn72p0A4Als0hE__dGvg9BQy9m8WX-IC/s1600-h/bow2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyezYyS4S7eos-d-5yE_YDkEDK2nAHfi98aAP9Zj19UPh5ucog0DrQoZPv1Z-FB0Oof7Pz434PEI3OUzmb5HYo7eCt8AjlUVDOqfPmuRfc-GHvbn72p0A4Als0hE__dGvg9BQy9m8WX-IC/s320/bow2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302443838986732018" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Do you see how beautiful that is up there? It's almost a shame it'll be covered in gel-coat!<br /><span style=";font-family:courier new;font-size:78%;" ><br /><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;" >(I gladly cover it in gel-coat. In fact, I will giggle the entire time)</span></span><br /><br /><br />So there you have it. She's ready for her color. I refuse to purchase two $10 tubes of pigment just to yellow the gel-coat enough to match the aged surface. So repairs will be visible at least for a little while, should things go to plan. However, the new gel-coat will fade and discolor and should blend nicely.<br /><br />So, Step 4 complete! After this step, it certainly feels good to update the list under "The Plan".<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />"Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment." ~ Jim Rohn</span><br /></div>Minfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18007245025810778531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5968318694565336664.post-66690858056954326892009-02-11T16:10:00.010-06:002009-02-11T19:45:08.249-06:00Filler-again!<br><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Alright</span>!<br /><br />So I lied...<br />I'll add to my counter of "You just thought you were close" located down at the bottom of the blog. <span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />*hangs head in shame*</span></span><br /><br /><br />I figured the next post would be about putting down the gel-coat. Not so. Something not to my liking reared its head. So I needed to roll up my sleeves again.<br /><br /><br />First things first, I cranked the tunes. They are of utmost importance!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ujjBlD755xpvu8CSgMcwX8jk2FY7aw9wWmP9XkA7trJ0XLHL_2JUwYytAmbd7Tr_dHxebuRgjDy4_lkIWW1LRgU3srBnWFfskSpwZspiNd2haXAys2NXjwvEynuHjGNF9JSUOamJzl-G/s1600-h/tunes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ujjBlD755xpvu8CSgMcwX8jk2FY7aw9wWmP9XkA7trJ0XLHL_2JUwYytAmbd7Tr_dHxebuRgjDy4_lkIWW1LRgU3srBnWFfskSpwZspiNd2haXAys2NXjwvEynuHjGNF9JSUOamJzl-G/s320/tunes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301666591589727378" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I sanded down the filler I had applied and, like the boogie man coming out from under the bed, found this, for example:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6xlC8SHykPhrKRfzCe9kYfInA2MFN9uOaYBd6ftGLMllA35EGawn5APF9QE5UGT_CUmr04XVj0sf3t5WQLpSNZQWwh-_7lAh-cLw9RvrvvtPciJwL85HWBJ7TvZWrDj5JIJCud-37V9HZ/s1600-h/ex1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6xlC8SHykPhrKRfzCe9kYfInA2MFN9uOaYBd6ftGLMllA35EGawn5APF9QE5UGT_CUmr04XVj0sf3t5WQLpSNZQWwh-_7lAh-cLw9RvrvvtPciJwL85HWBJ7TvZWrDj5JIJCud-37V9HZ/s320/ex1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301666257356205650" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Not bad eh? However, you can see a it a little but mostly feel a not-as-smooth-as-I'd-like-it surface.<br />Here, I'll circle it for you-<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhXT9mYQTlv6Gx3zQNOhAtpoI9KLd5TbII6E_ABaFXq4_m23GiRaHDieRUUKFrDIQUJUjvb8Q9-KjifcUSv2UiZNCkFlhk9ELbKkpIvlBW35KnCqIDgC4IDHtOS1luLLzJzCZo_k4EVJ0/s1600-h/ex1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhXT9mYQTlv6Gx3zQNOhAtpoI9KLd5TbII6E_ABaFXq4_m23GiRaHDieRUUKFrDIQUJUjvb8Q9-KjifcUSv2UiZNCkFlhk9ELbKkpIvlBW35KnCqIDgC4IDHtOS1luLLzJzCZo_k4EVJ0/s320/ex1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301666979942743714" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjttKHW46zCXVnR7PT_VH7fKc1KlPtzMVd5MoER7bB7GpmOnU87-be5UVBP1fbyS52zA7WyJViHqbxCT_QJjSgezyglqrrCs_iPcv8B-1ZcOzIraVi2k_OAUQ-_8_qopsKUkgJvd6ACXw/s1600-h/ex3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjttKHW46zCXVnR7PT_VH7fKc1KlPtzMVd5MoER7bB7GpmOnU87-be5UVBP1fbyS52zA7WyJViHqbxCT_QJjSgezyglqrrCs_iPcv8B-1ZcOzIraVi2k_OAUQ-_8_qopsKUkgJvd6ACXw/s320/ex3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301666264774573218" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMAzkp54sfb8HXR0CXquRQB1EjfRuLJehGELGAhFg4CUD4Zo-Jq5KEo1Zf-hAletai8g3xzCadnwUcfHHGv_gtDHRmp8zN4rp1WS9Blr2pV3IGVFA5goixGlL6HPOfMu-Cfwd1TlxSIWAg/s1600-h/ex2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMAzkp54sfb8HXR0CXquRQB1EjfRuLJehGELGAhFg4CUD4Zo-Jq5KEo1Zf-hAletai8g3xzCadnwUcfHHGv_gtDHRmp8zN4rp1WS9Blr2pV3IGVFA5goixGlL6HPOfMu-Cfwd1TlxSIWAg/s320/ex2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301666260947965282" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I let out a blood curdling scream and ran out of the work shed, tripping over the dog as I did. But I soon returned to tackle the boogie man bumps remembering what several experienced auto body repair professionals have told me--that 90% of a great finish happens before you pick up the paint gun.<br />Okay, so someone somewhere granted me patience. The gel-coat would come.<br />I rolled up my sleeves and snapped on some gloves.<br /><br />If you aren't aware of it, your fingertips are much better at detecting uneven surfaces than your eyes, even if you were to wet the surface. Don't be afraid, just rub those puppies all over your work. Just make sure any nasty pokie things like jagged needles of fiberglass have already been sanded down first. It can cut you.<br /><br />As the pads of my fingers ran along, reporting all the bumps they found, it was decided that one more application of filler is prudent. Filler is very easy to shape and as much as gel-coat smells, I only want to have to apply it once.<br /><br /><br />I had sanded down the high spots so this will be easy. I have a wide spatula (you can find at a paint store) and a mostly smooth surface. Each additional application of filler becomes easier and faster to do.<br />I mixed another batch with a disposable plastic bathroom cup and popsicle stick to a consistancy between ketchup and mayonnaise. I then applied the filler using the same popsicle stick on the low areas. I used the spatula to scrape off the remaining. And here's what I left to cure:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3q-yUw7W8hbVOdROeUb6_LkpI0XOMLjegGP0b0U9Ou_CFC56gynWqSturPDbEZRpXNPuuq1Kv8XofCvoLUJhoT8CAeqNi2UrTJ7ZzAMESpdAad7sUWiNA0SsQwDmFJy88XM8gYVcyPX-L/s1600-h/lpast2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3q-yUw7W8hbVOdROeUb6_LkpI0XOMLjegGP0b0U9Ou_CFC56gynWqSturPDbEZRpXNPuuq1Kv8XofCvoLUJhoT8CAeqNi2UrTJ7ZzAMESpdAad7sUWiNA0SsQwDmFJy88XM8gYVcyPX-L/s320/lpast2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301666587214557042" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />A nice smooth line:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS3xw-uR5zroR-J3sZ0CawygPYYhEJgJtvkj88wrOGYobH5impywXLCzKy6guicDhRp9AMKB60o4ZM2KZPBnSGOfuYldFMX1uwr6uomCsd1bZkDxTH6LsLJvs6iyINFNQpeAGL7eCprK0R/s1600-h/lpast3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS3xw-uR5zroR-J3sZ0CawygPYYhEJgJtvkj88wrOGYobH5impywXLCzKy6guicDhRp9AMKB60o4ZM2KZPBnSGOfuYldFMX1uwr6uomCsd1bZkDxTH6LsLJvs6iyINFNQpeAGL7eCprK0R/s320/lpast3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301666591528087202" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJ7YPz3fe3SehXk4gPngU_33vFAjM41_7XGG-t-gbdWF1GiTGPe1JBU6dittwthSAuHS_RPZcXztjIURs6nJhVuVVa9SNnkwfsW0ERCt4CmalimDvNlF3PJyNYQlyU74l6IFOSr8zaeZA/s1600-h/lpast.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJ7YPz3fe3SehXk4gPngU_33vFAjM41_7XGG-t-gbdWF1GiTGPe1JBU6dittwthSAuHS_RPZcXztjIURs6nJhVuVVa9SNnkwfsW0ERCt4CmalimDvNlF3PJyNYQlyU74l6IFOSr8zaeZA/s320/lpast.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301666262348265346" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />So, I'll finish my paper for school as this cures. I'm confident I'll be ready for gel-coat in just a few days. There are some cracks in the old gel-coat I didn't want to widen before I was done with filler. I'll tackle that, which won't take long, and start working with gel-coat.<br />You know, I think we're beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">“The foundations for a better tomorrow must be laid today”</span><br /></div>Minfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18007245025810778531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5968318694565336664.post-26198792005216421152009-02-09T17:26:00.010-06:002009-02-15T12:13:26.475-06:00Step 4- check<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKeZAiebpji1JgZz7rYRy8yksAgZkbAdnJloRoS9qsM7zR-X_zQbsRJsD-sIrX4RblrAb5IXAd2-R8D8pmJ4RZJhTv_UxzU8IQ2WopUxrZfGuS4OrWgIeladurHujRSi5YCVb4u5iFSIv/s1600-h/DSCF1765.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKeZAiebpji1JgZz7rYRy8yksAgZkbAdnJloRoS9qsM7zR-X_zQbsRJsD-sIrX4RblrAb5IXAd2-R8D8pmJ4RZJhTv_UxzU8IQ2WopUxrZfGuS4OrWgIeladurHujRSi5YCVb4u5iFSIv/s320/DSCF1765.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300953362503819954" border="0" /></a><br />It was 68 degrees outside, the sun was shining (apparently oblivious to what weather forecasters had predicted), the clouds looked friendly, and so I thought, "What a fabulous day to finish up the fiberglass!"<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Behold the task for today!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWOMzVRPa3E65LjQ3MwOqJClbWZBo-DYSXB6f9FPiE5AqTasDzOXLxNFlm1tqneiD2KMUkHtczs0X85k9HbYOgPmAGr8U9wMP1U2HK9VdYNPzMM1BJeWOaMlnbIuLIamo1T2uDZGTbgJH/s1600-h/DSCF1768.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWOMzVRPa3E65LjQ3MwOqJClbWZBo-DYSXB6f9FPiE5AqTasDzOXLxNFlm1tqneiD2KMUkHtczs0X85k9HbYOgPmAGr8U9wMP1U2HK9VdYNPzMM1BJeWOaMlnbIuLIamo1T2uDZGTbgJH/s320/DSCF1768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300944468207207970" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBTC3tB6eEf00TPqAS7G0b2EaTZ7AtjxruIJAQB4fMC_QNJMy4znuVQ_ZFdu5bUaM-IISlzzsXktZIrioGGeGLG01CFmdPB3ytGJRnpK4S0kB3uT8OYObodRYt-8WAk_3XU_o4pVXarUag/s1600-h/DSCF1769.