Another FS17 Build Thread

[mineratt]

The last set of fillet mix comes in today, who knows maybe I will finish up the gunnels with glassing this weekend, then its sanding and faring the upper structures, then priming and painting. But at this point all major additions and construction projects are now finished. It may actually make it to morro bay this summer.

[Jeff]

Good progress!!! Jeff

[mineratt]

I filled in the gap under the outside edge of the gunnel and sanded it flush all around. I glassed the outside edge of the gunnel with two layers of 6oz, the inside edge with 1 layer of 6oz with 2ft sections above the frames with an additional layer of 6oz. the open strip down the center has a layer of 6oz. i applied a layer of puddy to fair it out then a wide layer of 6oz to lock if all in.

[mineratt]

this leads to a general question, how is the stern side of the gunnel typically secured to the transom; laying on top of the transom and glued down, butt joined with a block? The different "how to" files never really show this detail. I layed the gunnel board on top of the transom lip and used a crap load of glue to lay it down. I used layers of 6oz placed in different directions along the outside edge onto the transom, then cloth covering the gunnel to top of transom. Is this enough? all interfaces are glued and have at least 2 layers of 6oz cloth.

[mineratt]

i am thinking about adding a fillet and cloth to the underside of the gunnel at each frame to reinforce the gunnel. everything has been appropriately glued as per the general how to instructions. I was thinking that maybe the additional reinforcement might be good to support the docking cleats and for holders. on a side note, the entire underside has been glassed with 12oz biax before i assembled the gunnel top.

[TomW1]

You need to put a reinforcing block under each cleat and other hardware. These should be twice as beg as the cleat you install to prevent pull out. Use a minimum of 1/2" ply better is 3/4" for these backing blocks,

Toms

[mineratt]

I know about the backing plates, that is a given whether it is the FS17, or a Dusky. But what about actually reinforcing how the deck (gunnel deck) is attached to the frames? Is it strong enough with just the epoxy, or should I add the fillets/cloth to the spots where the gunnel deck attaches to the tops of the frames. If it is enough as is then that would be perfect and I will stop with is as is and just start faring it out.

[TomW1]

Ok attach a 3/4" block coated in epoxy on each side of the frame to strengthen the joint and give you plenty of gluing surface for the deck. This will be plenty and should have been in the plans some where.

Tom

[OneWayTraffic]

Yes cleat where you can't fillet and tape. Both would work, and cleats are easier when upside down, or blind. Don't forget to paint up under there either. UV will reflect off the sole, and eventually degrade the epoxy there.

[mineratt]

Gotcha, yes this cleat is in the plans and I have incorporated them. This is the last item to consider for construction and i do not want to miss something right at the end. That being said i guess all the glassing is now done, just down to the final fairing now. It has been a bit of a journey, but now the end is in sight.