MICROYACHTS.COM
Custom made fiberglass and carbon fibre boats
HARKEN minature hardware now available with new boats
Listed below are instructions on how to install the deck on your Express hull once you receive your basic kit.
Hulls are available with fiberglass decks already installed.
(see home page)
The boat at left already has necessary stringers and openings installed. Make sure these are in place before you put on the deck.
1. After you have made and installed all the deck openings make sure everything is flat. You can achieve this by using a block with #80 grit sandpaper
2. Use the hull to mark the deck shape and size on your material of choice. 5. Tape off hull next to where the deck will attach to keep unwanted epoxy off the hull. 6. Mix enough epoxy to lightly and evenly coat the shear clamp and stringers on the hull. Using 30 minute epoxy will give you time for a careful and neat application. Use epoxy sparingly as it adds a lot of weight.
Good choices are fabric, balsa and plywood. Remember to keep it light.
3 Draw a line around template or boat and leave your self at least 3/16 of an inch extra onto what ever material you choose to use.
4. After marking on chosen material, cut out using the line as a guide.
7. It is now time to put the deck on while being careful to align to the hull. It’s time to stop. Wipe again.
Place the boat upside down and put a little weight on it till it cures. It is a good idea to put down wax paper so it doesn't stick to workbench or table top.
8. Trimming the deck is easy just cut close and then sand to match shape of hull. I use a block with 80 grit paper. When you start to sand through the masking tape
9. The best time to clean up excess epoxy is before it completely cures.
Scrape up excess and wipe with acetone or what ever or other solvent.
Immediately remove the tape before the epoxy sets.
10. Now wipe around top of hull with acetone and re-tape the hull to protect from scratches while trimming and sanding .
11. Applying the tape to seal the deck is necessary and easy to do.
A good method to apply the tape that works for me is to put the tape on the hull first while stretching it slightly and it will fold over the top side of the deck by itself.
Taking the pics and putting the deck on took me only 30 Min.
