Ideas From Readers

Here are two comments from readers who posted on our thread on the builders forum at www.bateau.com

---Comment 1---

The thing is, high-build primer is expensive, so getting a good sanding done first will save you time and money.

That said, I would do just as you wrote, prime, take a look, and then work those areas that specifically need attention. Ive had best results with two coats of the high build then sanding. You might try that misting thing Joel has been doing on the FS14 thread. It seems like a great way to really pick out the problem areas.

---End Comment 1---

---Comment 2---

Before you put primer down...

1) Use straight edges with a light behind it to look for a fair surface. The light will show through between the hull and the straight edge if it is not fair.

2) Position a strong light close the hull surface. Step 6 or more feet away from the hull and look right down the side (block the light with your hand while you can still look down the hull). This will show many imperfections if they exist.

The above doesnt take very long and will tell you if you are ready.

Resist the urge to forge ahead if you have doubts that you are really ready for the next step.

---End Comment 2---

Read More..

Clarification on the Errors Were Experiencing

I received a message from one of the administrators at bateau, requesting that I clarify something about the errors were experiencing.

There are three possible places where these fitting problems could be occurring. Those places are the plans themselves, the kit, or how we as builders are executing these plans (or any combination thereof). At this point I honestly dont know the root cause of the issue. I will say unequivocally that the administrators at bateau have been incredible about working with us when weve experienced problems, and I will clarify for the record that its highly possible that the issues are due to what were doing and how were doing it, as opposed to it being a problem with the plans or the kit we purchased.

Please do NOT take the contents of this blog as any intent to question the quality of the plans that bateau produces, nor the kits that they manufacture. This blog is designed to look at the building process... nothing more.

Read More..

For Clarification

I want to clarify things a bit. From my perspective, theres no tension between Greg and me on this project. We have the same vision for this boat... a high-quality watercraft that we built with our own hands. I know that this is ultimately his baby and Im basically playing "Gilligan" to his "Skipper." Hes a mechanical engineer and has done tons of research every step along the way. Hes got a more developed vision than I do, and more knowledge and insight about how to achieve that vision.

At the same time, hes not autocratic. When I have an idea or disagree with his approach, I tell him whats on my mind and he listens. Sometimes we implement my thoughts, others we dont. When we went into this project, we knew wed occasionally disagree. Since its ultimately his boat, Ive got no problems with doing what he wants and to his satisfaction. We really are doing this as a team; were simply using the fact that its his boat as the tiebreaker.

My frustration is merely that weve been stuck in the sanding and fairing stage for over seven months. Part of this is the pursuit of perfection, and part of this is because were both family men who can only devote a few hours per week to this project. In the end, please dont think that my previous post was designed to imply that Im frustrated with Greg, because thats not true. Mainly Im illustrating, with my own personal experience, that building such a large boat carries its share of challenges and frustrations.

Read More..

Trimmed Transom

Trimmed Transom
Originally uploaded by OzzyC.

Greg got the overhang trimmed from the front and rear transom, using a jigsaw. It looks a lot better now.

Read More..