Deck Beams to Bulkheads

It were a mixed boatbuilding bag today, a leap ahead, a major set back and blood spilt on the boat. 

My principle goal for today, was to get the Bulkheads prepared for a 3D  assembly. To achieve this I first had to; fasten the deck beams to the bulkheads, tidy up the bulkheads and at least begin giving them a coating of epoxy sealer. Boatbuilding teaches you a bit about how your mind operates, for me, I have found that I do not enjoy any time away from the project. My first build, fitting out a fibreglass yacht, went well because I was able to fully immerse myself in the build, everyday head down. This time around, being older, I've got baggage, other commitments, but I can only blame the weather this time, a week and a half of wild storms, flooding etc. So after two weeks off the job, I felt like I was "all thumbs", and for quite a while I fumbled about trying to get back into the build. 

My first error was to start chiding myself for not having made a Deck Beam for Bulkhead 3 - it wasn't until I woke this morning that I realised that that particular Bulkhead, being mid-cabin, doesn't actually have a Deck Beam. But this is the sort of stuff I trip over if I'm not there every day, keeping my head in the build. After a few hours I had Deck Beams added to Bulkheads 1, 2 and the Transom and thought things were going well but while preparing Bulkhead 4 I found a fault that floored me. I had measured, cut out, glued floor and cleats without noticing that the Bulkhead was 100mm short. I considered my options (no epoxy won't fill that far), and concluded that such a fundamental error meant I had to go way back at the start and create another Bulkhead, cleats, floor ... Dang, but it's just got to be done. NOTE: I'm not blaming anyone, but more than once I've misread measurements off the Plan and I can't decide whether it's down to my failing eyesight or the author's handwriting. Be careful. 

I decided to keep busy and focused on cleaning up the bulkheads ready for epoxy sealing. To do this, I took the advice from the Paradox Boat Builders Manual and used a "flapper" course sanding attachment on my angle grinder ... the one that I've had for so long that I couldn't even guess where it's guard attachment got to. Well, when you're sanding your Bulkhead, grinder belching out sawdust, as you flip the timber about with your other hand don't put your pinky on the flapper. I did, and that good aggressive remover of epoxy runs, sharp edges and fluffy finish, is also very good at removing flesh. As I stared into a 7mm grove over the first joint of my left index finger, I noted the lovely mix or red and white flesh there. The other side of my brain was thinking still and I rushed off to get some Elastoplast and disinfectant cream before the blood arrived. Yeh, do be careful. But with all significant injuries, there"s that pleasant self-anaesthetising effect that kicks in and you can work for a good few hours before pain sets in. I got at least one side of one Bulkhead sealed before knock off time. 

Ideas from Today.

Don't forget to select a 'good side' before fastening your Deck Beams. 

The whole bevelling of bulkheads thing is not well explained in the plans. Just roll with it and know it's going to create work down the track. 

Flapper is good, just be careful. 

Do what the Builders Manual suggests, and carefully measure up the overall heights of the Bulkheads and Deck Beams before glueing. 

When you stuff up, don't sweat it, just call yourself a dummy and go back and start again. As many builders have found, epoxy can hide a myriad of sins. Strongly too, but if it's too far out, just cut another piece of wood and burn your mistake. 

And, an oldie but a goodie; measure twice cut once. And, make sure you read the Plan clearly.