12.12
No way around this one, it’s time to start glassing.
A simple but rugged layup has been scheduled. A 1.5 oz layer of mat followed by one layer of 1708 +/- 45 Biaxial cloth all impregnated with vinylester resin.
We went with vinylester resin in this layup because Valkrie is going to spend the majority of her life in the water on a mooring, so the added corrosion protection will help battle the elements.
Rolling the material out we pinned the layers in place to the hull, smoothing wrinkles and removing excess. By doing each side individually this allowed us more time to remove bubbles and create a superior bond to the hull.
Fiberglass layout
First layer being pinned in place
Even with The Beast roaring, it's best to wear a hat in Shop2
After the port side had been glassed we all took a step back and looked at the hull, glistening in the early afternoon sun. And it was good.
Can't beat the shine of freshly laid glass
We took the opportunity of a still wet roller to add a mascot.
Ed rolling out the mascot
A quick lunch break and it was back to the grind. No matter how many times I work with vinylester resin it always ends up getting to me, there’s just something about it. Without burning anymore daylight we set into the starboard side, mixing our batches of resin and wetting out, bubble popping and mixing more resin – three performers doing a delicate ballet atop a plank. It worked out well. Now that both sides were on we layed a strip down the center, a tape of 1708 to cover our edges of material as well as seal the area that the keel will rest on.
The hull is glassed
Keel Tape
Elated and permeated through with the clinging scent of vinylester we called it a day, letting things cure on their own.
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