Modifying second float bow

This was written some time around easter, but I did not succeed in publishing it.

I never got around to collect any objective data on how my new float bow performed last year.  All available time was put in to sailing, and I never even got my instruments calibrated.  However, no adverse effect was sensed, no significant difference in the tendency to nose dive, but I had a definite feeling that the boat retrieved much better from nose dives.  So now it's time to make my self a symmetric trimaran again.

Extending workshop, enjoying Aurora Borealis

Due to the need for a larger workshop to finish my friend's mast, we started an extension last year, but the progress have been extremely slow.  However, the concrete for the floor will come tomorrow, new wall are now isolated, and lights are mounted.  This means that the modification of the second float bow will start soon.

Last years sailing season was extremely short for me, and hence, sailing will be prioritized over modifications to the boat this year, and the C-foils may have to wait another year.  Further progress will decide.

Insulation and levelling.  Ready to pour concrete.

When I got home tonight, I was entertained by a beautiful aurora borealis.  Did not have a camera at hand able to capture it.

Sailing

Sunday I was out sailing with my regular crew Vegar and two new potential crew members, eager to learn sailing. We were crossing the fjord a couple of times. We had a GoPro on the float deck, the result can be seen here

On the water. Brief update.

While waiting for the epoxy to cure, I started to make the main hull ready.  Beams back on.

Jib furler line in Silas' new fairlead

Daggerboard control line cleat blocked up with a piece of UHMWPE.

Engine bolted to the new engine bracket.

Everything while the epoxy skimming coat was curing

And then the two coats of primer

With great help from good friends we were able to put the boat together again on Thursday night August 22

During Friday night and the small hours of Saturday, the boat was launched and most of the necessary equipment was refitted. I was pushing hard these days as the annual local distance race "Ytterøya rundt" started in the morning of Saturday August 24. Still the largest race in our part of the country, although have been suffering very light conditions over the last few years.  Last year we were the only boat to finish the course. This year 43 boats participated, of which only 3 boats reached the first rounding due to the glassy conditions, most of the time no detectable movement in the air at all, but half a knot of favourable current.  I ended about 100m from the mark when the race was called off.  A beautiful day though, just like summer in fact.

Ytterøya rundt Aug 24 2013

Almost there

After round one: filling the lows, cheese grating was due, and then: The big fill.  I have experienced that adding enough filler to avoid having to re fill low areas saves a lot of work.  A bit more sanding, but if you make your compound light and use fresh paper on the torture board it is not that bad.  Several re fillings however can be bad due to different hardness etc leading to new lows etc etc, you get the picture.  However, I have not yet been able to add enough in the big fill to get there.  But better all the time. Filling and fairing looking in different angles at different stages

Planning for a scientific experiment

I decided a couple of weeks ago, that if I were to hit the water before the snow starts to fall around here, there were no way I could finish the work I have started.  The upside is, that when I add one modified and one original float to the boat, I will effectively be able to tell the difference, if notable.  I am also capable to record various data, such as roll and pitch, from my Nexus system.

I had my share of sudden decelerations when the float was "submarining" and the flat deck acted as a break last season, once I was solo I was very close to be thrown over board actually.  To make these stops a bit softer I am adding 40mm foam to the front deck.

Rounding it off to the best of my ability

And filling the transition to the original hull with epoxy/micro-balloons

Laminating, using a 300gsm 2x2 twill carbon fabric.  Conservatively wetted out and vacuum to make sure no bubble trouble
.

The port float had several cracks from the storm last fall.  I turned out, however, that the hybrid lay up I used is very durable.  Except for two places, the cracking was only in the fairting compound, and the laminate was only dented.  No internal delamination either.  I just sanded with my pressured air angle grinder at 22000 rpm and coarse disc until kevlar fibres were lifting from the bottom of the site.  Then laminating over with 300gsm carbon.  Vacuum.

Filling the dents

Round one:  Filling the lows