: Mr Hamm

: I'm nearing the finishing stage of a Yost Sea Pup I'm building for
: the kids and would like to use your covering system. I have
: gleaned a basic understanding of the process and materials used
: from reading your posts and was hoping you could provide more
: info on your technique? Any guidance you could provide will be
: greatly appreciated.

: Thank you

: Mark D.

Hi Mark,

Ok, basic method: I use West 105/207 resin, that system works for this method, I've not tested it with any other, it has to be fairly flexible and remain that way, not all resin systems are.

I cover the frame with heat shrink non-certified aircraft Dacron, I get it from Aircraft Spruce, I'm sure other aircraft suppliers will have it too and certified material will work also but is very expensive. I staple the cloth to the frame, covering the hull and deck separately. Hammer in the staples so they are flush with the wood. I then glue the lap (deck over the hull) with contact cement. Once the cement is cured, overnight, any wrinkles can be removed with a household clothes iron. I use the iron too for shrinking the fabric, start at the lowest temperature that causes some shrinking of the cloth then gradually go hotter. If you start at the max. setting and it won't all get tight you'll have to live with the wrinkles, going a little at a time insures you can get the fabric drum tight.

Btw, I don't cut out the opening for the cockpit (or any hatches) until I'm done with the whole cover. Just as easy to cut them out later and keeps wrinkles at bay not having any openings, once it's glassed the fabric is stable and wrinkles are no longer a problem.

Next brush on as thin a coating of epoxy as you can get, but brush the resin into the weave of the cloth, this seals the cloth and provides a stiff surface to apply the glass. Once set, apply the glass just like you'd do on any other boat. I do the hull and deck separately on the glass too.

Any questions ask here or Email me.

Bill H.