Category Archives: Hull Maintenance

General vessel hull repair.

Sugar scoop cabinets bonded in place

Posted on July 8, 2016 by Captain

The swim step portion of the sugar scoop was completed early Spring 2016 and filled with 16 lb density marine foam. The cabinets were constructed using flat panels temporarily glued together with sharp corners.             … Continue reading →

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Fabricating the Swim Step

Posted on July 3, 2015 by Captain

In the post “More Sugar Scoop Parts” we saw how to make prefinished gel-coat parts using a window glass surface. With the parts made, the pieces can be joined to make the swim step. The step was made in two … Continue reading →

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More Sugar Scoop Parts

Posted on May 23, 2015 by Captain

In the last post for the Sugar Scoop construction, we saw how the parts are outlined with masking tape on a waxed mirror or window glass.     This process ensures a smooth defect free outside surface as the outside … Continue reading →

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Sugar Scoop Construction Continued

Posted on May 16, 2015 by Captain

Winter is over and work has begun again, for the third season. The new exhaust extension tube was bonded into place. It allows the engine exhaust to pass through the original transom through the area under the swim step and … Continue reading →

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Bottom Re-lamination

Posted on July 29, 2014 by Captain

I was not able to begin the re-lamination of the boat bottom before winter 2013-14 set in. It was an especially cold and long winter in Maryland and conditions were not good to start the resin work until June. However … Continue reading →

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DIY White Gel Coat Fibreglass Panel

Posted on June 11, 2014 by Captain

Resin and mirrors are the simple way to make a high gloss white fibreglass panel. The trick is to clean and wax the glass mirror surface and remove all dust. Then simply paint an even coat of catalysed white polyester … Continue reading →

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Sugar Scoop Construction

Posted on May 22, 2014 by Captain

A nice modification for a traditional transom is adding a small addition which provides a convenient swim step and dinghy boarding area. If the projection is kept to a minimum it should not interfere with carrying a dinghy on davits. … Continue reading →

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Swim Step Removal

Posted on May 12, 2014 by Captain

The old swim step has seen better days. I have been thinking about replacing the weathered swim step with an attractive cold molded “sugar scoop”. I believe doing this before the bottom re-lamination makes for a stronger scoop, as the … Continue reading →

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Bottom Repair – The Big Peel!

Posted on October 23, 2013 by Captain

  I finally got the bottom peeled. It was worse than I thought and required peeling off more material than I expected. The expense was enormous! And I’m not done yet. Have to apply two layers of heavy cloth in … Continue reading →

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Sealing the Keel Well

Posted on July 22, 2013 by Captain

Water was trapped in the ballast area of keel, below the keel sump. I ground away some waterlogged glass laminate at the end of the keel then placed a 2′ x 3′ vacuum bag with peel ply against hull, layer … Continue reading →

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