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Vacuuming thoroughly prior to application of glass cloth

Pay particular atention to the knuckle at each chine and check for sharp edges and unfilled seams

Using a detail sander to clean up some improperly sanded sections which were discovered after the initial vacuuming

200gsm/6oz woven glass layed loosely over hull. Be careful not to snag the cloth on sharp edges or splinters.

Using a dry brush to smooth the glass cloth onto the hull

Join glass along centreline and tape together using masking tape. This joint will be hidden under the external keel batten at a later date

Trimming excess glass cloth with sharp scissors

These sturdy shears have seen plenty of use, but are re-sharpened using a waterstone.

Glass cloth smoothed and ready for application of epoxy

I elected to wet-out one side at a time, so I placed lead weights on the remaining side to hold it in position and peeled it back.

I elected to wet-out one side at a time, so I placed lead weights on the remaining side to hold it in position and peeled it back.

Pouring on epoxy, and doing the initial spreading with a squeegee - I use a rectangle of 1/16 balsawood

Work from the centre of each panel and move out towards the edges

Delicate areas such as the cut edges were done using a disposable bristle brush

Excess epoxy being removed from the cloth with a squeegee to prevent the cloth "floating" in puddles

After the glass cloth is fully wet-ut, I go over it with a dry foam roller to remove excess

The first coat finished. Once if cures enough to stick (say two hours) apply a further two coats to fill the weave of the cloth

The first coat finished. Once if cures enough to stick (say two hours) apply a further two coats to fill the weave of the cloth

The first coat finished. Once if cures enough to stick (say two hours) apply a further two coats to fill the weave of the cloth

A First Mate being built by Wayne Jorgensen and a friend for a Sea Scout Group. This one has alloy spars.

A First Mate being built by Wayne Jorgensen and a friend for a Sea Scout Group. This one has alloy spars.

A First Mate being built by Wayne Jorgensen and a friend for a Sea Scout Group. This one has alloy spars.

More First Mate photos - Page 1 and Page 2