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBTC3tB6eEf00TPqAS7G0b2EaTZ7AtjxruIJAQB4fMC_QNJMy4znuVQ_ZFdu5bUaM-IISlzzsXktZIrioGGeGLG01CFmdPB3ytGJRnpK4S0kB3uT8OYObodRYt-8WAk_3XU_o4pVXarUag/s320/DSCF1769.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300944478146214802" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The Minifish was so excited to see me, I just know.<br /><br />The first image shows a repair that needs yet another pass with filler. Remember last time I had mixed it fairly thick which is why there's a few "pot holes".<br /><br />The second image shows a fiberglass patch which needs a little more to bring it flush with the original hull (lower right side of the patch in the picture). The curve of the hull made it pretty difficult for me to get it right. But this is the great thing about fiberglass-mistakes are easy to fix. Yes fiberglass seems rather scary at first, but nobody is lying to you when they swear that it's a very easy material to work with.<br /><br /><br /><br />I braved the old man at the store to purchase the supplies I used today:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5KgANN-egHnYgIX0B3rI3GKtNk-aH9RhvkUg88d4T14O-XC9R2Zjfm7ABV-VhO-e0SLGibzUfapc-BmyRFpO-1nkXBcrEW3Nyih-gtps04258D69h7k_6tjJcbL7HYD1a2wGbwjN9rmmr/s1600-h/DSCF1763.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5KgANN-egHnYgIX0B3rI3GKtNk-aH9RhvkUg88d4T14O-XC9R2Zjfm7ABV-VhO-e0SLGibzUfapc-BmyRFpO-1nkXBcrEW3Nyih-gtps04258D69h7k_6tjJcbL7HYD1a2wGbwjN9rmmr/s320/DSCF1763.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300946028541549074" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />The old man in question likes to answer questions I didn't ask and pats me on the head, smiling as if I have no idea what I'm getting into.<br /><br />Anyway.<br /><br />The pumps you see in front of the metal containers are a blessing. They're only $10, they work well, and give you a perfect ratio of hardener to resin. Well worth it. They come with extensions to fit size A through size C West System containers.<br /><br />Okay, on to business...<br /><br />Thankfully, the hardest work of all had already been done which is patching all those holes without being able to work from inside the hull. So this will be short and sweet.<br />To finish the patch near the bow and ready it for filler, all I needed to do is roughly cut the cloth to the shape, mix the resin and hardener and apply. So that's curing for now.<br /><br />The rest of the patches needed filler and the filled patch I had shown above needed one more pass.<br />When I had used the fiberglass kit from West Systems, I really liked the 407 filler. It was easy to apply, easy to shape and sand, I was already familiar with it, so I decided to use it.<br />I mixed it to a ketchup like consistency and was able to fill all 7 or 8 patches before it started to set up without working feverishly.<br /><br />Here is the patch with two passes of filler:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo_VYCwS1QIVCX0u6rnrBmY18jxFdo8U9xo1fqN4938G80xDlIoA_ufWJOXvlca3LqqxKMp76RFssp0EZwl0CKSBkpxIsGIBwjrXZ0KT9uhWuxXoM1qcwGV7zUZtg1UQL35hWFkqjoPjbo/s1600-h/DSCF1771.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo_VYCwS1QIVCX0u6rnrBmY18jxFdo8U9xo1fqN4938G80xDlIoA_ufWJOXvlca3LqqxKMp76RFssp0EZwl0CKSBkpxIsGIBwjrXZ0KT9uhWuxXoM1qcwGV7zUZtg1UQL35hWFkqjoPjbo/s320/DSCF1771.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300948606124936194" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />My feelings aren't hurt if there's a little sag. Just as long as the hole is filled. I can sand drips pretty easily.<br /><br /><br />And here is a patch which is close to a corner:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYDwFA40TT-G8WI-FEEeU2H-WeRMulwWot8kAiFb-YdicauCQAIB7i8vGd2HZGDMX-3VHkciud-xy1cH8BpY1oUhm8bhaTp0AawgQm3ynCDH3OPcpifq75mhOUsgW04IsR0t89lNke_ln/s1600-h/DSCF1772.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYDwFA40TT-G8WI-FEEeU2H-WeRMulwWot8kAiFb-YdicauCQAIB7i8vGd2HZGDMX-3VHkciud-xy1cH8BpY1oUhm8bhaTp0AawgQm3ynCDH3OPcpifq75mhOUsgW04IsR0t89lNke_ln/s320/DSCF1772.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300948608710456082" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I suspect this will be the bane of my existence later on when I attempt to make it look pretty.<br /><br /><br />So, I will wait for it to cure. There were a few I forgot to wipe off with acetone prior to starting. I hope it'll be alright.<br />Tomorrow I'll throw filler on the patch near the bow. After that cures, I'll bring out the sander and probably find spots I missed. I'll update this post with pictures.<br /><br />After that is finished, it'll be time for gel-coat!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"O God, thy sea is so great, and my boat is so small."</span><br /></div>Minfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18007245025810778531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5968318694565336664.post-65812147852654137872009-02-06T16:01:00.006-06:002009-02-11T19:34:54.618-06:00The sacred gatheringWell, it looks to me like I'll need to retype the description to this blog. I shamefully tucked my tail and hunched over as I read the part about being in the water by August of last year.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3J2t62KQDPnD-Y_bRztPdEGE95F7S9MdIr1ND94NuyYGx0FSQFg7c9u8DcUmLDVWNi2PjKAa6vZ-uDxx0GeN45L5SmW3vahpml9ny_srROx89_4LQi1STRwoIpqOfzHJzSOTglPhvszMK/s1600-h/descr.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 82px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3J2t62KQDPnD-Y_bRztPdEGE95F7S9MdIr1ND94NuyYGx0FSQFg7c9u8DcUmLDVWNi2PjKAa6vZ-uDxx0GeN45L5SmW3vahpml9ny_srROx89_4LQi1STRwoIpqOfzHJzSOTglPhvszMK/s400/descr.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299812342120796914" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Mwah!<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">So</span> what. <span style="font-style: italic;">Big</span> deal.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">*tapping my fingers on the desk* </span></span><br /><br />Feh.<br /><br />Sincerely, I apologize for any lost money due to bets that were made.<br />Please stop calling my house.<br /><br /><br />Anyhow, I placed a certain order for a certain thingamajig (bow handle) for a certain boat that is certainly sitting in a certain shed most certainly growing impatient of a certain owner.<br /><br />Certainly.<br /><br />The recent pleasant weather has perked my interests in shoving a few things aside (one not being school) and finally finishing this project that had been halted due to funding.<br /><br />Tomorrow, I will collect the rest of the tidbits needed. This, of course, will put the responsibility of completion squarely on my shoulders because the only reason I wouldn't be sailing this year would be out of my laziness (pending any disasters such as losing life or limb).<br /><br />I will add links on the side to the sites where I found nifty, handy-dandy parts for this boat.<br /><br />I bid you adieu.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"A lonely sailor is one without a pier group"<br /><br /><br /></span></div>Minfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18007245025810778531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5968318694565336664.post-81183329410782033102008-08-06T11:11:00.015-05:002010-05-04T16:37:37.728-05:00Gel coat prep and a flip flop blow-outNow the hull is sealed (except for a spot on the bow from where the bow handle used to be), so it was time for a good bath. I wanted to see what was a stain and what was just dirt.<br />It would be Scrubbing Bubbles to the rescue!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnZ_MVqbqBqH2khcGfVYsTmVwmbwkG4qMTP_EV-yCA8lIVTCs0cabefBtNTSpG8yOh1AcrojIGHv9fRdsfe81NAeZOtz1GOB84Gf9m8501ukIGom0P2SS0IWrhfO_CGcrzdqLY35K3BLN/s1600-h/DSCF1249.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnZ_MVqbqBqH2khcGfVYsTmVwmbwkG4qMTP_EV-yCA8lIVTCs0cabefBtNTSpG8yOh1AcrojIGHv9fRdsfe81NAeZOtz1GOB84Gf9m8501ukIGom0P2SS0IWrhfO_CGcrzdqLY35K3BLN/s320/DSCF1249.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231439617754873378" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Some use Ajax, which will dull an already glossy finish because it scratches the surface. Some use Comet which not as abrasive as Ajax and they say it's mildly abrasive enough that it can remove mild oxidation without ruining the gloss, sort of like a polishing compound. This doesn't make sense to me. I've felt Comet, polishing compounds, and glaze. Comet is more abrasive than polishing compound that I've felt. Glaze is the step after polishing compound which is finer than polishing compound, is good for the very mild oxidation, and then the next step after glaze is wax. If you wouldn't take a polishing compound to your perfectly glossy finish with very mild oxidation, then I don't think you should take Comet to it either. You could even use a cleaning wax to remove the mild cases of oxidation. Polishing compound would be too abrasive and I believe Comet would be as well. This is all for a finish you're already pretty happy with, but I digress.<br />I decided to use scrubbing bubbles which won't ruin a glossy finish. I'm positive I don't have a glossy finish, but I've got scratches and gouges and didn't want Comet or Ajax in the cracks making them more difficult to see.<br /><br />Remember how bad the hull was before? If not, here you go:<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ilG0S8Aqb4CuzlGSXRuKv57PdnQxR8xsTXwr0-q1VDfRsG0gL5HeNFmOzsVI-hEatozd6vUuj7x-QEYS_0BhnLNTn1ZkVCEawmvU4e4iyqbzrBTnPvcO0r4Wf80VHlCtQuvHTolD9lR8/s320/DSCF1201.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ilG0S8Aqb4CuzlGSXRuKv57PdnQxR8xsTXwr0-q1VDfRsG0gL5HeNFmOzsVI-hEatozd6vUuj7x-QEYS_0BhnLNTn1ZkVCEawmvU4e4iyqbzrBTnPvcO0r4Wf80VHlCtQuvHTolD9lR8/s320/DSCF1201.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyF9h5KdgbSuWQzV_xcW_AIhbNyyD9pCMKC45MvpE16vGHiPYtzwhov_CuJ28QEbpNoN0HxjL99uF17ztbv7au9iW5txxLo_ZqQivFizLebOih0rpzx-ydxVb3SblNFlrqxkq890EWzG4H/s320/DSCF1210.