SK14 in Katy, TX

[TexasCoastReds]

Thank you for the input. In which case I’ll seal up those compartments to be airtight and leave them without foam. I was somewhat hesitant to add additional weight up front.

Hopefully this second 2 gal foam kit is enough to fill in the sole compartments.

I’ve taken a few days vacation to make some progress on this build. This morning I flipped the hull, cleaned up the joints, and filled the joints with thickened epoxy. Hopefully she dries enough for me to tape the seams and then glass the bottom tonight.

[TexasCoastReds]

Well I got the outside seams, transom, and the hull glassed this morning. That was a little stressful. I'm used to complicated furniture glue-ups (Windsor/stick chairs etc.), but this seemed more daunting because my glass decided it didn't want to stay flat.

For some reason the weave bunched up in a few places when I was placing it on the hull before applying epoxy. I have a feeling that some stray splinters snagged the weave and pulled some of the fibers up. I got it flat and wetted in all areas except for one little section. I currently have a piece of plastic and a lump hammer sitting on top of that area to keep it down. I hope that plastic releases; if not I'll have a hammer as part of my skeg .

My extra flotation foam kits arrives today, so once the bottom dries, it'll be time for flipping and finishing the top sides. Next on my short term action list:

• Install second kit of floatation foam and trim to the cleats.

• Install the doubler.

• Install the sole, fillet, glass the seams, and then probably glass the top.

• Make and install the hatch guttered frame and door.

• Install the upper deck and hatch door.

[TexasCoastReds]

Today I flipped the hull and got the second foam kit poured. I got the area beneath the deck mostly filled. Would you be ok with this, or should I brim the foam to the cleats? I.e. should I order another 1 qt kit and fill in the voids?

[pee wee]

The answer would depend on why you want foam in there in the first place, but if it were my boat I'd call it good.

[Fuzz]

I am with Hank here. Not sure what you would gain by filling all the little voids.

[TexasCoastReds]

Well, I ran out of epoxy and wood flour. So while it's being shipped, I figured I'd start the electrical. The electrical will be mounted on this removable shelf inside the hatch. The shelf will sit on some cleats with Velcro holding the shelf in place.

The switches are upside down, so that when I lean over and look into the hatch they will be the correct way up. The power bank will be a 20Ah LiFePO4 battery that will run the fish finder and lights for the boat. I flirted with the idea of installing the alternator kit to the outboard, then a battery DC-DC regulator/charger, but I think the 20Ah will serve me fine as is.

I've gotten the hatch faired, and will prime and paint soon before installing the upper deck section.

[Reid]

Coming along nicely! The grab rail looks really nice as well! Keep it up.
-Reid

[TexasCoastReds]

Thanks Reid, I'm very happy with the grab rail, thanks for having it fab'd up.

While I'm waiting for the epoxy and glass, I ran the electrical and rough fit the hatch gutter. The conduit was a little fiddly in this area, and my sealing won't win any beauty prizes, but hopefully it's serviceable.

[TexasCoastReds]

Very excited. Picked up the motor yesterday and ordered the trailer, taking advantage of some end of year sales.

Decided to go with a 6 horse Yam, the 12L aux fuel tank is also on the way. I was stuck between the 8hp/9.9 twin cylinder and the 6hp single cylinder. However, after testing the 6hp single cylinder at the store, I was surprised at how smooth it ran. Plus it's 20lb lighter than the twin cylinder and nobody has accused me of being a light guy :help. I think the lighter load at the transom will be great.

[TexasCoastReds]

I've been away camping with the family for a week, and when I returned I had my epoxy and fiberglass top up supplies delivered. The sole has been sealed and epoxied down, and I've started on the inner rub rail.

I also built the CE Smith Multisport Plus Trailer and it appears to be a great fit for this skiff; this may be helpful for those looking at this skiff as a project.