
Stitching
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After all the panels were cut, the next stage was bending and stitching the panels to form the hull. my stitching wire came from a pile of scrap galvanised steel wire used as the armoured protection around heavy electrical cables. When separated, this was about 2mm diameter and proved to be ideal. Here are the two bottom panels stitched together with the frames in place. These will eventually form waterproof bulkheads to give buoyancy for support during capsize or rolling. Note the "bench" (2 ladder sections) has the plywood removed so that stitches can be made from underneath along the keel. The bulkheads are wired into place on to the panels so that they help to form the "Vee" shape correctly.
A closer view of the stern and the stitching wires. I brought the stern together a little at a time starting at the top and working down, retightening the stitches as they became looser above. A few hot towels can work wonders if the panels are stubborn!
Not a good picture, but this shows the finished stitching of the hull. the bar across the centre was to keep the correct hull width and allow me to set up the hull ready for taping. A Plumb line from bow to stern is helpful and the trusty level sets the edges everything up nice and square. I found a few wooden chocks were needed and some adjustment of the stitches finished the alignment. I took some time to get this right, once the resin and tape is set, the hull will become rigid and cannot be re-shaped. Now for the Resin and Tape! |
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