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyF9h5KdgbSuWQzV_xcW_AIhbNyyD9pCMKC45MvpE16vGHiPYtzwhov_CuJ28QEbpNoN0HxjL99uF17ztbv7au9iW5txxLo_ZqQivFizLebOih0rpzx-ydxVb3SblNFlrqxkq890EWzG4H/s320/DSCF1210.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />See those spots in the close up of the cracks? These were all over the hull and in greater concentration than what it looks there. There were muddy dog foot prints on the deck as well.<br /><br /><br />To get rid of said nastiness, just spray with Scrubbing Bubbles and let it sit for a moment.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGR_L58ImQ-QIlAD7nHhp6QTkpsBaEMr9S0eTRvh4nPNun9AV9Ulm-EMhXLjrIrk5tJSg0iehrufOtNZPHQHGk82wSME-t9WAquUiH2U5s4oUdasqdpa6o-NYSrc7iAV9FRru_MPtiRIo/s1600-h/DSCF1250.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGR_L58ImQ-QIlAD7nHhp6QTkpsBaEMr9S0eTRvh4nPNun9AV9Ulm-EMhXLjrIrk5tJSg0iehrufOtNZPHQHGk82wSME-t9WAquUiH2U5s4oUdasqdpa6o-NYSrc7iAV9FRru_MPtiRIo/s320/DSCF1250.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231442306821775138" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Before it dries, rub off with a sponge. The cloudy weather is cooperating nicely. The sun would have dried the cleaner rather quickly.<br /><br />Then, rinse with copious amounts of water.<br /><br />I had to wash the boat on the saw horses. When I moved the saw horses to wash under where it had been sitting, it revealed a strip of the nastiness which had previously consumed her.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXUU982FTL60Ryy8cfqelwkFMBrc_LdOWVlw1BnHfbt3S8Bnvh8FvQTJUwL02XwRWNxgQLh6EFnXTaeo7qjzdgszTMVTCTOYOgjNtB_ISlNE54HXZU9mZopMeYLvyv4KN4sSidl-psD5QR/s1600-h/DSCF1246.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXUU982FTL60Ryy8cfqelwkFMBrc_LdOWVlw1BnHfbt3S8Bnvh8FvQTJUwL02XwRWNxgQLh6EFnXTaeo7qjzdgszTMVTCTOYOgjNtB_ISlNE54HXZU9mZopMeYLvyv4KN4sSidl-psD5QR/s320/DSCF1246.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231444943726571106" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Once done rinsing, stand back and bask in the fresh cleanliness that is now your boat.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPwugm8IF9cjPvf1FW_cUOLuQLtHD0KQ2ebuBk7EPtns6vFx48pTBM9C0HBjgd0CE3GAP3_HITWhuSe9GP0TKK4G8sVrjp-zoAONcvluo2pBMgZba8hEbJTHDbT_drTpAxQ-U1PksTKoe/s1600-h/DSCF1251.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPwugm8IF9cjPvf1FW_cUOLuQLtHD0KQ2ebuBk7EPtns6vFx48pTBM9C0HBjgd0CE3GAP3_HITWhuSe9GP0TKK4G8sVrjp-zoAONcvluo2pBMgZba8hEbJTHDbT_drTpAxQ-U1PksTKoe/s320/DSCF1251.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231442024278033730" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_lt7cv-JYeXERiUlq4AGrn01xZWqpe4pQEyV2IUd7OyHLAjWHdXnDTPaOtNTpv8xnxlh_q57oPf2QoFkakGj8KNJft9dnOzS5MxYDsWq-UCxpGx_xW4DbAFWEv7cMsCMFYjiWMZ1N79i/s1600-h/DSCF1253.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_lt7cv-JYeXERiUlq4AGrn01xZWqpe4pQEyV2IUd7OyHLAjWHdXnDTPaOtNTpv8xnxlh_q57oPf2QoFkakGj8KNJft9dnOzS5MxYDsWq-UCxpGx_xW4DbAFWEv7cMsCMFYjiWMZ1N79i/s320/DSCF1253.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231442302200128418" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx37U3IW2d0RDGvmnsiCKOOf4QKRKJlIQakuVWVJdkhohVHQ7m8xsE_ih-7Hl8PMVRS2M_EZ46bgsA5fLfE4SjtlehsyS-zgFh2M458XHR3ULgJB0b6RlIe-3BpPnXxZgdCo3SohI0CJY3/s1600-h/DSCF1252.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx37U3IW2d0RDGvmnsiCKOOf4QKRKJlIQakuVWVJdkhohVHQ7m8xsE_ih-7Hl8PMVRS2M_EZ46bgsA5fLfE4SjtlehsyS-zgFh2M458XHR3ULgJB0b6RlIe-3BpPnXxZgdCo3SohI0CJY3/s320/DSCF1252.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231442303296232642" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />With that complete, I decided to, unconsciously, perform an acrobatic stunt on the patio which involved slipping. Though I did not fall, I did suffer a blow-out on my most favorite pair of flip flops. The thong which goes between the toes pulled out. This is quite devastating to me. One could only be so lucky to find a pair of flip flops with that level of comfort.<br /><br />Marching onward, despite the blow to my psyche, I decided I could begin to tackle all of those cracks in the gel coat.<br />Gel coat, in its original form, is too thin to fill cracks. So you have to use the paste. Unfortunately, the paste is too thick to fill the cracks. Your answer is to widen the cracks.<br />Say what?!<br />Yes, it has to get worse before it gets better.<br />You want to widen the cracks to form a valley. You can use a Dremel and one of the stones which comes to a point. Or, you can use a screw driver.<br />I chose to use a screw driver. Essentially, you gouge the gel coat recalling on all those years of tracing as a child.<br />Gouge? The Hell you say!<br />Yes, you gouge your boat. It's gotta get worse before....[trails off into mumbling].<br /><br />When you have a bunch of areas like this (actual size approximately 7-8" x 2"):<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyukq475_8o7L5Gn9J4o0pHJcNFQzKb0Wp0XkeQAfoYdao2sGGg6SIlzfUUav3EW9DkgxJZZAQIvgIrVmRmqpZKwLpnCdmoh9fR0gCZQYlxRnoNSy_u7w43CgP9nv-NbvCUEMElbccVuZZ/s1600-h/DSCF1254.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyukq475_8o7L5Gn9J4o0pHJcNFQzKb0Wp0XkeQAfoYdao2sGGg6SIlzfUUav3EW9DkgxJZZAQIvgIrVmRmqpZKwLpnCdmoh9fR0gCZQYlxRnoNSy_u7w43CgP9nv-NbvCUEMElbccVuZZ/s320/DSCF1254.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231448605209235234" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />...and by "bunch" I mean I don't want to count or else I might try and toss the hull off a bridge, it would be in your best interest, should you have a friend who owes you a favor, to round them up and have them help. This is painstakingly slow work. I'll be doing this for days.<br /><br />In the next picture, half of the top crack has been widened, the other half not (click for very large but very detailed picture). If you look very closely, you can see places where the crack is still there.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5LTaOuOR7bi33P8lo0l1vwcJqpQISrVOo7CQUiA8hQsNbhCxVSRjpKaP1INr9lw70Zrl-8LdH_gzg7gwQKgd9N1bMrfcHtsz7m_WlgfMcY-soE1ipLyFpo4y3yPNK5RycVO7OrqLpQtj3/s1600-h/DSCF1255.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5LTaOuOR7bi33P8lo0l1vwcJqpQISrVOo7CQUiA8hQsNbhCxVSRjpKaP1INr9lw70Zrl-8LdH_gzg7gwQKgd9N1bMrfcHtsz7m_WlgfMcY-soE1ipLyFpo4y3yPNK5RycVO7OrqLpQtj3/s320/DSCF1255.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231449732976076018" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />It's slow, and I think tomorrow I'll try the Dremel. Thankfully, I have good eyes. If you have trouble reading this print...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ZUHmu6FN9a_pNbBFhfZlydX5G39-zytPM97eebE68mttmSFB91VBT3v50SvPGS2b-jahvytfFG_F0vgjDU8PQOfNyh7DM7T_J2ropGspOaNhnZ0P2ZlZ6XUVYeMsdlVRZMJnC886g_Cd/s1600-h/print.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ZUHmu6FN9a_pNbBFhfZlydX5G39-zytPM97eebE68mttmSFB91VBT3v50SvPGS2b-jahvytfFG_F0vgjDU8PQOfNyh7DM7T_J2ropGspOaNhnZ0P2ZlZ6XUVYeMsdlVRZMJnC886g_Cd/s320/print.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231456988502013202" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />...you'll be in bad shape. As you do this work, you will become very angry because it is so slow. You go off the crack and gouge places that don't need repair. You start to get better, but still it requires a lot of concentration.<br /><br />And as I became angry with doing this, I caught sight of a trapped bug under plastic I had used to prevent the saw horses from getting soaked with water. And I came to a question about war and peace in the world (the things you learn from bugs, right?) .<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QVIF-LxgmSWGtUXcYKNqcnnVk2Yds0koVH0TEU5h0l48BJNvRJauBBh8-hoUKZXCmsVceH4gwHhtT_-7MS_LoZs0It-S4sDnU_4I1k0UKjGtdkHD75cK8ym_FBMH8tYUcJstB4SJuYnS/s1600-h/DSCF1256.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QVIF-LxgmSWGtUXcYKNqcnnVk2Yds0koVH0TEU5h0l48BJNvRJauBBh8-hoUKZXCmsVceH4gwHhtT_-7MS_LoZs0It-S4sDnU_4I1k0UKjGtdkHD75cK8ym_FBMH8tYUcJstB4SJuYnS/s320/DSCF1256.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231450748329873122" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This bug is not designed for peaceful negotiations. If he decides you're a threat, he's not going to sit and talk to you about options. This here is a "bitey bug". He will sting the ever lovin' crap out of you and not consider how much it hurts your feelings.<br />If the world is supposed to be peaceful all of the times, why are most organisms designed for war, not peace. Organisms only designed for peace do not survive. Is this a sign?<br /><br />With this "bitey bug", it was either him or me. I couldn't talk him into not stinging me. There would be no negotiations. He was pissed off about being caught under the plastic and I was pissed off about gouging my boat as well as him taunting me with is stinger like "Here, land on this you jerk".<br /><br /><br />That's all there is today. It's time for lunch.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"The belly rules the mind." -Spanish Proverb</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></div><br /><br /><a href="http://minifish-restoration.blogspot.com/2009/02/progress.html">Next ></a>Minfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18007245025810778531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5968318694565336664.post-2888816602095933022008-08-05T10:21:00.012-05:002010-05-04T16:36:26.664-05:00Sanding, sanding, more sandingI am typing this with arms of rubber. Actually, it's not that bad.<br /><br />The patch I filled is sanded down and ready for another coat of filler. There's a few spots I need to add more filler to (a second thinner consistency) and then this is ready for gel coat. The filler is pretty thin which means I formed the fiberglass pretty close to where it needs, which is a good thing. In hindsight, I should have beveled the edges of the hole more, but this is a strong patch without any more flex than the rest of the hull.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPk2YfWRG7UKAN4fPxYVoZAOVCKhQUf99r3LBPiX7W9F-JghLTMNKngr1EWu-7YSSt1JiA4M42XUqWDwNdAosIo-tyqTgYT8Gl6JNBVTT9oSonHxxC1XYFh5npd5POLsjzwjjiOWRTV1Je/s1600-h/DSCF1258.