February 2007
Having cut all the panels with joints perpendicular to the hull centerline, it's time to start bonding. The forward section will have to be covered with narrow strips cut obliquely so that they will more easily follow the shape of the hull. I'll cut these when all the simple panels have been bonded in place.
The stern piece goes on first. To ensure accurate location of this unconstrained
panel sliding about on a sea of epoxy I used a couple of locating pins in the
forward corners.
The 4.5mm holes on 150mm centers are to allow the excess epoxy a means of escape.
I was amazed how much epoxy it took to glue this panel in place, several batches
were required due to my continual underestimation. The panel was held in position
with 10mm long staples until the epoxy cured, after which they were removed using my
wife's upholstery "staple lifter".
Now I have a good edge to work to I can do a final fit and edge trim on
the next few panels to be bonded. Slowly working my way forward.