hull

[pudlpadlr]

This is the beginning of my sidewheeler hull. Plan to fiberglass it when final shape is achieved. Pretty rigid allready. I have the glass cloth but can't decide on which type of finish/resin to use-any recommendations?

[Eddy Matthews]

With a foam hull your going to have to be very careful when fibreglassing - Polyester resin will eat the foam, epoxy resin is safer, but even that will attack some foams....

Best bet would be to cover the hull when the final shape is achieved - try papier mache (strips of newspaper glued on using wallpaper paste) 3 or 4 layers thick - Leave it to dry for a few days and it will form a hard shell that can then be sealed and painted to give a decent finish before fibreglassing.

Regards
Eddy

[pudlpadlr]

Had'nt thought of paper mache, sounds great;thanks for the tip. Since the photo. have cut crude shape into foam but still need to sand to final shape. Must remember to save next newspaper. Also, will cut pocket for battery pack in hull to lower C.G.