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPk2YfWRG7UKAN4fPxYVoZAOVCKhQUf99r3LBPiX7W9F-JghLTMNKngr1EWu-7YSSt1JiA4M42XUqWDwNdAosIo-tyqTgYT8Gl6JNBVTT9oSonHxxC1XYFh5npd5POLsjzwjjiOWRTV1Je/s400/DSCF1258.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305103100761112898" /></a><br /><br /><br />Always, always, always, when sanding, it's a good idea to wear a mask. Keep that junk out of your sinuses and lungs.<br /><br />About getting the boat to the lake:<br />I will be fitting a roof rack and attempt to design something to help load the hull up on top of my truck (4 wheel drive). This has been difficult because the gutters on my truck are not solid enough for roof racks. I considered a trailer, but I don't think you can design a trailer to carry such little weight without bouncing around all over the place. It would be better for the hull to have the suspension of the truck than have it's structure damaged with the bouncing.<br /><br />While considering this, I had to consider that I'm no body builder and the hull is difficult to pick up. I thought if I had something which would let the hull roll up as I topped it, also taking half the weight of the hull off my upper body, I could probably load it without much hassle.<br />I came across a product called "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Yakima-HullyRoller-Rooftop-Carrier-Straps/dp/B000Q5G82I">Hullyrollers</a>" which are for kayaks. The purpose is to help you load the hull on top of your roof. I don't really want to spend the money for them and while searching around, I came across this <a href="http://www.allkayakfishing.com/rigged/hully.html">idea</a>.<br />I could do that.<br /><br />Now, this is an exciting thing to see. One of my goals for this boat is to update it. It was produced in 1974 and decorative stickers, made to look like wood, is a fad long passed. The cowling has these stickers as well as the rear of the boat. When I begin working on the deck, I'll remove the ones from the cowling. While the boat is upside down and I'm out of materials, I decided to update the back. The stickers are in sad, sad shape. Faded, peeling, it's not pretty. I also took the time to polish the metal attachment point for the rudder.<br /><br />Before:<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQYC59KvivrMz79PVtZUeE0qo4DmMuCNXKWVzUQe2gtC3hUsYfHzZ0v0IrKqXbu3uUDngBQtk2CCQW62-4p_JoTZHWd_GZOF6wFhX2RIdz_Ui3grEWEHx42Ur3TkthIIdz4SHLHxBd2tpX/s1600-h/before.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQYC59KvivrMz79PVtZUeE0qo4DmMuCNXKWVzUQe2gtC3hUsYfHzZ0v0IrKqXbu3uUDngBQtk2CCQW62-4p_JoTZHWd_GZOF6wFhX2RIdz_Ui3grEWEHx42Ur3TkthIIdz4SHLHxBd2tpX/s320/before.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231055752781008402" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />After:<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbRB10qbaoTbWeqjhm78ShHv0XhRenRa5Eor_Gyf5eiQYKpkR7GTHKE21ceSr-d40w0dyYgxROpPbfjtyrTOZEHhhJB_uqyPqVIh8tudom9BkhcZJDjEcEBVI-7Yd6hoWp1TxpFpZEBKO/s1600-h/after.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbRB10qbaoTbWeqjhm78ShHv0XhRenRa5Eor_Gyf5eiQYKpkR7GTHKE21ceSr-d40w0dyYgxROpPbfjtyrTOZEHhhJB_uqyPqVIh8tudom9BkhcZJDjEcEBVI-7Yd6hoWp1TxpFpZEBKO/s320/after.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231055854567815570" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />My, my. Do I see a reflection in the metal?<br /><br />Not bad, eh? I merely sanded the stickers off. This was only about 10 minutes of work with pretty coarse sandpaper. You can see the difference in color between the gel coat exposed to the sun vs gel coat hidden under those stickers (click the pictures to enlarge them). The finish has yellowed a little. I'm debating on whether or not it's enough to cover with new gel coat matched to the slightly yellowed finish. It's actually pretty minimal and probably not noticeable unless pointed out.<br /><br />So, that's it for today. Tomorrow, I'll see what stains I can get out of the existing finish with a cleaner called Scrubbing Bubbles. It's a lemon scented bathroom cleaner. My boat will smell like a giant lemon.<br />This is to see exactly what condition the gel coat is in. Maybe I'll be lucky and it'll only require a polishing compound. However, I have a feeling the old finish will need to be wet sanded to bring back its lustrous shine.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Rough diamonds may sometimes be mistaken for worthless pebbles" -Sir Thomas Browne</span><br /></div><br /><br /><a href="http://minifish-restoration.blogspot.com/2008/08/gel-coat-prep-and-flip-flop-blow-out.html">Next ></a>Minfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18007245025810778531noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5968318694565336664.post-66765800073898705612008-08-04T11:40:00.017-05:002010-05-04T16:35:41.254-05:00Step 6 is completeSo this is Step 6- repairing the hull joint, Step 4a-finishing fiberglass as well as some of Step 12-tidbits where I clean the sail.<br />I'm low on materials so I skipped around a bit and finished a step or two out of order.<br /><br />This:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2SExZ3CVBFGACs76LWfb_WiHwv5Z-fgghQBbxv2QgUoGko_jYygV9MeEMdc0SAfA86UkIqEY4yPhHGNd0XVpd-MrUHrnzsIhW7xzOhGiCkPMBHQFaJ78YRd-_LZjJ-IAow-8AsPA3iMHn/s1600-h/DSCF1219.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2SExZ3CVBFGACs76LWfb_WiHwv5Z-fgghQBbxv2QgUoGko_jYygV9MeEMdc0SAfA86UkIqEY4yPhHGNd0XVpd-MrUHrnzsIhW7xzOhGiCkPMBHQFaJ78YRd-_LZjJ-IAow-8AsPA3iMHn/s320/DSCF1219.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230320808454914370" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Now looks like this:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkQAbhnXQzvtNMPVENiuqUnreu8r0Y_vxlGRLFoJLBTO35jcwiBS3z5EpnwmxqqD93I_kN-4p6DesLkt-HXQD3p9JPQ6sAgHhmnclCzgDjtzQviGlUkFE3K4_FY-7scWQ4m-RmWrKkpVw/s1600-h/joint.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkQAbhnXQzvtNMPVENiuqUnreu8r0Y_vxlGRLFoJLBTO35jcwiBS3z5EpnwmxqqD93I_kN-4p6DesLkt-HXQD3p9JPQ6sAgHhmnclCzgDjtzQviGlUkFE3K4_FY-7scWQ4m-RmWrKkpVw/s320/joint.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230704121496223922" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This filler is still curing. I widened the crack a little so I could clean it with acetone and assure I could get the needed material into the space. Using a glue syringe, I placed epoxy mixed with filler to a catchup consistency and injected the filler into the cracks. I then worked it in to make sure the cracks were completely full and faired it.<br />So that takes care of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 6</span>. It was pretty easy actually.<br /><br />Now, about <span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 4</span>. After the fiberglass had cured, I sanded things down so it was smooth and low enough for filler and later gel coat. I also sanded epoxy that had gotten onto the existing gel coat to clean things up. They say peanut butter consistency when mixing epoxy and filler to put over the new fiberglass. I found that consistency a little difficult to work with so I would say "Peanut butter consistency after 20 seconds in the microwave". You just don't want it to sag if you're working on a vertical surface.<br /><br />One difficult task, as I had predicted, was to form the curve on that part of the hull. I can't use a straight edge because the hole is too big and the hull curves too much.<br />So, I had to create the curve by hand. The fiberglass curves, and is close, but it's not perfect. Filler is what you use to create the shape you want. Gel coat is only to seal this filler and should have nothing to do with shape. Without the filler shaped right, the repair will be visible.<br />I only had enough material to cover one patch. I'll be anxiously waiting for my next paycheck.<br /><br />So here it is, filled and curing:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHHe4SF_e55aNwZjlcs97ciH-lU0vv2bywriiK3wjBxEizpqnSEodY6MBBTxt-fXw2OyHTl2Bt5ZF2EsXB1V6Siz_sOBU5fmoYUTiZw22lhyNPrNFlohUsLUZOEeFJJRFOupFTZiif2Vv/s1600-h/filler.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHHe4SF_e55aNwZjlcs97ciH-lU0vv2bywriiK3wjBxEizpqnSEodY6MBBTxt-fXw2OyHTl2Bt5ZF2EsXB1V6Siz_sOBU5fmoYUTiZw22lhyNPrNFlohUsLUZOEeFJJRFOupFTZiif2Vv/s320/filler.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230706537435324930" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I used more filler than needed so it's higher than I want. This is in anticipation of sanding and I'm not experienced enough to know exactly how much. I can always sand it down. Before experience, there's work.<br /><br />I simply could not get the filler to be smooth (for which I contribute to the consistency), so I'll wait until it cures and start sanding away. This will be tomorrow or maybe even the next day.<br />Once I am satisfied with the shape, it'll be ready for gel coat...which I've yet to purchase...and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 4</span> will be completed on this lone patch.<br /><br /><br />Frustrated with running out of materials but still having the time, I decided to wash the sail which is one of the many parts of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 12</span>-<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">tidying loose ends</span>. This little boat surely deserves to wander about the lake with a clean sail!<br /><br />Contrary to what you may think, you cannot use the washing machine to wash a sail. Sails have a coating on them which allow them to be sails. Any harsh soaps or harsh scrubbing will get rid of this coating. Even the gentle cycle is too rough.<br /><br />To wash a sail, you will need plenty of space. I power washed the driveway and spread it out.<br />Here it is, wet from the driveway, and dirty.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWbnixd-_rxS2_nsKFYoRH7RTYCrTiIWi5-aXBkpvWz5UMwdEapuktneApaVmd3-jW4IxwZZVrO1JX6sVBsAz-gBp8nzhEf6OsOgyNImTJ3OcWUv4HnR6i0F7n25K7ZJ5EahBDxaerBHU3/s1600-h/dirtysail.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWbnixd-_rxS2_nsKFYoRH7RTYCrTiIWi5-aXBkpvWz5UMwdEapuktneApaVmd3-jW4IxwZZVrO1JX6sVBsAz-gBp8nzhEf6OsOgyNImTJ3OcWUv4HnR6i0F7n25K7ZJ5EahBDxaerBHU3/s320/dirtysail.