Dio vs Yak rnd 9 part 3

Well, I’m happy and disappointed at the same time. This was part of my learning curve. I used a pigment in the polyurethane mix and it didn’t quite come out like I had envisioned. Too translucent IMO. And it’s splotchy and shows runs really well.

I was warned of this in several threads, but thought I had a better way: it wasn’t the method, its the product. The combination of white fabric and clear poly in particular. But, its on, and thats more important. Next time (and that implies a lot, doesn’t it?) I’ll dye the skin first for bright colors like this, or just use a dye only. Brians boats look good and,TTBOMK, he only uses dyes so that is my metric to consider.

One thing that wasn’t hit on was cure times. This stuff has a 24 hour cure, with 48 hours recommended. Its sitting here in my living room soaking up heat from the woodstove to ‘speed up’ that cure. If I took it outside right now, it would take till next year! Luckily, Buzz, the cat, isn’t showing any interest in it, like she did with the Perception: I guess it doesn’t smell right yet, no fishy smells. Paw prints in a tacky coating would be a real bear to get out.

I still have decklines to install, already made up just waiting. Need to add rub strips on the bow and stern so that beaching doesn’t wear holes in those high wear areas. I still have to order the sprayskirt, and would like to get a pair of float bags as well; just in case mind you. And seeing how I have to wait to float, thats not a pressing issue as yet.

And yes, I learned a literal boatload on this build. There are things I will definitely do different on the next one, whenever that is. Some are minor things to ease the build process, others are major towards having a damned fine boat. I won’t bore y’all with the list here, but if’n you are curious, the email addy up in the corner is still active; drop me a line and I’ll fill ya in. Its all just little detail stuff that adds up.

Launch date and christening are obviously some time in the future as the winter months are upon us. I’m antsy to get her on water, but I’m not crazy enough to brave fridged waters: I can wait. (My cold water gear consists of nada currently, so,,,)

When the maiden voyage happens, I will post video of it; just not soon (definitely not soon enough for me).