A lesson in Fiberglass
20 October 2010
Jim started this morning buffing the port hull, he has decided that the buffer doesn't do a good enough job, so he has done it all by hand. Rub on the buffing compound, switch to a buffing cloth, then a second cloth, then a third to wipe it all clean. 41 feet long, by about 5 feet tall...he is exhausted today. But the Job is now completely done - as he and Neal, one of our laborers, finished the underbelly yesterday afternoon.
Neal and AK were back early today and the hull is completely sanded and ready to paint tomorrow. Since I was a little unsure of myself with the fiberglass, I asked AK if he could show me how. It was a good thing I did, because it turns out the ding in the sugar scoop was because the fiberglass behind it had been damaged previously, and there was a hole in the glass, leaving a soft spot. He crawled inside the sugar scoop hatch and put three layers of glass inside, then finished the job on the outside, showing me the process every step of the way. While I am no expert...I get it now, and might be able to effect a fix in the future...we'll see.
Today's accomplishments...Starboard engine degreased, Water heater not leaking - although not heating water either, yet. And we think the starboard fuel gauge is fixed...but we'll see if it reads after we use it. I polished ½ of the boats stainless.
I made my clothes line out of two lengths of PVC and some line so we can string it between the main mast and the Jib for drying our cloths.. it works pretty good - and I LOVE my battery Powered Ryobi tools...and after all that we celebrated by sharing a pint of Hagen das.
So that's our day...what're you all doing?