Hello all,
Despite intending to take a break from this I couldn’t stop thinking about tackling that cabin top so everything else that ‘interferes’ has been given the back seat. It has gone much better than anticipated so I hope it will prove of interest
Firstly though, thank you for your kind words Mark, I’m glad you are enjoying the thread. They come as I was beginning to wonder if there was any interest. Lots of viewers I see so I guess if you are that ‘ten percent of ten percent’ there must be at least another hundred of you
.
Perhaps I should reiterate what I said at the start - this is my first power boat for thirty odd years and this was to share the build with others. Hopefully to have any errant ways picked up by those far more experienced and also to give encouragement to those who may be considering tackling something similar.
Onto that cabin roof then. Some time back when wondering about how to mould a piece of ply over the compound curves involved FLJ remarked about planking. I felt this would be the best option but immediately thought ‘as an aeromodeller’ and visualized longitudinal planks most of which would have to be tapered.
I was still on this line of thought last week when I was laminating the cabin side rails when I laid a strip of wood over to check the ‘fairing’. Laying it diagonally, the penny dropped and as mentioned it was obious that unlike longitudinal planking it would give the edges equal strength all round.
Though aware of the technique I have never used this method before but any concerns were soon dismissed - I have to say how impressed I am with it and am
really pleased with the result
.The adoption of the curves involved, the apparent immense strength and the lack of ‘spring’ as the clamps were removed. Little wonder it was (is?) used in full size construction.
I laminated the support rails inside the cabin top rails with 1/64 ply shims in between, fitted two central formers and two stringers. Once this was set it was faired to the cabin sides then removed. The cabin sides, front and rear edges were then masked using selotape and the frame then replaced using the shims again to keep it in the correct position. Clamped at the rear and forward bulkheads the top was planked with two laminations of 1/2" wide 1/32 ply. It was time consuming but by the same token relatively quick. I used the Titebond 3 glue which gives an incredibly quick grab time for a PVA glue but the limitation was the available clamps!!
Here are a few pics which should explain all.
Laminating the support rails. The ply shim was pushed down before planing fair
Setting the rear frame former
Frame faired and stringers fitted
First layer of planking. Incidentally that coloured clamp - 'Soft' pegs - 2 quid for ten - Tesco's - brilliant!
Faired off all round.
A start has been made on finish planking the well deck - more on that later so back soon when thats finished
Regards - Ramon