Finishing the Spinnaker Chute
In retrospect, I should have provisioned for a more holistic approach to finish the spinnaker chute and make sure I designed a 1 piece cap to fit nicely over the rough opening, covering the breasthook, the stem and the gunwhales. I envision this piece now of solid Mahogany stock with pre-finished rounded edges so that only minor touch ups are needed afterwards.
Well, hind sight is 20-20. My reality called for adding small pieces of solid Mahogany stock to round off the corners and line the sides of the opening.
Adding the pieces to round the corners. I also clamped an L-shaped jig over the deck from the gunwhales to provide a surface to clamp the corner pieces from. Also placed a wood block at the stem to prevent the clamps from damaging the deck.
Fitting the side pieces.
Next, I bevel the deck at the bow to make room for the nose cap.Epoxy Coating The Deck & Strakes
Prior to varnishing the deck and rubbing strakes, I apply 3 coats of West System 105 epoxy with 207 Special Clear Hardener. This will be the base for the layers of Epifanes clear varnish I'll apply once the average daily temperature warms up within the manufacturers recommended range.
View of the foredeck.
View of the side decks.
Aft view from the bow.
View of the foredeck and the carlins from the transom.
View of the spinnaker chute opening.
Full view from the bow.
Carlin detail on the aft port side as it turns around to the transom.
Carlin detail on the aft starboard side as it turns around to the transom.
Carlin detail on the port side as it turns around from the side deck to the foredeck.
Carlin detail on the starboard side as it turns around from the side deck to the foredeck.
Foredeck after applying 3 layers of epoxy with West Marine 207 Special Clear hardener.
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