: Good morning gents. I hope all is well.

: thanks for all the help thus far, the merganser is moving along
: nicley.

: a few more questions

: 1) mounting the skeg: it sure would be easier without the deck !!!,
: SO is it feasable to cut hole, glue in/ secure skeg before the
: outside of hull is glassed ??(id have the inside all glassed)

: id plug the whole with plastic/ duct tape to seal the inside of
: skeg box when I glass outer hull, then make it pretty after.

: 2) Glassing the hull exterior: CLC/Eric Shade advise 3 layers of
: glass on hull first covers the entire hull, next is a bit
: smaller and the final just a diamond strip on the keel.

: it was not clear in the manuals if all three layers are wetted out
: and done the same time or one at a time after the subsequant
: layer cures??,

: also would I be ahead of the game if I USE 9 - 12 OZ fabric one
: layer and a single strip on keel?? ( I can get glass fabric
: localy)

: thats it for now

: many thanks

: "John"

Hi John,
On 1), like Malcolm, I'd go for putting the skeg box in first. Easier access to work.
On 2) in hand lay-up, single layers are better, it allows you to work on each layer to minimise the epoxy amount. As long as you catch the chemical stage for each new layer, you still get the full strength of epoxy. For multiple layers, a vacuum method is better.

For a sacrificial wear strip of glass, it may be better to let the main sheathing cure fully and key the surface for the sacrificial strip. It might make it easier to remove that strip when it wears into the glass in the strip.

Mike Savage
South West Cork