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230707595914873730" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I used very diluted car soap. My decision was based on the fact that car soap is designed not to strip away wax from vehicles, so it's fairly gentle. Even dish soap will strip wax off of a car.<br />I washed my feet before stepping on the sail barefooted (my arms weren't long enough to reach from the edges) and gently washed with a soft sponge.<br /><br />This sponge started life as a white sponge. This is how dirty the sail was.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEH04AC9kLmL3BkKxiykkWdhddb6vAq1v7FYxhr3p4Hw-U_t92RVbbDjqZuzK0ZzhxRuvlHa0BEBhSKszG1PC6Z9vp2p_1bFdsT6JXlahj54foAiP0e6wL35FsvwBL5EDVMvt92aCX4HZe/s1600-h/dirtysponge.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEH04AC9kLmL3BkKxiykkWdhddb6vAq1v7FYxhr3p4Hw-U_t92RVbbDjqZuzK0ZzhxRuvlHa0BEBhSKszG1PC6Z9vp2p_1bFdsT6JXlahj54foAiP0e6wL35FsvwBL5EDVMvt92aCX4HZe/s320/dirtysponge.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230708174606053170" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />And now, I have a clean sail free of bugs, dirt, and spiderwebs. Look at that little fish. Doesn't he look so happy?<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRF6VhlvYlLjFVtNfiMZqcll8Rm8XJCMzd1sqNRSkBYLofPYPFfTwWG2UBAx_aJ3k4lZ7Umdkf1DOKIJkV65lPVSExy5HZgfL5Rs7dOhUcFagXKL5kajL67Lq-ZfPZX4uw7-LY-MvNjsBD/s1600-h/cleansail.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRF6VhlvYlLjFVtNfiMZqcll8Rm8XJCMzd1sqNRSkBYLofPYPFfTwWG2UBAx_aJ3k4lZ7Umdkf1DOKIJkV65lPVSExy5HZgfL5Rs7dOhUcFagXKL5kajL67Lq-ZfPZX4uw7-LY-MvNjsBD/s320/cleansail.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230708333361654770" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I'm not entirely sure when I'll be getting more materials. Hopefully after I'm done sanding and shaping the patch I was able to complete. I'll also work on the existing gel coat and see what all I can bring back to its former glory. This is all done by hand so it'll be slow and laborious. In fact, I may break a sweat.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Hard work is the yeast that raises the dough." -Unknown<br /><br /><br /><br /></span></div><br /><br /><a href="http://minifish-restoration.blogspot.com/2008/08/sanding-sanding-more-sanding.html">Next ></a>Minfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18007245025810778531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5968318694565336664.post-67925281581256919422008-08-03T10:48:00.010-05:002010-05-04T16:35:04.679-05:00Zooming past mile marker number 3At exactly 10:43 am today, the brush lifted in its last stroke to complete <span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 3</span>, making the Minifish a complete hull once again. Is it coincidence that the epoxy is presently curing in a breeze perfect for this little boat?<br /><br />I have nothing left to say. It's all celebration because for the first time in 5+ years (I can confirm 5 years, probably closer to 10 years), this little boat can float without taking on gallons of water.<br /><br />But we're not heading to the lake just yet. We have <span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 4</span> to go-Finishing Fiberglass Surface- and many more steps after that.<br /><br />Remember this damage?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzLf_rEXl13W0dc9l05wu1CQavFnkLESYCwu3U5Dxd7YKF2fBAt0TVz1ZgMc2XTv2SLaHdJmGKHNAerYwXThebP4YV5wUAbUYqjtStsi_o_HvN9gPWZvSiyB6vre35tKk6Q7ihJ6B8p_X/s1600-h/DSCF1220.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzLf_rEXl13W0dc9l05wu1CQavFnkLESYCwu3U5Dxd7YKF2fBAt0TVz1ZgMc2XTv2SLaHdJmGKHNAerYwXThebP4YV5wUAbUYqjtStsi_o_HvN9gPWZvSiyB6vre35tKk6Q7ihJ6B8p_X/s320/DSCF1220.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230321132694055538" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />and<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2SExZ3CVBFGACs76LWfb_WiHwv5Z-fgghQBbxv2QgUoGko_jYygV9MeEMdc0SAfA86UkIqEY4yPhHGNd0XVpd-MrUHrnzsIhW7xzOhGiCkPMBHQFaJ78YRd-_LZjJ-IAow-8AsPA3iMHn/s1600-h/DSCF1219.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2SExZ3CVBFGACs76LWfb_WiHwv5Z-fgghQBbxv2QgUoGko_jYygV9MeEMdc0SAfA86UkIqEY4yPhHGNd0XVpd-MrUHrnzsIhW7xzOhGiCkPMBHQFaJ78YRd-_LZjJ-IAow-8AsPA3iMHn/s320/DSCF1219.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230320808454914370" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This will be <span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 6</span>. When the boat heels, this damage will be in the water. Though it will be a small leak, it's a leak none the less.<br />Also, there are a few spots where the fiberglass is showing some stress, so I will need to relaminate those areas in <span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 5</span>.<br /><br />The overall goal is for the Minifish to take her "After Repairs Maiden Voyage" in the best possible shape I can get her in. So this will need to be fixed.<br /><br />So with glee, I check off <span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 3</span> as completed. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 4</span> is next!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try." -Anonymous</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><a href="http://minifish-restoration.blogspot.com/2008/08/step-6-is-complete.html">Next ></a>Minfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18007245025810778531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5968318694565336664.post-86951291939069030402008-07-31T11:23:00.010-05:002010-05-04T16:46:17.753-05:00Humidty and epoxyWe're two days behind.<br /><br />Because of the rain, the humidity is such that it could reek havoc on curing epoxy. Rather than risk it, yesterday and today go down under "nothing accomplished".<br /><br />The time led me to ponder about working indoors vs outdoors.<br />Air-conditioning would have chopped days off of this project. The heat has been dangerous and by noon, if you don't have shade you can get yourself into serious trouble. Not simply just heat exhaustion, but you can go into acute renal failure.<br /><br />I've seen it. You'd rather not have that hospital bill.<br /><br />Theoretically, air-conditioning would have dried the air and I could have resumed work. But lets think realistically. The little shed in the backyard is so poorly insulated, I doubt it'd ever get comfortable in there. As the shed is, if enough space was provided to work in, I might still not be able to work these past few days anyway. You could cut the air with a knife. And I wouldn't have a breeze.<br /><br />Outdoors, while the heat and sunshine can bring your day to an early end, if you get out there in the morning and stay in the shade, it's actually kind of nice. You have a nice breeze and better lighting than man can provide. Being outdoors is simply good for the soul. It refreshes your spirit. Think about how alive you feel when outside on a crisp spring day. I remember days like that and the feeling was felt by all animals. The dog runs extra laps in the yard with an expression of pure joy indescribable by words. The horses would throw their heads and kick out their heels, then gallop across the pasture.<br /><br />Anyway, enough brainless pondering. I've got a few other things to do while waiting for the air to dry. I need to trim the backings for the fiberglass and wrap them in plastic to prevent them from soaking up epoxy, which is more time consuming than actually laying down the fiberglass cloth.<br /><br />Tomorrow construction should be able to resume. In the grand scheme of things, two days behind isn't terrible. This boat hasn't seen the lake in years. She probably gave up on the notion of ever returning.<br />With repairs being done, maybe...just maybe she's begun to dream about the lake once again.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSgd4g7ybkjdH-M6nYc5-Gl3cQoDK2AEzxP8IjtWX6hGvzUAvlCubAUGqHRGU22oCtN5zeUgVoSg5kSJ8XQpHi_IAODycNjVpz2U0XiFHE-Xv62xyOo2-afYtgVoVRKPifbEoqXcUApZWp/s1600-h/dreaming.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSgd4g7ybkjdH-M6nYc5-Gl3cQoDK2AEzxP8IjtWX6hGvzUAvlCubAUGqHRGU22oCtN5zeUgVoSg5kSJ8XQpHi_IAODycNjVpz2U0XiFHE-Xv62xyOo2-afYtgVoVRKPifbEoqXcUApZWp/s400/dreaming.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229216444491170098" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />You see what a dork I become with some free time on my hands?<br /><br /><br />The quote following is a Chinese proverb. I try and keep it in mind when feeling impatient and to remind me that all things, be them little projects, or even large projects such as our lives-it's not necessarily the end that's important:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"The journey <span style="font-weight: bold;">is</span> the reward"</span><br /></div><br />Are you taking the time to enjoy the journey?<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="sqq"><br /></span></div><br /><br /><a href="http://minifish-restoration.blogspot.com/2008/08/zooming-past-mile-marker-number-3.html">Next ></a>Minfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18007245025810778531noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5968318694565336664.post-87454335857647642562008-07-29T11:06:00.009-05:002010-05-04T16:33:06.883-05:00Brand Spanking New Fiberglass!<span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 3(b)</span><br /><br />Do you remember this butt-head hole?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG1ybQMOtiKyk4fYPOxn7znKCkNwSEcnVtCHXxz7xyRuDkWelfcdKZ_GBIttYsl91CHD4Vtao__WO73g18IPgfAkBU_dtwvggdqS8FK5y-LC16oWLiv6d7tyBN7VPO_eyUIXG6xENAPS2a/s1600-h/before2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG1ybQMOtiKyk4fYPOxn7znKCkNwSEcnVtCHXxz7xyRuDkWelfcdKZ_GBIttYsl91CHD4Vtao__WO73g18IPgfAkBU_dtwvggdqS8FK5y-LC16oWLiv6d7tyBN7VPO_eyUIXG6xENAPS2a/s400/before2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228527964890067346" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Well it's gone. GONE I said!