First step was to give the inside of the hull a sand to give it a smooth finish. I then fit the deck beams, braces & frames together using U-POL P40 Body Filler. I then used some Gorilla 2-Part Epoxy to cover the joint to reinforce it I then used some sheet ply for the base of hull which was fixed in place using U-POL P40 Body Filler, this is where the batteries & ballast will be sitting so it needed to be strong.
I clamped some small pieces of 4mm ply to beams, this made sure that the beams stayed level while bonding them to the hull. I used some 5.5mm ply to make a base on either side of the hull where my ballast will be placed.
I clamped some small pieces of 4mm ply to beams, this made sure that the beams stayed level while bonding them to the hull. I used some 5.5mm ply to make a base on either side of the hull where my ballast will be placed.
For the motor base I used some ply & then bolted the motor mount to it which held it securely in place. I used a spirit level to be sure that the motor was inline with the shaft for smooth operation. I then sealed around all the edges of the base using U-POL Easy 1 Body Filler.
For the deck I have used some Ply which will be fixed in place using some Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue & U-POL P40 Body Filler to secure it to the deck beams. I have also cut out an access hatch at the rear which is where the rudder servo sits, this will eventually be covered by a removable hatch. I then coated the deck with Big Boy Body Filler Ultrafine & then to finish off I did a coat of U-POL Dolphin Glaze.
Click on Image below to enlarge
HULL
HULL
BALLAST SUPPORT
I made shelving at the bottom of hull on both sides & also at the Stern / Aft which is where the ballast tubs will be placed.
I made shelving at the bottom of hull on both sides & also at the Stern / Aft which is where the ballast tubs will be placed.
DECK
I sealed the deck using some 2-Part Body filler (Big Boy Ultra Fine) I then sanded down to a smooth finish ready for the U-POL Dolphin Glaze to be applied, this will form a solid/sealed deck area. I also trimmed the leading edge of the Bulwark & sanded for a smooth finish.
I sealed the deck using some 2-Part Body filler (Big Boy Ultra Fine) I then sanded down to a smooth finish ready for the U-POL Dolphin Glaze to be applied, this will form a solid/sealed deck area. I also trimmed the leading edge of the Bulwark & sanded for a smooth finish.
For the Bulwark supports I used 3mm ply, this is a VERY time consuming part of the build as every support has a slightly different shape so using a template wasn't possible!
