Just completed the major portion of strip building the new RG65 hull. Has been removed from building board and all station templates removed except #2 at the bow and #10 at the stern. I used some shaped insulation foam to form a bow block. The bow is too narrow for the balsa strips to lay and form well. This foam gives it a little support and is something to which I can glue. Going to start laying out radio gear location and also start to fabricate a deck. The waterline stripe is red cedar and the remaining hull will be clear coat WEST epoxy. I'm thinking of painting the bottom of the hull flat black, or maybe white about 1/2 inch below the cedar strip. You can see the foam block in photo of port side of boat. Also threw in a graphic logo using stain.Will be under WEST and 1/2 oz. glass when done.
THAT, my friend, is an incredible amount of time and fiddling. I saw the followup photo posts for that one, and the owner/builder did a superb job. I may try this design again, only using foam as a base for a glass hull. Lots of foam left over for what at one time I thought would become a multihull fleet. Also, I still have that old Marblehead I need to get back to refurbishing. Have a DF65 waiting for nice day at the pond for first sail, and also a Force 2-60 catamaran that I started cleaning up some bad die marks and poor quality hull glue joints also needing attention. Then there is Momma too, SIGH !!!
I have plenty of wishes as well to start new boats, but I also have a few unfinished projects that are going to take top billing his winter. it is a beautiful IOM...
Update on some not so spectacular stuff......... 1/ Interior of hull got a coat of WEST epoxy yesterday 2/ Bow block on and sanded. Exterior of block coated with WEST epoxy. 3/ Exterior of hull to be stained today (if temps permit) 4/ Going to take hull to UPS for a check on overall weight. .18 lb./2.88 oz./81.647 gr. (was trying to hit 75 gr. weight)* Since I left the 1/4 inch thick hardboard templates in place for station #2 and station #10 (transom) it is possible, to have hit the target weight. Regardless - I don't feel bad about it since it was mist build attempt at a total strip hull.
I have since worked out an issue of the bolt lengths that came with the DF65 replacement keel and bulbs. (too short) and have fitted the keel to the hull. Will run some fiberglass cloth across the inside of the hull to add strength to balsa strips and still have to fabricate a keel trunk for it.
Yes, I want to make it out of maybe 2 layers of 4.0 oz. cloth - tall enough so I can span it across width of keel to transfer loads to entire hull, rather than a couple o strips of balsa. I also have a swing rig here on a shelf, so i might install tubes for both swing and traditional rigs. If I don't use a keel trunk, is your suggestion to use a carbon tube?
Hi Dick, no trunk at all ! In a small model as RG65 the Fin can be kept fixed unless you desire to change it for various reasons like the lenght. Mechanically you have two supporting points for the Fin. The weight is reduced. see sketch.
I like the fin to be removable. The bulb is so heavy compared to the hull that I fear it will break if I transport it in one piece in my car. True, this adds some weight.
Hi Thomas, nice pictures a good job done so far. Nice mounting board, next time I will copy it Cheers
I'll take a picture of my transport cradle when I get home. hull is locked in by a strap, and the keel bulb has a spot that it goes into so it can be laid on its side or end and the apendages are are all protected.
pics as promised....the "wood" is PVC lumber if I was really slick I could put a "kick stand" on it so I could lean it over while pond side. joints are mitered and screwed and glued with PVC pipe glue. plus its got a slot for a shallow and lighter keel. which I tried once but the boat wasn't happy.
Never heard of PVC lumber. Where do you buy, and do the big box home centers carry it? How is cost? Thanks, Dick
It's plastic made to look & feel like wood. Interior it's like a foam to make it lighter, but finish is solid. They make it in different colors & textures depending on application. Googel: https://www.google.cl/search?q=plas...ChMI9Keaz5CHyQIVSSCQCh1BJAyP&biw=1600&bih=775
Dick, Yeah Home Depot. one side is textured, one side is smooth. made by azek not cheap, but easy to work with. and won't ever have to worry about rot. http://www.homedepot.com/p/AZEK-1-in-x-5-1-2-in-x-8-ft-White-PVC-Frontier-Trim-ARF12506096/203451129 Tarm Its heavier than a similar sized piece of pine or oak. the stuff you posted of more of a composite thats better used for decking and such
Thanks, Marc I'll have to stop in and take a look. Probably back at the exterior trim area of the store. Dick