Today was also a very productive day, as we got bulkheads 5, 6 and 7 erected. All went well, and we're getting the waterlines marked on each bulkhead horizontal and at the same level as those on bulkheads 3 and 4, within close limits. I'm very well satisfied with the accuracy of the setup. The shape of the after part of the hull is now emerging, and we're beginning to see something that looks like a boat!

The panelling looks good. It's nice to catch up on the state of play here.

Flocoating - an essential process when building a wood/epoxy boat:

1. Lay components out horizontal.
2. Sand them smooth.
3. Apply a very thin coat of epoxy to stabilise the wood fibres.
4. Sand lightly, as the grain will have been raised.
5. Flood the surface with quite a thick coat of epoxy, and spread it out level with a brush, roller or squeegee, according to the  area being worked. It should set to a level, glass-like surface.
6. Sand to a matt finish.

This takes a lot of time in the initial part of the building process, but saves very much more time and effort later on, and makes sure that all the hard to get at internal surfaces have been very well protected.

Building a boat takes most of my time and energy (apart from cooking, cleaning, laundry, sleeping, etc, etc), so I don't have much time for posting, I'm afraid.  Anyone following this post should check every few days, because I add more photos without comment.  Sorry.

Anyway, today is the biggest day since 9th September (first piece of plywood cut up) because we erected the first bulkhead.  It all went very smoothly and it feels pretty secure and firm.  It made me appreciate that I actually am building a boat!  All very exciting.  Go here to see the latest photos.

Adding a deck of MDF to the building floor/strongback

The completed building floor/strongback - wide enough to assemble, resin-coat and glass the bulkheads.