Re: Point Comfort 23

Posted by MarkR on
URL: http://riverswest-forums.266.s1.nabble.com/Point-Comfort-23-tp527p573.html

In this post, the outer stem is being laminated and shaped for the boat.  As I re-read the Gougeon Brothers book, they were advocating for laminating stems & keels.  I took the advice to heart and have laminated both for this boat.  First a four ply lamination was formed.



Then a three ply lamination was made, and later the two were combined into a seven ply lamination.  I did this because I didn't want to have to rebuild my lamination jig...long story.  Here's the seven ply in the clamps:



The laminated blank was surface planed to width and rough sawn to shape.  Then it was fitted to the boat so it could be drilled for the carriage bolts that hold it in place.



The blank was finished off in profile, then marked for shaping.



Then the shaping of the part ensued.  Drawknife, planes and a spokeshave were used.  It was all finished off with a longboard and sander.  Here are some progress photos:









Here the part is almost ready to go.  Because this is CVG Fir, and cutting tools were used, we had a few small imperfections due to tear out.  These are marked with blue tape for fairing.



Here, one of the imperfections has fairing compound applied.  This is important as this will eventually be fiberglassed to the hull.  If a hollow was left here, it would become an air bubble under the glass, weakening the structure and creating a void where water could collect.  



The blue tape indicates the 3/8" bore that doesn't get a countersink.  This one will have the bow eye attached with threaded rod.



The last photo will show the faired and sanded part with a countersink for the 3/8" X 12" bronze carriage bolt that connects the lower part of the stem to the hull.  The smaller bore is for a 3-1/2" X 14 Bronze screw that connects the stem, keel & keelson.



All of the bores are treated with epoxy for water & rot resistance.  All for now!