Glen-L.com

Each side of the ply was encapsulated with 1-2 coats of epoxy and lightly sanded before the final glassing.

Thanks Warren



Steve,

The nurse made me do it.


Mike,

Thanks for the help you sent me. I just wish she would stop sticking me with that damn needle.

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A secret to a good marriage is to have a quick mind and a slow mouth!!!

Steve the sailer,

Looks like you have been holding out on us. How far along are you really and how do you plan on powering her? Looking good!!!

_________________
A secret to a good marriage is to have a quick mind and a slow mouth!!!

Both pontoons are glassed 90%. I just finished the stems so I'll be ready to glass the front end- last 10%. I used 3 layers of epoxied 3/8 plywood for the stem cap - 2 layers would have sufficed. Then hit them with the belt sander to make them flush with the angle of the side ply- finished by rounding off the front edge.
I used as little epoxy as possible to adhere the glass to the pontoons then followed up with a second coat the next day to fill in the weave - leaving it smooth. I'll add a third coat, let it cure, light sand and paint. Two pontoons take a lot more epoxy than I imagined. Been through almost three gallons for the encapsulation and glassing.
Next step is to add the carriage bolts and tops. Used 1/4 for the sides, 3/8 for the bottoms and debating whether to use 1/4 or 3/8 for the tops. Originally thinking of using 3/8's but now considering 1/4 since I have the stock and most of the pontoon top will be hidden under the deck. Suggestions?

Q. Is it necessary to glass the top of the pontoons?

I considered electric power and paddle wheel but now leaning towards gas- otherwise I'll be into 2012 before I hit the water.

Steve,
1/4" plywood is all you need for the tops. The plans call for glassing the tops. I ordered the fiberglass kit from Glen-L so I have the cloth and epoxy for my tops. At the least I will glass the front of the pontoons that aren't covered by the main deck.

_________________
A secret to a good marriage is to have a quick mind and a slow mouth!!!

On the two boats I've built using fir plywood, I didn't use glass over the ply.

They both checked or split over time.

The first was just painted with epoxy paint,no encapsulation,the second was encapsulated,but no cloth(stupid decision to save weight).

I will glass all outside panels on my future builds.

In your case, it would be very difficult to repair any checks under the decking,so I would for sure glass there.

_________________
Boat building can best be defined as an endless series of
tragedies obscured by the occasional miracle, followed by a good bottle of beer.

Don't Dream Your Life, Live Your Dream

Here's the checking after just one year on my boat. It has three coats of epoxy, but I only put cloth on the bottom. For all future builds they will get fully covered in cloth, even if it's light weight cloth.

George

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I Peter 2:17

After reading those two posts I am going to change my opinion. You are going to epoxy the deck, so glass it too.

_________________
A secret to a good marriage is to have a quick mind and a slow mouth!!!

Slow but steady. The middle pontoon is basically done except for the finish. The stern and starboard rubrail was installed tonight. We first predrilled and screwed the rail on. Then we taped around the rail, removed it, applied thickened epoxy and reinstalled. I even went one step future this time. After removing the tape we wiped the rails down with denatured alcohol, removing any excess epoxy. Worked like a charm.





This last picture is for Pirate. Control yourself.

_________________
A secret to a good marriage is to have a quick mind and a slow mouth!!!

That's going to look great with those bungs chipped off and the varnish!!!

_________________
Boat building can best be defined as an endless series of
tragedies obscured by the occasional miracle, followed by a good bottle of beer.

Don't Dream Your Life, Live Your Dream

HMMMM.

1

2


3?

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Dave

My Riviera build - the Midnight Cry Project

Video of Midnight in Action
Blog

Few things in the world measure up to the thrill and satisfaction of boating in a boat that you built.

Thanks Warren


Dave,

Don't worry Starboard is just out of the picture on the left. I still need to glass the top and it will be time to sand.

_________________
A secret to a good marriage is to have a quick mind and a slow mouth!!!

Here you go Pirate, the middle toon is debunged and the first coat of epoxy is on the rail. I can't take any credit here. Our oldest son ( from other parents ) cut, installed, trimmed, sanded and applied the first coat of epoxy to the bungs. I just hope he doesn't go home and tell his Daddy I taught him how to BUNG.

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A secret to a good marriage is to have a quick mind and a slow mouth!!!

You didn't use screws and bungs.....quit joshin' us!!!

Man ,that looks great!

Now the outer 'toons have two sets of attachment bolts for the deck frame,how will the middle be attached at the stern?

_________________
Boat building can best be defined as an endless series of
tragedies obscured by the occasional miracle, followed by a good bottle of beer.

Don't Dream Your Life, Live Your Dream

I just finished a couple of epoxy coats over the glass and am ready to sand. Any suggestions on paint or varnish that would be slightly transparent yet darken the yellow pontoon color? I would like the wood grain to show through if possible.