Dukes Wisconsin FL 14

[Dukydo]

Geeeez, the temps are finally above freezing here and I've started work on the boat again. I'm hoping to get the bottom side finished up and flipped soon. Can't wait to get started on the inside. I've been buying my hardware and fittings through the winter and even have my oars ordered.

I really enjoy building this boat, however I have decided I like fishing better and I'm going to step up the build schedule in order to get her splashed this summer. That translates to a work boat finish I'm afraid. Hopefully nothing happens this year to change that.

I had to put my epoxy in a pot of boiling water to bring it back to usable viscosity. It had started to crystalize inside the pump tube and a solid mass had accumulated in the bottom of the jug. This, even with it being stored over winter in my basement. It is as good as new and cures at temps in the low 40's within 24 hours. A longer working time is another benefit of the lower temps also.

I,ll be looking for inexpensive but tough paint soon for the bottom. Any tips on this will be appreciated.

Duke



_________________
Duke
SO FAR...SO GOOD

[PaulMcClure]

Duke,

Different types of epoxy seem to crystalise worse than others. I find System Three Silvertip doesn't crystalise too bad, System Three General Purpose and SB-112 are more prone to crystalising. However dumping them in a bucket of hot water solves the problem easily.

Good luck with the build

Paul.

[Dukydo]

I'm about to apply a coat of epoxy with graphite to the hull bottom. Should that be the final epoxy coat or should I add an additional straight coat of epoxy over the graphite??
I know.... I should know this stuff but its been a long cold winter and I'm still a bit brain chilled.

Thanks

[JIM M]

The graphite coat is all you need. I did 3 coats on mine. Like you I'm glad winter is almost over.

Jim

[Dukydo]

I was hopeing to get the bottom coated with graphite this weekend but alas winter decided to return and temps dipped and the rain, sleet, and snow reared its ugly head. They say this winter has produced more snow here than any recorded Wisconsin winter. On top of all that there is much flooding and the rain continues. Boatbuilding takes a back seat again.

[Cracker Larry]

I would expect that weather in Wisconsin, but it's just about doing the same thing in South Georgia. Without the snow. Well, it's snowing oak and pine pollen right now. It was 85 today, supposed to be 40 tonight and freezing tomorrow night. I don't ever remember a freeze in April.

[Dukydo]

Hi Larry,
Good to hear from you. Sounds like your going from extreme to extreme.


http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b4/Dukydo/

[Dukydo]

It's the day after Monday and the day before Wednesday. I have never been able to spell Teuasday and I'm still not sure about wedsday. Any how I got a second coat of graphite on the bottom of the FL14. I've decided as I mentioned before that I'm going to be fishing from this boat this summer so that means Going for the workboat finish. I'll do a small amount of fairing and then go for the primer.

I had also tentatively named the boat the mosquito but can't come up with a simple drawing of a mosquito that suits me. Maybe someone else can come up with something. OR maybe I'll name her something else.

http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b4/Dukydo/

[Cracker Larry]

I like this one...

[Dukydo]

It is fast approaching now. That is to say when the Mosquito gets a paint job on her belly. After glassing the bottom, making the skeg, glassing the skeg, applying the epoxy & graphite to the bottom, and Quick Fairing the entire hull... it is time to paint very soon. by weeks end I should be there. All I have to do is decide which paint, what color, and how much of it. Some of the guys including Jacques, Tom, Justin, Boomer, KS8, and Evan have all in thier own way steered me toward the System 3. However, I need to learn a few things about the application of this stuff before I order it.

Below are a few pictures of what the Mosquito has undergone here lately.


Graphite was mixed with epoxy and applied with a roller. It looks very good and another coat should look even better.

Here we are after two coats of graphite.

Quick Fair is wonderfull stuff.

After the sides and transom are Quick Faired, It should be ready for primer. WOOO Hooo.

I know its not popular to put paint over graphite, but heres how it is. I used the graphite for tuffness. The wife likes tuff but she likes a more traditional bottom. Probably white or light blue.

Duke