| Bolero
Project |
Wednesday, April 16, 2008 I continued with the v-berth understructure during the morning. Now that the forward supports had cured overnight, I could move on and install the last supports needed at the forward end: a longitudinal centerline piece (since the berth platform would be in two pieces with a centerline seam), and a series of cleats at the forward end. As before, I transferred the level line of the platform forward using the existing supports as my guide, and then cut the supports as needed and installed them. On the bulkhead, I used epoxy to secure the cleats to the fiberglass along with the screws. |
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Next, I patterned for the platform itself. I used the cardboard pieces left over from my interior mockup and scribed the actual shape of the hull and other obstructions as needed, then cut the pieces from 9mm marine Meranti plywood. For whatever reason, I had it in my mind that the entire berth from head to foot was over 8' in length, so I patterned the pieces with a seam at the after end of the forward portion, right over the small transverse bulkheads on each side. So I was rather surprised to find, after having cut the plywood to size, that the entire area was just over 7' in length, so I could have built the platform using only one section per side, rather than two. This was of little overall consequence, ultimately, and at least the smaller pieces made handling the sheets easier. |
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Once I had all the sections cut to fit appropriately, I determined roughly where I'd want to place openings for future access to the storage areas beneath, then removed the plywood to the woodshop in order to cut these openings and ultimately install hardwood cleats to support the locker lids. I also cut out a section in way of the mast step area, where I'd later install a two-piece cover patterned to fit around the mast when it was installed. It took surprisingly long to lay out and cut all these openings and the finger holes in the locker lids. |
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Now was the time to paint out the locker areas that'd soon be hidden beneath the berth platform, so I applied a coat of gray Bilgekote to all areas beneath the level of the berth. Not only does this improve the appearance, but it also seals the area, makes it more water-resistant, makes it easier to clean, and keeps grime and debris from collecting, resulting in an overall cleaner and longer-lasting boat. |
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I had hoped to install the cleats around the undersides of the berth openings, but it was too late for that; I did, however, prepare several lengths of raw mahogany cleat stock so that it'd be ready for tomorrow, which would unfortunately be a short day. |
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