The depth of the recess is decreased as it approaches the keel (1/4" deep from mark #1 to #4, 3/16" at #5, 1/8" at #6, 0" at the keel). Install the panel and determine how much should be faired from frame #8.

The first bottom template (1/4" fir plywood) is screwed to a piece of 1/4" marine plywood and trimmed to size. (04-FEB-2005)

Trial fitting the first bottom. Once installed, it fits flush with the chine from the stem to a point between frames 7 and 8.

A second layer of 1/4" plywood is tacked on to check for fit.

A 26" wide piece of 1/4" marine plywood is scarfed to the first bottom piece. Total length is 8'-6". Click here to see how the scarf was made.

Glued and clamped . . .

While we're waiting for the bottom panel to fully cure, the side planking template (31" wide x 18' long) is clamped in place. (05-FEB-2005)

The two scarfed joints are located midway between frames and in relatively flat areas.

Trimmed.

The tumblehome is quite severe at the transom. The fir plywood is barely making the bend. The marine plywood should be much easier to work with.

Fitting the scarfed first bottom panel. (11-FEB-2005)

Since the required panel length is 8'-6" and adding a 6" strip ahead of the butt block is close to frame #4, the scarf joint was moved forward 24" and centered bewteen frames #5 and #6. A butt block between frames #4 and #5 will join the two layers of 1/4" plywood to the aft piece of 1/2" plywood.

Closeup of the epoxied scarf joint.

The panel is left oversized, marked and trimmed.

Screws are driven through plywood spacer washers to spread the screw's clamping force to a larger area.