Hybrid Chainplates prepped for wrap

A while back I noticed that the F-32 was being built without the use of a Stainless Steel thimble in the carbon chain plates. And since I really want to get rid of metal parts at any opportunity, I asked Ian about using that technique on the F-39. He authorized the change and sent me the F-32 design page so I could merge the changes into my build. The result is a hybrid approach using design aspects from both layups.

The F-39 plans call for a long section of 5lb. foam topped with a short piece of Hi-Density foam.
The Stainless steel thimble is then glued to the Hi-Density foam and then the fiberglass and Carbon wraps are laid up.

Meanwhile, the F-32 plans call for a shorter length of 5lb. foam topped with a 2" (50mm) cap of Medium Density thickened epoxy. The G-10 tubing is glued in place during this step and then the part is ready for the fiberglass and Carbon layup.

I ended up merging both designs and ended up with a long section of 5lb. foam topped with a short section of Hi-Density Foam and then topped again with thickened epoxy and some G10 tubing.

Since I don't have a piece of metal here now, I am quite sure this will result in almost two knots of additional boat speed.

To get the proper thickness I had to start with ripping the pieces down a bit on the table saw. Once that was done and sanded smooth, I could proceed with gluing it all together.

Left to cure for a while before cleaning up and moving on to the thickened epoxy step next.

Setting up for the thickened epoxy with some sacrificial foam pieces to serve as spacers

After initial cure it was time for cleanup

Rough cleanup - foam dams removed

All cured, sanded and ready for the next step of actually wrapping with fiberglass and carbon.
I did lay in a layer of tape on the INSIDE of the G10 tubing to prevent any issues with epoxy fouling during the wrap.

Final checks before wrap

Almost six hours of fabric preparation and I'm finally ready for the wrap.

At this point, I'm all ready to go but I want someone to help me with the process.
It'll just make things go faster and easier.
Unfortunately, all the kids were busy this past weekend so I'm having to wait a bit for one of them to get some free time to help out.

In the meantime, I've been busy playing around with my new truck!
;-)
It's a 2014 Toyota Tacoma with 54K miles
4.0L six cylinder with a six speed manual transmission.

I haven't had a truck for almost fifteen years now.
But since my kids are getting old enough to drive themselves around I could finally justify trading in the Kia Sorento (great car by the way) for something I've been holding out for.

First thing on the list is to get those windows tinted.

And then get a Bull Bar installed.
I still need to wire in the light bar, but that'll have to wait for a few days.

Bow section glue flange and rear cut out

Gluing on a flat piece of glass onto the bow to serve as a glue flange later on.

A good time to work on those filleting skills that will come in handy later on.

Secured in place while the epoxy cures.
To be trimmed later on

Marked for cut-out

Cut and sanded smooth

The fillet is really glossy due to Peel-Ply still being in place.
I plan to leave all the Peel-Ply in place as long as possible to protect the underlying fabrics from contamination.

A closeup of the fillet

And finally I get to move to the rear of the float to mark and cut the final shape.
If I haven't said it already, I LOVE this self-leveling laser and find myself using it way more than I ever expected.
It works great for marking straight lines on curved surfaces as shown.

Marked out and ready for cutting

Cut but still attached with screws from the backside

First view of final shape.
I'll work on making a glue flange on this (just like the bow section) later on.

Another shot

And finally, a good look at the laminate with the Peel-Ply removed from the cut out section.
It looks really good despite the infusion fiasco.
I did leave a piece of Peel-Ply on the upper half to show my Dad whenever he visits.