Skiff Build News
Day 74
Launch and Naming Day! The 'Bendigo' Skiff becomes 'Billie'. For all the details see http://bit.ly/1dWHjIo  |
Day 72
From Graham Rankin: 'Oh so close! Thanks to the Monday nighters for helping turn the skiff the right way up. The
interior was given a light rub in preparation for the final clear coat.
It was then an eagle eyed Mick noticed a couple of small blemishes, so a
dab of filler here and there followed by a touch up with the paint
sorted the problem. That has put the clear coat off until Friday.
Willis cut the rowlock pins to correct height and the rudder was hung.
That only leaves the lines for the yoke to be bent on, and the
lightweight floor mats to be fitted (our secret weapon) and we are good
to go. If you happen to see a skiff on the river next Wednesday doing a shakedown run, just pretend you didn't see us!'     |
Day 71
From Graham Rankin: 'A cold morning in the shed today, got to admire those dedicated WOW girls, though. While
waiting for the temperature to rise sufficiently for varnishing we gave
a light buff with scotchbrite to the paint and varnish in readiness for
the clear coat. We also gave the Cop-r-bote anti fouling a light rub
with wet and dry paper to bring up the copper. The brass keel band was
also fitted and then it was warm enough to apply the clear coat. Ready
for a turnover on Monday night, bring your muscles with you!. A
nice surprise was a lotto ticket from Heather to say thanks to the
volunteers, with the stipulation that if we win we give half to charity.
We had a quick think and came up the Brotherhood of St Ayles, they do
say rowing can be habit forming. Thanks, Heather if there are a few of
us missing on launch day the brothers may have headed to Barbados.'    |
Day 70
From Graham Rankin: 'Today saw the final topcoats applied to the hull and doesn't she look smart. After the paint had gone off sufficiently we removed her paper skirt carefully, the clear sheer strake looks great against the off white hull. Friday will see a clear coat applied over the outside of the hull and the brass keel band fitted. If all goes well, we will enlist the help of some strong Monday nighters to turn her over and then the last few tasks can be done to the inside of the hull.'    |
Day 69
From Graham Rankin: 'Another two coats of Off White top coat were applied after a light sanding. With this polyurethane system it is essential to sand lightlty before the next coat once the paint has gone of. Next Wednesday will give another two coats of paint, followed by a clear finish coat to make her gleam. Friday should see the keel band fitted, and then she'll be ready for turning back over on Monday night (many hands make light work and prevent scratches)'  |
Day 66
From Graham Rankin:
'We kept our fingers crossed and the sun shone. With the help of the WOW ladies (thank you girls!) the boat was turned over, the water line masked and two coats of anti fouling applied by early afternoon. Another coat will be applied next Wednesday after a careful sand.'   |
Day 65
From Graham Rankin:
'Just a bit too cold today to start painting the antifoul, so we thought we'd hang the rudder prior to turning her over on Friday. Once she's turned we will carefully mask the water line prior to applying the first coat of Copr Bote epoxy antifoul. Hope the weather is a few degrees warmer on Friday, and the WOW ladies are feeling nice and strong for the turn over!'   |
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