Video: Skin on Frame Shearwater build, Day 2

Skin on Frame Shearwater build Day 2, 3.5hrs

Today’s lamination went really well. I used West System epoxy with the 207 hardener which gave us plenty of open time in the 100 degree heat. This is my first time working with West system and it’s definitely more expensive, but I really like the pumps and the versatility of the 207 hardener. (you can use it for everything as long as you don’t want a fast cure). I actually bought a Tyvek suit, but there was no way I was putting it on in this heat so unfortunately I got a couple splashes on my arms which I really try to avoid with epoxy.

I didn’t show it here, but I’m meticulous about clean up during the entire process. Once you get a little sticky patch epoxy in your workshop, it can spread like a contagion. Immediately after pouring the cup I wipe it out with a paper towel, then I roll the excess epoxy out of the roller onto another paper towel or piece of fabric. And then after rolling, I set the tray up on edge to drain the epoxy to one corner and then as soon as I’m done laminating, I wipe that out as well. And also clean off the laminating surface with denatured alcohol and paper towels. This conserves disposables (except paper towels) and prevents partially cured epoxy from mixing with cured epoxy.

For this lamination, I used a 3 inch foam roller, wetting both sides before sticking them together. Even in this heat, no thickener was necessary. I learned this method from Mark Reuten @nomadboatbuilding who is an excellent boat builder here on Instagram and definitely worth following.

I was actually hoping to get a little bit more done today, but it turns out that I accidentally cut up a piece of wood that should have saved for scarfing up the gunnels and stringers, so it was back to the lumber store where I found five astonishing 2x8x10s in the framing lumber pile only to later realize they were actually 2x8x8’s (Don’t ask, I’m a moron). I bought them anyway, along with the less good wood that I actually needed.