<br /><br />The world may rejoice for the Minifish has two less holes than she did yesterday. These freshly closed holes are official, sealed, certified, and guaranteed to contain no trickery. And the bridges are working as well as I had hoped.<br /><br />After two filled holes, progress came to a screeching halt for a several reasons:<br /><br />1.) The weather (it's hot)<br />2.) The time (when the shade is gone, it's hot)<br />3.) Quantity of brushes (my kit has two brushes and I need 5 more)<br /><br />Well, I wonder if the Minifish is beginning to feel renewed and hopeful. Fiberglass isn't as scary as I had predicted*. You have 10 minutes or so to make sure everything is where it needs to be before the epoxy has made progress from its initial liquid form.<br /><br />The backing I'm using requires multiple test fits to make sure it sits flush for the fiberglass. A little trim here, a bend there...it all takes time. Brushing epoxy onto the cloth is the easiest part.<br /><br />So, without further adue, now visible to the public eye, one of what used to be a hole, the peacefully co-existing, the un-narly, the sweet and rehabilitated butt-head hole... may I present to you Mr. Fancy-pants-Fiberglass-Patch:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyyjq5n3FaRDe8dedU81M4OcGuYvok8x1zB8DlHAowS2ZUbx_VG0omMhKwUQ0xJydxi1ek9CBPU_l2HdDEPVjzYRrIZHeTyrSwhY4vXTnrB39gmqBlq1GCxHT3gZvv9-IfW6oYPwsTzHFx/s1600-h/Dscf1237.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyyjq5n3FaRDe8dedU81M4OcGuYvok8x1zB8DlHAowS2ZUbx_VG0omMhKwUQ0xJydxi1ek9CBPU_l2HdDEPVjzYRrIZHeTyrSwhY4vXTnrB39gmqBlq1GCxHT3gZvv9-IfW6oYPwsTzHFx/s320/Dscf1237.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228471014902570834" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Do not take offense that Mr. Fancy-pants-Fiberglass-Patch does not take a bow. He's been instructed to remain still.<br /><br />Okay, seriously now... I have plenty of finishing work to do. In this picture, everything is still wet. The guitar string is holding brilliantly and easy to manage. Tomorrow, while waiting for brushes to find their way home, I'll move this hole to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 4</span>-finishing- and put down some filler and begin to finish and smooth this over. The plan is that once gel coat is on and polished, you wouldn't know there was ever a repair. It's entirely possible. It requires time and a little bit of an obsessive compulsive disorder. The challenge will be that bend. It's easy to make something flush with the old surface. Reproducing that bend will be difficult. It's all work by hand. You can't use a power sander for this.<br /><br />* pending a leak test<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style=";font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" >"There is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats." -Kenneth Graham<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></div><br /><br /><a href="http://minifish-restoration.blogspot.com/2008/07/humidty-and-epoxy.html">Next ></a>Minfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18007245025810778531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5968318694565336664.post-43975881127970598642008-07-25T12:57:00.009-05:002010-05-04T16:32:07.913-05:00In with the new<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-NEf29Pzp8YjtHY-KMUZZ8A1gAG3eCETOdR1EuOKDRsuPR_OLb_Gfr_H2OQt0-zzmMDmFUnTl-QANYu5Hlz_bu0Dvpoq1scT5vAD1XdvfgqFFl8HW1bmvkeB4LDpRNp6hpk27nolh3F3Y/s1600-h/before1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-NEf29Pzp8YjtHY-KMUZZ8A1gAG3eCETOdR1EuOKDRsuPR_OLb_Gfr_H2OQt0-zzmMDmFUnTl-QANYu5Hlz_bu0Dvpoq1scT5vAD1XdvfgqFFl8HW1bmvkeB4LDpRNp6hpk27nolh3F3Y/s200/before1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228527007646448482" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 3a</span><br /><br />Here we are and so far so good. I'm about half a day behind where I wanted to be which is pretty good if you consider how construction projects typically go. I had a head scratching moment which turned into longer than just a moment of head scratching. Since I only have access to one side of the hull, I needed to come up with a way to support the new fiberglass as it hardens. I saw a brilliant idea where you construct a bridge over the repair area and thread wire through a backing (that goes in the hole) which the bridge will hold. I just happen to have some old guitar string that I'll use as the wire. The head scratching came when I came upon the problem of gravity.<br />All of the repair areas are on the edge of the hull where it turns and becomes the side of the hull. This is where the bridge needs to be to pull on the backing at around 90 degrees. The hull is also curved and the sample bridge I made kept sliding off the hull. So I began scratching my head. I tried forming some blocks to the shape of the hull, and that didn't work. I tried bracing the bridge with wood, using the rolled edge of the hull to prevent a piece of wood from sliding out. That didn't work either.<br /><br />I needed reinforcements so I called in my trusty assistant:<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpzvPMoE7LD5yfBvag6t-JE9bwKLid1GjBI58Nx-Y31vqTEcyibRv0sHCG1Py2drdXvHW1vHY82nwrIMfzwrXB4vYswU4DiautB8QBHufaICKnJkoLIGxYkEqNtct156K69mWYlauGFXp/s1600-h/DSCF1236.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpzvPMoE7LD5yfBvag6t-JE9bwKLid1GjBI58Nx-Y31vqTEcyibRv0sHCG1Py2drdXvHW1vHY82nwrIMfzwrXB4vYswU4DiautB8QBHufaICKnJkoLIGxYkEqNtct156K69mWYlauGFXp/s320/DSCF1236.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227013200201677570" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Amigo (the trusty assistant pictured above) came out of his water trough to see how he could help. He needed a "thinking spot" he dug half a spot, before I asked him not to, and laid down to think. After a few seconds, he suggested I use string and weight to prevent the bridges from sliding off.<br />And whadayaknow, Amigo's idea looks as though it may work!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUU52mmPXLuJMiA1Rus1wRznYDR_f7Exl6h5eoZhy2-l5-ZL-P90VtZbRJLjfQu5ChZudaeglxrlsX6vz-fx-0Exovt10444_9Yix_-m0YrXaxKzAy8DQgwo5WAcYHGSivpL5oMnZDxT9U/s1600-h/DSCF1235.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUU52mmPXLuJMiA1Rus1wRznYDR_f7Exl6h5eoZhy2-l5-ZL-P90VtZbRJLjfQu5ChZudaeglxrlsX6vz-fx-0Exovt10444_9Yix_-m0YrXaxKzAy8DQgwo5WAcYHGSivpL5oMnZDxT9U/s320/DSCF1235.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227015186791002850" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />It takes two large bolts to secure the smaller bridges and three large bolts to secure the larger bridges. I simply stapled the string to the bridge so I could easily make sure the length of the string was accurate without the fuss of tying it.<br /><br /><br />So, with all of the bridges on the boat acting as arrows to point out each hole, you can see how many I'll be repairing.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIY4FcUlVlukj4boUSw_euu2PKTQV_hb-V8ulAvwfy9BpbbMGOVJwN2rzOBVsJaUFN78Bk00tR59hAE3lh4MFjcFYd9ZKpCeRDG7OUu3H04n3sWK9TOq22T823cfX-j-RMaInvj_EmI1bP/s1600-h/DSCF1231.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIY4FcUlVlukj4boUSw_euu2PKTQV_hb-V8ulAvwfy9BpbbMGOVJwN2rzOBVsJaUFN78Bk00tR59hAE3lh4MFjcFYd9ZKpCeRDG7OUu3H04n3sWK9TOq22T823cfX-j-RMaInvj_EmI1bP/s320/DSCF1231.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227016038908481762" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Some of the wood near the bow is to keep the bolts from sliding forward since the hull narrows considerably.<br /><br />So after constructing the bridges, I was ready to put away all of the power tools [sad face goes here] and start on templates.<br />West Systems has a fiberglass how-to video on Youtube which I'll be going by. To make the templates, you can take a clear piece of plastic and tape it over the holes. Then you trace the sanded area and then the actual hole. What you come up with is this:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgatRcVAKvAtKsJvlkgqRQhQLGa7t8kJoYpjCvfFhHgE68fZwXtuHEgdbWioCh6MxzFPU1MFskNYKxVQ8yW-dctA8Aq1Rzu9z6l1OdPS2FJAzsGXJlig-UUc_zEydp18d63gxcp_8lT6B/s1600-h/DSCF1233.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgatRcVAKvAtKsJvlkgqRQhQLGa7t8kJoYpjCvfFhHgE68fZwXtuHEgdbWioCh6MxzFPU1MFskNYKxVQ8yW-dctA8Aq1Rzu9z6l1OdPS2FJAzsGXJlig-UUc_zEydp18d63gxcp_8lT6B/s320/DSCF1233.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227017741314992626" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />I could have continued today, but it was getting rather hot, my shade had left me, and I was hungry for lunch. I took the pieces of plastic off the boat and put them in zip lock baggies each labled which will save time for figuring out what hole they're for. What I'll do is put the template, fiberglass and backing all in the ziplock bag as I cut it all.<br /><br />Hopefully tomorrow, the holes will be gone. Not sure though because the fiberglass kit I have has an upsetting amount of fiberglass cloth. It's a piece about double the size of a wallet. I have another kit which has more cloth. I'll see how far it will go.<br />Funds are short so if it doesn't go far enough to cover all holes, progress will halt for the next few weeks.<br /><br />Things are coming along so far!<br /><br /><a href="http://minifish-restoration.blogspot.com/2008/07/brand-spanking-new-fiberglass.html">Next ></a>Minfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18007245025810778531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5968318694565336664.post-6433556190827809892008-07-24T10:56:00.018-05:002010-05-04T16:31:24.890-05:00Out with the old damaged parts<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXA4IurA_GFKPMzxnx6QQFrj77-IsfIkJ-ckZlrZqnx3NT15TlzDWIL_lOdDc9F8vh5OZjxnVCfkdb-Vty8f_ctj6Wt9JF-uQuOrO3v2MBeW5jWJBaIRyL6HLLSCR0pDtgXDlCVPgcYw0y/s1600-h/before1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXA4IurA_GFKPMzxnx6QQFrj77-IsfIkJ-ckZlrZqnx3NT15TlzDWIL_lOdDc9F8vh5OZjxnVCfkdb-Vty8f_ctj6Wt9JF-uQuOrO3v2MBeW5jWJBaIRyL6HLLSCR0pDtgXDlCVPgcYw0y/s200/before1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228526621035532802" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 2(b)</span><br /><br />As the hull sits, there is not a single bad piece of fiberglass on it. However, this doesn't mean we're ready to go sailing just yet. It's got a few holes which would gladly take in water by the buckets.