1971 Flatback

[LilRichard]

So here is the casting platform coming to fruition.  Set up for final measurements:



Glassed into place:





Now it's time to build some more lids.  Also gelcoated everything upfront this weekend prior to installation - nice to get some things done.

[71flatback]

keep up the good work

[LilRichard]

Thanks... trying to keep it moving.

[LilRichard]

Sorry about the lack of posts lately.  I have made some good progress, but have been too busy (read: lazy) after getting done to put them up.

As of now, transom/cap joint is glassed, transom overlap over old skin is finished, and I have done some other small glasswork.

However last weekend was all about getting the boat upside down.  The bottom of the hull needs some glasswork - and I WILL NOT do that on my back with resin falling on me.  So I needed to get the boat to a shop to flip it - but that meant I needed to trailer it.  However the trailer I bought (knew this when I bought it) needed new brakes and bearings.  While I was doing that, I decided it would be nice to do all new springs/shackles/bolts.  So this past weekend I built myself a new trailer - give or take.  Kodiak stainless disks on all 4 wheels - and all other hardware.

Then the boat was trailered to Hammerhead where Tommy was kind enough (for a fee, obviously) to flip her over.  She is now sitting in my yard upside down on the trailer - begging for me to remove the bottom paint.

I bought a "wet sandblast" attachment for my pressure washer - will try it out saturday and report back on details.  Goal is to remove all bottom paint with no dust - and less pitting than traditional sandblasting.  This should be somewhere between sandblasting and soda blasting.

Here is a link to the tool:

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_8520_8520

Plan is to get the bottom fair, then paint it while it's still upside down.  In addition to that, I am going to glass the deck/hull joint from the inside while she's upside down too.

[matt 19'6]

Could please post some pictures of your boat upside down on the trailer!
I need to flip mine and the trailer the only place I have to put it!

[LilRichard]

Yessir - will have some up Sat/Sun.  Between the rain and getting dark at 6:30pm - I have not been able to take any.

I did build a decent support system to keep the majority of the weight off the gunnels.  Will post that too.

[John Jones]

What I want a report on is how the blaster works.     The only other attachment I found was $300.

Glad to hear you are still making progress Rich.  I was beginning to wonder.

[LilRichard]

JJ- I keep wondering myself.  I work and work and it looks like not much gets done.  However being "done" with all the major construction is a goo feeling - all fairing, paint and rigging from here.

[John Jones]

You have made some major progress.  Sad to say but the little stuff takes more time than the big stuff.

Hang in there.

[LilRichard]

So here are the pictures promised.  First, the boat upside down on the trailer - and a shot from the stern looking forward from the underside.  Note the supports.







Note in these pictures the bottom was obviously painted.  Here it is coming off.  I used a "wet sandblast" method - basically a pressure washer attachment that picks up sand at the end of the venturi.  Worked very well - did not kill the gelcoat, but took the multiple layers of paint off easily.  Took me about 4 hours to get it satisfactory.
 



Note that in those shots there is still sand on the hull - that's why it looks very rough.



Paint is finally off.  Time to hit it with a high speed and 60 grit to get some of the remaining paint off (didn't want to pit the gelcoat with the blaster)



Found some stress cracks around the windows I filled in - so I ground out the cracks and filled them, then a layer of 1.5 oz mat.  Have some more cracks I need to grind out and see how deep they are - not happy about that.  This will take some time to fair.



While that glass was kicking, started hitting the hull with the DA (and the board sander) to get the grinder marks out.  The blue areas in these shots are fairing compound.





Here is my attempt to show you the finished product (minus a little more fairing)

[matt 19'6]

Thanks for the pics! I've been follow your project from the begining. It has been very helpfull I'm pretty much following it step by step! Only differents is the size mine 19'6 you 22'2 also your way ahead of me! Keep up the good work I know I'm not the only one you've helped!

[LilRichard]

Thanks Matt - it is nice to hear that it helps folks out - keeps me motivated to continue the detailed commentary and photos.

[John Jones]

Glad to hear that wet blaster worked Rich.  I have a good Honda washer, 2750 psi and 2.something gpm so I think mine will work.  The savings on that will buy a gallon of paint ;)

[captdave]

LilRich man I wish I had the time and knowledge you have to sit down and take this job on, but with kids, work, and the wife there not that much time left in my bank. you should be real proud of this project when your done. keep up the good work and keep the pics coming.

[LilRichard]

Thanks Dave.  I don't have kids, but the work and wife do tend to prolong projects.  Why do you think I have a year and a half into this darned thing?  

I just need to get this bottom work done quickly and get her flipped back over.

As for the knowledge, that is not something I had when I began this project - other than general knowledge of glasswork and a desire to learn.  It is all from members here, at CM, and a few other kind folks like Tommy.