Surface Preparation Saga, New canoe Build, and Injury.

Last weekend I really wanted to get some top coat on the deck. I was showing Dad the work I had done so far and he asked why I hadn't removed the pad eyes on the transom. I said it was too hard to reach inside to get at the nuts to undo them. I had a better look at them and decided that they looked a bit too shabby so I cut them off with a hacksaw and filled the holes. While I had some epoxy mixed up i also filled in a few more spots that were not quite right.

Then I was ready to sand however the temperature was low and I am using the slow hardener from west so I had to be patient. Eventually I could sand so I sanded the deck and I have applied two more coats of international prekote. I am now really happy with the surface so all I need now is to sand and then start with the toplac topcoat. I am going to attempt to roll and tip to see how that turns out.

Also as interesting as watching paint dry is I started a stitch and glue canoe. I am using the free plans from bateau for a 14 ft canoe. This is my first boat I will have built and I wanted to see how the stitch and glue comes together and get a feel for it before starting the Tubby Tug.

It has come together and looks like a canoe. The ply panels don't line up quite as perfectly as they could. I think this was due to using duct tape to hold the panels in place while the hull is glued. The plans recommended the tape method however I really think I would of had a better result if I used cable ties or wire. I was working on saw horses but the taped hull was a bit flimsy so I moved to work on the floor. Well this was my undoing. I now have a sore back and all work has stopped until I can recover. Overall I am impressed with the canoe and look  forward to finishing it off and messing around in it.

The Sanctuary Cove Boat Show is on again this weekend and just across the river so I might try and get along there to see what I can find of interest. I dont think I will do any work this weekend as I have some uni assignments to take care of as well.