david a

I rough up the surface a bit using fine (150 grit) sandpaper, then clean and use Rustoluem gloss spray paint.

Kon-Tiki

It's Sacrilege David, I've been so carefull to keep the outside surface free of scuffs, glue and any other marks, now I've now got the rough it all up! Yep, I know what you mean, it's the only way to get a good "key" for the paint. I'm going to sail it first then paint it later!

mikenlapaz

Maybe just trim it out, topsides, with some colored contact paper. Not sure if any of it is waterproof, but I bet some is splash-proof.

Would the sides at bow & stern joint lent themselves to being creased and turned back inboard and sealed? or cutting away one side and the flutes and turning the remaining surface over and using it as the cover seal for the flutes?

Waiting for detail pics. 12 year liveaboard who swallowed the anchor.

Kon-Tiki

There seem to be know rules with this boat but it's easy to get side-tracked. I spent a week just experimenting with the prototype hull and various ways to join the ends. On a full size Wharram Cat, the stem, stern and keel are all stitched with copper wire prior to gluing/filling with West Epoxy. The wires are pulled out after initial "Tacking" with glue, then all the seams are taped over inside and out. My model needs to much simpler and starts with the bottom being folded!

I had not thought of reducing the ends to one thickness only. I'll cut the end off the prototype hull and try it. Might be a stronger join but there are no flutes to seal.

I've built a few GRP yachts, the biggest being a Fisher 30 motorsailer . . . . . . however, this little SPAD Sailing Cat is my only one I have at the moment!

michaelx

Gentlemen,
Does S.P.A.D. stand for Simple Plastic Airplane Designs ? So this should be S.P.B.D. ?

golf_lake

With your silicone, you can get different grades for different applications, for maximum strength and less movement try some of the acid cure construction grade.
Please note do not use it with metal fittings.
Plus you cannot paint over silicone.
To get nice smooth joins when using silicone, use masking tape to get nice straight edges, apply your silicone and finger it into the joint, then spray with water with a little detergent in it, refinger to a nice smooth finish and remove tape quickly. Do not allow silicone to dry before removing tape, also you will need lots of old news paper to drop tape onto. You now have a nice smooth joint.

Kon-Tiki

. . . . I did just as you suggested already! The ends have come out nice and would not nead overpainting anyway. Well not on a white Hull! I have some "modified" silicon which says it can be overpainted and will use that on a later model wich I want to paint the hulls turqoise in colour.

I've come to a standstill at the moment as I don't have anything suitable for the decking. I have nothing to go inside the hulls, so they can be completely covered to keep them watertight.

I want to make a full width deck cabin which will sit between the middle two deckbeams. Initially, I will test it without and put the Receiver/batteries in a plastic box lashed to the deckbeam slats. Hope to move forward with some progress shortly.

More pictures later!

mikenlapaz

What was the draft on prototype when you added the estimated weight of the the remaining parts?
Never saw a boat that did not have hatches or inspection port? You may find you want access for adjusting trim ballast once all the goodies are on board. Would not want it listing at display anchor!
Sealed proud ply hatches possibly? (floppies disc mylar for hinges?)
Storage for the Pusser's Rum!

Kon-Tiki

How did you know I was into smuggling RUM!

I've managed to cut a "one-piece" deck and was considering fitting 4 fake hatches. There are still some unknown weights of various items still on the shopping list but the draft was about 1½" when I tank tested the prototype hull. Displacement not yet known.

OK, I will add opening deck hatches at the end of each hull!

Should be finished in a day or so and I will post more details, measurements etc.

Kon-Tiki

Cut out a "one piece" deck panel from 3mm Plywood and cut two cutouts for hatches. A doddle on a powered fretsaw!

mikenlapaz

? Leftover cabin sole material? Looks similar to teak & holly. Nice
Nah that must be masking tape....

Kon-Tiki

My Daughter saw the masking tape now on both decks and thought I was doing a laid teak deck. "Cool" She said! "I want a real one, like 40ft!"

Up early, chores done, Wife seen off to work . . . first full day in the Shipyard this week (minature shipyard). Should have some interesting pictures at Tea time!

Kon-Tiki

Quite time consuming making 8 deck-beam guides (2 strips of wood for each). Then making/attaching the lashing points. The structure is extremly strong once fitted together.

Next: Make/fit rudders. Drill/fit bowsprit. Fit slats between middle deck beams. Fit netting fwd and aft. I'll sail it first then design/make a deck cabin.

mikenlapaz

Are you familar with aqua-culture netting, pen material? Various mesh sizes out of nylon. An option for the safety net on this scale boat?
Send your daughter and a buch of T/ Chks. and we can fill the bill on the 40 footer!

Kon-Tiki

mikenlapaz

YYYYyyyes, think so. This is the outback of the UK you know! I'll have a hunt. The is a material shop not far from here. Sells Nett curtain material as well as everything for clothing, curtains, sofa's etc. I'll find something . . . . . .

Kon-Tiki

I could not find anyone interested in making me some sails at reasonable cost . . . . . so I've made my own out of a plastic "Trash" bag. The SPAD Catamaran is nearing completion and I will post full details shortly.

Kon-Tiki

Just need to make and fit the rudders (more Corro), fit the bridge-deck, hatch-tops and make a Jib-sail. Sould by trial sailing next week!

MalaysianFlyer

BEAUTIFUL!!!!!

Kraut

My Feedback: (1)

Man that boat is so cool! What a beauty! Thanks for sharing with us!

Kon-Tiki

It's looking good. Can't wait to sail Her! I will post some final pictures shortly.

MalaysianFlyer

Errrr...... No bikini clad barbie doll on the deck???? hehehehe

Woodsy

Skylites, i just noticed where you are, i used to live in Romford untill i was 10yo on heathpark rd, went to the local PS Squirels heath, still have my cap some where

Kon-Tiki

. . . . scantily-clad bathing beauty to follow!

I lived in Chadwell Heath, Romford until I got married when I was 26! Then moved out here in the country 35 miles further away from Town. Small world.

Kon-Tiki

The temperature almost reached 100°F here today, the highest ever recorded here in the UK. Working on anything is slow at the moment. Have got the rudder/servo mechanism assembled:

Kon-Tiki

For higher resolution pictures of the rudder:
http://www.skylites.freeserve.co.uk/kon-tiki.htm