building xf20

[MrPaul]

Ok. I think I'm going to put another layer of 1/2" okume on the inside of the transom, make the motor well walls on the inside stringers and beef up the knees on the outer stringers. I'll make the motor well walls angle up to the top of the transom like a flatscat. In essence it will have the 2 center knees running all the way to the top of the transom. After the deck goes on I'll tab it to the transom with 2 layers of tape. Looks like I'm going to have to order more biaxial tape. This is going to be a trailer boat so I should probably buy a transom saver. I sincerely appreciate all of the advice. Hopefully we avoid some future transom issues.

[MrPaul]

I'm done with all of the outside glass and want to start fairing next week. I have 4 bags of silica microballon mix. Reading the forum I see that I need to mix it with resin to get a toothpaste consistency. Is it applied the same way quick fair is applied? Drywall tools? Any advice is appreciated.

[Cracker Larry]

Just like Quick Fair. I use drywall tools.

[MrPaul]

Thanks Larry!

[MrPaul]

One last fairing question. Do I use the silica/microballoons to sharpen the rear edge of the boat below the transom?

[Cracker Larry]

No, it's too brittle for that, it's for fairing only. I use a mix of chopped or milled glass fibers and wood flour for that. Edges take a beating and need to be tough.

[puppydrumn]

Dam I guess mine is gonna break I mixed a little wood flour with the micro balloon stuff to build chines. Oops. Maybe the five layers of epox/graphite will help.

[MrPaul]

Looks like its time for another shipment of supplies. Are we supposed to sharpen the chines as well? Can we fair and then sharpen or should we sharpen the edges first and then fair?

[Cracker Larry]

Sharpen the edge before fairing.

[MrPaul]

Should I sharpen where the sides meet the bottom as well?