Two more steps

Since Rachele finished the third coat of blue yesterday I had a few specific goals today:
1. Glass in the side shelves for what will be the pockets
2. Slather a second coat of gel coat on the floor and the above shelf
3. Install the bow nav lights
4. Cut holes in and install dash panel
4. Finish cleaning the aluminum of the windows
5. Install the windows

 Where I started, this is after the third coat of paint. It looks AMAZING.

This is the starboard interior trim piece skinned with white vinyl. (yes it's upside down). This is my first attempt at upholstery, not too bad if I say so myself.


As is often the case, I got a late start since I spent the morning running errands and getting the hardware I need for the above to do list. When I did start I began with the shelves. These turned out to be much harder than I would have expected. Since I have spent so much time with fiberglass this summer I assumed it would be quick and easy. I set up quart pant cans for height and laid the wood on to of that. Since the sides of the boat angles out I had a hell of a time getting it flush. After I laid the glass in on the first one on the port side and moved to starboard, port quickly slipped off its cans and fell apart. Before the glass set I had to pull it all up and toss it out. The second attempt was more successful.

Here's a view of the starboard shelf with white gel coat

*Time Lapse* it's now Saturday evening. I got distracted Thursday...

While the gel coat and glass were setting I prepped the windows, dash, and bow nav lights. Earlier in the week I installed the transducer and sender for the depth finder and speedometer, so I figured the gauges were the next logical step. Before I could place the windshield I had to anchor down the fish finder stand. This wouldn't have been much of an issue but the new floor in the bow is just enough higher to push up the dash and make the windshield a little off center from where it was. I had to jimmy and shift it around a bunch to get all the pieces line up, mark it, remove them, screw down the anchor, then reset the windshield and anchor it.

I am now left with two more steps: 1. Finish the interior vinyl and trim 2. Wire up the lights and gauges. Of course the engine still needs attention but that will come in due course. I have an appointment Thursday.

Bow lights and windshield. She's beautiful