<br /><br />In the early morning light, before it gets unbearably hot, I donned my painter's suit, a hoodie, some gloves, shoe covers, and eye protection. Fiberglass is not something you want in your skin. It is completely irritating and I certainly don't need this project any more difficult than it already is. Anyone who's ever had fiberglass in their skin and reading is probably itching just with the thought of it. And since it's warm, and I'd be sweating, a big thermos of cold water sat on the table. The dogs found a good spot in the shade to watch the destruction. It was time to bring Step 2 to an open and then swift close.<br /><br />A drill bit reflected sun light back into my eyes while I tightened it in the drill. I was using it to make a nice clean hole in the fiberglass for a good comfortable place to start. My hands shook for a second. Am I about to get in over my head? Will I be able to complete this? What if I ruin it!<br />I drew myself up. No matter what I do, the boat was in the worst shape it could be. The damage couldn't be repaired exactly as it sat. Cutting it out is a step towards repair. I'll figure this out.<br />The battery on the drill was nearly dead so it's a good thing the rotting glass didn't put up a fight. Thirty seconds later, I was headed towards the jig saw. Yes, I'm taking a jig saw to my boat. Boats and saws aren't usually friends. Kind of like oil and water.<br /><br />With a jig saw in hand, made in the '50's and equipped with a blade for cutting metal, I approached the hull. Nobody shivered, cried, or shuddered. Nobody averted their eyes. This is with the intention of improvement. Confident that the vibrations from the power sander had convinced any insects and critters to move, I turned on the jig saw and began cutting...like a hot knife through butter. In no time, the bad glass was out and I breathed a sigh of relief.<br /><br />The fiberglass is good! I actually have less holes than I started with. No magic unfortunately. A few holes were so close to each other that it'll be easier to repair if it's one single larger hole.<br /><br />You may not believe it, but here's progress:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWoHTjg9Ky5DJ-VFGJyjRq6aUebE_fJEUNLnCf4ABGLzV9WtSepgZKUC2lPIPgvA1w1ShOT_qkXXZnh8ebQoB-kCRhPFMkfZud-mn-9O9vRwP72zqFwspLuGCgGEnPasKzC5agz36iS5Pi/s1600-h/DSCF1223.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWoHTjg9Ky5DJ-VFGJyjRq6aUebE_fJEUNLnCf4ABGLzV9WtSepgZKUC2lPIPgvA1w1ShOT_qkXXZnh8ebQoB-kCRhPFMkfZud-mn-9O9vRwP72zqFwspLuGCgGEnPasKzC5agz36iS5Pi/s320/DSCF1223.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226613192003484978" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVpQb69Ol_l727DvgMoPwFw3UC7XjI3G2IgFo4Jut0q2f8PJUaRB0SztKLzaBWOIoXLD3HcmjlK024dCPoE79E8nLmcdK-whXzqSWK50CNsc9pq3GVrRP4yZO94hTU12zLrPhg-VoG3LOL/s1600-h/DSCF1222.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVpQb69Ol_l727DvgMoPwFw3UC7XjI3G2IgFo4Jut0q2f8PJUaRB0SztKLzaBWOIoXLD3HcmjlK024dCPoE79E8nLmcdK-whXzqSWK50CNsc9pq3GVrRP4yZO94hTU12zLrPhg-VoG3LOL/s320/DSCF1222.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226613122573635186" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-RGlExIM6mjbqSC_h1N_1KmG7Kr95zgiSfTUU1lDUnfa0ljZW9_GVZ_nbf3sGxWGG1-JZcvDZQgM3UpalGN2rheg7Q2sKHkh9CKBit7skYrI1Ku-1lYQcWR292GY_IdgDjIV-ebP_zsf/s1600-h/DSCF1221.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-RGlExIM6mjbqSC_h1N_1KmG7Kr95zgiSfTUU1lDUnfa0ljZW9_GVZ_nbf3sGxWGG1-JZcvDZQgM3UpalGN2rheg7Q2sKHkh9CKBit7skYrI1Ku-1lYQcWR292GY_IdgDjIV-ebP_zsf/s320/DSCF1221.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226613054831271298" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />You see how the damage is all on the sharp bend where the bottom turns into the side? Yeah, that'll be a bi... a challenge, for lack of a bad word. The nice thing about fiberglass is that it's easy to shape (supposedly... I'll find out soon enough).<br />I beveled the edges of the fiberglass in preparation for new fiberglass to give a larger bonding surface.<br />Next up, Step 3 -patching the holes!<br />Until then, I leave you with a quote and what only a few of the unfortunate, though brave, have ever seen in person- the inside of a Minifish:<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Progress always involves risk; you can't steal second base and keep your foot on first base." -Frederick Wilcox</span><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjheCRcZWWlMEoAFkrkzdov0DMuw4jqeyZgZisDoebugRgT0-pt5jkzAx1I07wwXx6W84ReciLfFqJn0ZG2rB9DLdZ5nhKcXg0sfrW2exLWRpg83iJ1ImK2H5FHhUKKrjZj-9btELvw63CF/s1600-h/DSCF1229.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjheCRcZWWlMEoAFkrkzdov0DMuw4jqeyZgZisDoebugRgT0-pt5jkzAx1I07wwXx6W84ReciLfFqJn0ZG2rB9DLdZ5nhKcXg0sfrW2exLWRpg83iJ1ImK2H5FHhUKKrjZj-9btELvw63CF/s320/DSCF1229.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226614650721001122" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwghlTsrYbMpxHW8hnn7l0Sw2ltsuChGPiMHglRnhTCTg0JddtJXbSLd7t3S4MVP-5DyJnPCAXBJuftZ5nYyYJAUgGIGuGCxPdR1EOrssx2dRR0w58EVYV8uwwUfsjk3Tb7Z3oHSasObw1/s1600-h/DSCF1228.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwghlTsrYbMpxHW8hnn7l0Sw2ltsuChGPiMHglRnhTCTg0JddtJXbSLd7t3S4MVP-5DyJnPCAXBJuftZ5nYyYJAUgGIGuGCxPdR1EOrssx2dRR0w58EVYV8uwwUfsjk3Tb7Z3oHSasObw1/s320/DSCF1228.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226614569858828594" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWrNp_IrhKUTpBbVn_uMg746KzD0WunU2xm8p4bFg74m-KGsDRWNGMBWDfgq-W3j0eJUSkx8-XSWCs6qmbMpXO9ydmCP_TL_XZ904ZyRM36dXTodcZOnMo0PcjVy68_0Qd-Iu701J1YpDQ/s1600-h/DSCF1230.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWrNp_IrhKUTpBbVn_uMg746KzD0WunU2xm8p4bFg74m-KGsDRWNGMBWDfgq-W3j0eJUSkx8-XSWCs6qmbMpXO9ydmCP_TL_XZ904ZyRM36dXTodcZOnMo0PcjVy68_0Qd-Iu701J1YpDQ/s320/DSCF1230.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226614276141423698" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I'm a little sleepy with such an early morning start. I'm sure I'll have nightmares.<br /><br /><a href="http://minifish-restoration.blogspot.com/2008/07/in-with-new.html">Next ></a>Minfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18007245025810778531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5968318694565336664.post-91526098191033062692008-07-23T20:52:00.018-05:002010-05-04T16:29:45.868-05:00It must get worse before it gets better<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnR_jx2Ff2fuJrNfB1zev4V9Lkau5mwiA_PbbJKmfoyIsGPQ3lGmz7xGGfk7cG6jx8zrAKNP60ndNFXqUBIJfb2BRAKOEUTLhMjfQB3DhNG3elPnmKyLqI0p8iu4M12zPPTnIjiCM1XGP/s1600-h/before1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnR_jx2Ff2fuJrNfB1zev4V9Lkau5mwiA_PbbJKmfoyIsGPQ3lGmz7xGGfk7cG6jx8zrAKNP60ndNFXqUBIJfb2BRAKOEUTLhMjfQB3DhNG3elPnmKyLqI0p8iu4M12zPPTnIjiCM1XGP/s200/before1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228526904456077074" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 2</span><span><span style="font-weight: bold;">(a).</span><br /><br /></span>Step 2(a) is to sand the bad spots and expose fiberglass damage hidden by gelcoat. You have to make it a game and "follow the cracks". This can be a nauseating process. You'll sand and find more damage. You'll sand some more, and you'll find more damage. It goes on and on, testing every millimeter of determination. That 99th drop of sweat could be your last if you don't have the guts, the thick skin, to pull this off. But just when you're ready to give up, just when you push that extra little bit, you find good fiberglass. If it weren't for the mask you should be wearing, you'd kiss that good fiberglass, pet it, rock it, cuddle it, and praise its very existence.<br /><br />After sanding a while, with the hull rocking back and forth on a long table, I decided I'd better get proper steady support. For about $20, and an afternoon, I made a pair of saw horses:<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbNg54T5xau_PzkLoiOwU5cj-_8Du9yeWrm1pBcFvTnDT-g_WZMMPp3MIj6JUKid3W3vGtEw0sydAiVeC2tehsVUDN69phmG8woy2VFZAuNFfU6FFEQUWB23TWrs1w5qoFL1TuM0K6Ucpc/s1600-h/DSCF1202.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbNg54T5xau_PzkLoiOwU5cj-_8Du9yeWrm1pBcFvTnDT-g_WZMMPp3MIj6JUKid3W3vGtEw0sydAiVeC2tehsVUDN69phmG8woy2VFZAuNFfU6FFEQUWB23TWrs1w5qoFL1TuM0K6Ucpc/s320/DSCF1202.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226395721047703474" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ilG0S8Aqb4CuzlGSXRuKv57PdnQxR8xsTXwr0-q1VDfRsG0gL5HeNFmOzsVI-hEatozd6vUuj7x-QEYS_0BhnLNTn1ZkVCEawmvU4e4iyqbzrBTnPvcO0r4Wf80VHlCtQuvHTolD9lR8/s1600-h/DSCF1201.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ilG0S8Aqb4CuzlGSXRuKv57PdnQxR8xsTXwr0-q1VDfRsG0gL5HeNFmOzsVI-hEatozd6vUuj7x-QEYS_0BhnLNTn1ZkVCEawmvU4e4iyqbzrBTnPvcO0r4Wf80VHlCtQuvHTolD9lR8/s320/DSCF1201.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226399280318370946" border="0" /></a><br /><br />As you can see (ignore the damage to the bow for now), I've cut the tops of the saw horses to match the shape of the hull. To do this, lay the wood across the hull in the position it would be if in a saw horse. Take a scrap piece of wood, drill a hole the same size as a trusty pen/pencil, and put it through the hole. As you drag the piece of wood, the pen will draw the shape of the hull on the board. Then just follow the line with a jig saw. I saw this tip online and am unable to find it again to give proper credit to the genius idea.<br />I've got separate pieces for when I need to flip the boat to work on the deck. Terry cloth gives the hull a nice cushy surface which won't scratch. After all, who wants more scratches to repair? Or how about scratches in a newly restored finish?<br /><br />Now you're allowed to look at the bow. You can see damage to the bow and damage where the handle used to be. Below are more pictures of damage in good light, with a good camera, and with the gelcoat removed. I left out redundant damage. Just know there are several examples of each on this hull.