30.10.2005

To secure the laminate, the hull was covered with a garbage bag and the air removed with a rubber putty. After tearing off the bag, some of the folds where still present. They where removed with a hot iron.


When the hull has dried it is vital to build a mounting jig which must be very accurate. After the loosening of the hull from the template, the hull is put again on the template (with a push) and then with "super glue", the mounting jig is glued on the hull.
On the left side of the photo there is the template, on the right side the mounting jig, with the hull. Next the hull is cleaned on the inside, and then laminated - on the inside.







2.11.2005
Why the trapeze shape?
As I cannot recognize any advantage with the round cross sections,  it is difficult for me to explain the difference. The myth maintained by most model construction amateurs, is that the the round cross sections would have an advantage in relation to other cross sections shapes because it has a smaller wetted surface with the same volume. Well, keep on...
I do not consider the resistance from the surface so vitaly important, although models,with their short waterline and the low speed (the Reynolds number is small put in relation to larger boats where the surface has more influence). If you look at the total picture; depth, surface cross section, stability, etc. I see no advantage. The advantage is rather on trapezoid shapes side. If a trapeze shaped model is sailed in a straight line (on a beat) it will have a very small leeway angle. In earlier days, I did build Marbelheads with round cross sections, becoming more narrow every day.  I built both trapez shaped boats and U-shaped boats, and it was through my Marbelhead experiences my view was formed.  Based on this I never did build an U-shaped IOM. You can also see that the new regattaboats (big boats) are getting less round in their shape. In Germany, the trapez shaped boats does not do bad compared to U-shaped designs. Well the beauty of this is that everybody can have their opinion, and afford to try it out. But, in the end it is much up to the sailor.

3.11.2005
After smoothing the hull from the inside, I finally laminated the inside yesterday, and at the same time bonded the bulkhead. I laminated in another three layers in the aft and in the bow area, in order to withstand collisions with cargo ships and competitors boats.













Now at last, the upper edge is being sanded before I move on to  the keel box, longitudial bulkhead, ruddertube,  etc.