<br /><br /><br /><br />Plenty of this:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyF9h5KdgbSuWQzV_xcW_AIhbNyyD9pCMKC45MvpE16vGHiPYtzwhov_CuJ28QEbpNoN0HxjL99uF17ztbv7au9iW5txxLo_ZqQivFizLebOih0rpzx-ydxVb3SblNFlrqxkq890EWzG4H/s1600-h/DSCF1210.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyF9h5KdgbSuWQzV_xcW_AIhbNyyD9pCMKC45MvpE16vGHiPYtzwhov_CuJ28QEbpNoN0HxjL99uF17ztbv7au9iW5txxLo_ZqQivFizLebOih0rpzx-ydxVb3SblNFlrqxkq890EWzG4H/s320/DSCF1210.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226401487055679330" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Some of this:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0O1FAlRGb-O0Mg6DoYl2jFMJqEwadmL73UF9L5zQgQCRT7aMQUUF-yHFZQTJzXOp-1G3K63iqZNEpsl4Xo1XNFUKtTIF_F93l5T_mqaGnXwBPK-TG5xr6qEu3ehuGZwKvUZ0TlDIO973t/s1600-h/DSCF1213.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0O1FAlRGb-O0Mg6DoYl2jFMJqEwadmL73UF9L5zQgQCRT7aMQUUF-yHFZQTJzXOp-1G3K63iqZNEpsl4Xo1XNFUKtTIF_F93l5T_mqaGnXwBPK-TG5xr6qEu3ehuGZwKvUZ0TlDIO973t/s320/DSCF1213.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226401248042649730" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />More than enough of this:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmUWXid-e_6g3StWK7mLKZfSbXbJKgFaZ2HPtZHO5dtquOLaWXppVRbiwpoXL0A09_mIlZnr-Cjc19mVpayt23BqGECEe0kYAnyIN9e1Z09rJ2Pb1c4z4bgBB7AVhmSWAQ7SajWZtE-Kq/s1600-h/DSCF1215.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmUWXid-e_6g3StWK7mLKZfSbXbJKgFaZ2HPtZHO5dtquOLaWXppVRbiwpoXL0A09_mIlZnr-Cjc19mVpayt23BqGECEe0kYAnyIN9e1Z09rJ2Pb1c4z4bgBB7AVhmSWAQ7SajWZtE-Kq/s320/DSCF1215.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226401033812684354" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />How about a take home party bag of damage?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pWENVg59N3OYhoDgR3eEABY61StFSbylAYldf_jEutZXdGgDvt9hNt755JzDRe-BqfCw6f9vud5kpqp5XIa9qaS8eYWUm_PpTxJ5tB9vcxvUuT7FZLHnzqHyFdEpMlbQFHjdcB0fhWXL/s1600-h/DSCF1219.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pWENVg59N3OYhoDgR3eEABY61StFSbylAYldf_jEutZXdGgDvt9hNt755JzDRe-BqfCw6f9vud5kpqp5XIa9qaS8eYWUm_PpTxJ5tB9vcxvUuT7FZLHnzqHyFdEpMlbQFHjdcB0fhWXL/s320/DSCF1219.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226400564225799234" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsO6YvgeHPH7t12hvEuqgT9DLdM-mROgJ8kXfRHtVkU9AfA4MkKwaPgrLPnGOE62rPjY6QzlAQfQcpEg9fjsRQAQQpYRec95G52ugVIEWnNpHcV7fR3yoYbR1-ze-7u5W-Zp335V-8CDAb/s1600-h/DSCF1220.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsO6YvgeHPH7t12hvEuqgT9DLdM-mROgJ8kXfRHtVkU9AfA4MkKwaPgrLPnGOE62rPjY6QzlAQfQcpEg9fjsRQAQQpYRec95G52ugVIEWnNpHcV7fR3yoYbR1-ze-7u5W-Zp335V-8CDAb/s320/DSCF1220.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226400318211466722" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Worth grumbling over:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zfNuljm8OREhmcA8j0bHY5zEoYbHzpk2FAAyKLwsBnKN2LZw9wdNDcflfJCNMK0vL2iMaFCj-V0TBNJWvQpESkb6Zszde9tEaEPDBhUQ5KVGsoyi2Ic4Sgdy1UBCP5eQW4fsGTI_cu8L/s1600-h/DSCF1217.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zfNuljm8OREhmcA8j0bHY5zEoYbHzpk2FAAyKLwsBnKN2LZw9wdNDcflfJCNMK0vL2iMaFCj-V0TBNJWvQpESkb6Zszde9tEaEPDBhUQ5KVGsoyi2Ic4Sgdy1UBCP5eQW4fsGTI_cu8L/s320/DSCF1217.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226400797479985778" border="0" /></a><br /><br />But the good news is that it's all fixable. Now with proper safety apparel in a plastic bag sitting next to my feet, I'll head on to Step 2(b) which is to cut even larger holes and bevel them in preparation for fresh new fiberglass. Then I can move on to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 3</span>-<span style="font-style: italic;">plugging</span> those holes all the while remembering this famous quote:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Rome was not built in a day</span>" <span style="font-style: italic;">-John Heywood</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Cheers!<br /></div></div><br /><br /><a href="http://minifish-restoration.blogspot.com/2008/07/out-with-old-damaged-parts.html">Next ></a>Minfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18007245025810778531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5968318694565336664.post-81826879517248613052008-07-22T16:52:00.012-05:002010-05-04T16:27:19.050-05:00What are we dealing with here?So. I have this boat with a few dings, scratches, cracks, and holes ready to teach me all about gelcoat and fiberglassing repair techniques before I try remembering my sailing roots as well as convince my husband that fun (sometimes sheer terror) can be had on a boat without a motor.<br />My husband and I muscled it into the shed after receiving it from my dad. Though 80 lbs isn't terribly difficult to maneuver, the awkwardness of 11'9" of 80 lbs is <span style="font-style: italic;">very much</span> awkward. How on earth did Dad ever get it on top of the car way back when?<br /><br />I'll be drawing plans for a trailer.<br /><br />It was born in 1974, judging by the model number. The story on the damage is, if I remember right, the hull blew off the dock at a marina during a storm and visited each and every dangerous object it could find without the supervision of a human. Dad, feel free to correct me.<br />Or perhaps things dropped on it during storage. Maybe a combination of the two. It doesn't really matter, does it?<br /><br />The results:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8NFgkl0PJtkB7sK60dPLAEV8VkGVutmg0GXfrz_gEEnzukaNtLKvCzJvklxKiKrreqYB06H4hJXmAGnsulmssEM8g0tcNwxcDTZI9rYoFqHYf9QZ4JTsecMdn5vQ85rCqmWa0uwORwXX/s1600-h/4.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8NFgkl0PJtkB7sK60dPLAEV8VkGVutmg0GXfrz_gEEnzukaNtLKvCzJvklxKiKrreqYB06H4hJXmAGnsulmssEM8g0tcNwxcDTZI9rYoFqHYf9QZ4JTsecMdn5vQ85rCqmWa0uwORwXX/s320/4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225961568613493330" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qJXhfpTTMa-CTDAMSczERhawVkyaRDgCRMv_LSk1WLQmV_PKhIk6BfWtI8X5iO_ow1cqQNo54G1ahyvBN2LzRsIg3tChh7xt68umCBPlh16k6R60byAvLl80k9UesH6sZiDbIxguq-GU/s1600-h/3.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qJXhfpTTMa-CTDAMSczERhawVkyaRDgCRMv_LSk1WLQmV_PKhIk6BfWtI8X5iO_ow1cqQNo54G1ahyvBN2LzRsIg3tChh7xt68umCBPlh16k6R60byAvLl80k9UesH6sZiDbIxguq-GU/s320/3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225961512069293410" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVST8ZXOviGSPtaMEd817IiGiPHkmu5xt2BcGxrBiQU2iCWkCAI0MmlxdDVibgeoOhxCrUdRfgI5jSWnSpIBx7PFRlGp_Fvy0ewwzYFEIaNDyfq-3uc-RqHps2leuyGyxxQP2T72kVq1U1/s1600-h/2.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVST8ZXOviGSPtaMEd817IiGiPHkmu5xt2BcGxrBiQU2iCWkCAI0MmlxdDVibgeoOhxCrUdRfgI5jSWnSpIBx7PFRlGp_Fvy0ewwzYFEIaNDyfq-3uc-RqHps2leuyGyxxQP2T72kVq1U1/s320/2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225961456559026226" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFQPfbdTWVdE_YX_uLoFFBBx28nFaJ6nfGXPpLpQAk6nXSuYNhyphenhyphen9lGpVIoErRx2G2p0-sXEq3dCA5ixTkA7noR8Q14ITzKoxuWLEAO1RU310iO-Qd7Rz7-CjdMY3yckTd69Qw6IgbCUmK/s1600-h/1.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFQPfbdTWVdE_YX_uLoFFBBx28nFaJ6nfGXPpLpQAk6nXSuYNhyphenhyphen9lGpVIoErRx2G2p0-sXEq3dCA5ixTkA7noR8Q14ITzKoxuWLEAO1RU310iO-Qd7Rz7-CjdMY3yckTd69Qw6IgbCUmK/s320/1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225961378655161762" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />That's the worse of it. There's a few other places where only the gelcoat is damaged. The bow handle is gone. But everywhere on the hull that needs to be strong is alright (pending a look inside).<br /><br />So. I had the hull, the dagger board, and the rudder. I inquired about the sails and Dad said his ex-wife had them. Well, dang. Rather than speak with her, I elected to search for sails. Unfortunately, I'd be better off playing the lotto. Only one person in the entire world makes the sail for the Minifish and it wasn't worth the cost. At least, not until I knew whether or not my ex-step-mother still had everything.<br />After a brief period of stalking her online, some help from my older brother, I find her current address and sent a letter asking about them. A month later, I gave up on a response. Another month later, and I get a letter back. She still has them and she's willing to meet with me to get them. Yessss!<br />I meet with her, get the sail, mast, everything else I need. I got to see my old horse and on the way back to my truck, ran into a low tree branch skinning my nose quite impressively. But she had left by then, so I drove home holding a paper towel on my nose to stop the bleeding. The pain and blood was insignificant. My boat was complete. Damaged, but complete! Step 1 accomplished. I can claim I bled over this boat, yes?<br /><br />I had everything. At least all of the major items.<br />So I'm that much closer to my goal. Restoring "The Fish" (attn: family, that is her new nickname) to her former glory so that her red, white, and blue sail can proudly gather wind and blast across the lake...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />...after I fix about 5 holes, numerous cracks in the gelcoat, replace some line, paint, and some spiffy stripes.<br />She'll be good again. I promised her.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJsnEtlGy067q0XyIiYbPvRHzxYzE0j4Mrq755mUj0x415YdMRCQDs3hcWiPnPFIGEGczv80udkvDYQc-ta5on-uDHmDyv6vXo8gl7_DYZ-xiNPfqGBOdLE27Mb63NqnsHZAmMa4gsPSo/s1600-h/flyer.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJsnEtlGy067q0XyIiYbPvRHzxYzE0j4Mrq755mUj0x415YdMRCQDs3hcWiPnPFIGEGczv80udkvDYQc-ta5on-uDHmDyv6vXo8gl7_DYZ-xiNPfqGBOdLE27Mb63NqnsHZAmMa4gsPSo/s320/flyer.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225964992586642578" border="0" /></a><br />[credit picture of flyer to the yahoo group, <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sunfish_sailor/messages?o=1">sunfish_sailor</a>]<br /><br />More to come...<br /><br /><a href="http://minifish-restoration.blogspot.com/2008/07/it-must-get-worse-before-it-gets-better.html">Next ></a>Minfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18007245025810778531noreply@blogger.com2