Taping the seams!

Time to tape up all the seams. For this task we purchased 12oz biaxial tape from Gulf Stream Composites. This will later be feather and covered with another layer of glass.

Biaxial fiberglass is a type of non-woven fiberglass fabric. Instead of a conventional weave pattern, biaxial cloths two layers lie at a 45-degree fiber angle to each other. The two layers are stitched together with sturdy polyester yarn.

More progress. I have the joints taped and now will need to do the edge seams...I have not used bi-axial tape before but I really like it.

Biaxial Cloth

Sides & sealed!

 The next step is to get the sides made up and mounted onto the hull. This was a moment of truth, would things match up?

It wasn't easy to get the sides aligned with one person.. the use of "milk crate" jacks helped to get the sides hung. They are held in place with thickened epoxy and screws.

After the sides were mounted, then whole hull was sealed in a base coat of epoxy.

Bottom's UP!

 Completed cutting and placing the the rest of the bottom panels. The are "stitched" in on the angle by using blocks as a "butterfly" clamp to since the sides into the gap. They are permanently held in place by screws and thickened epoxy.

Once the bottom sides are attached, the wooden block clamps are removed, and the holes filled.

Fitting the bottom panels

Installed the bottom panels, screwing the curve down to the front frame.  Had to use a ratchet strap to pull down the front. Each of the screws was filled with epoxy.

Keel Laid

Keel Laid

Well, a little more progress.. got the bulkheads dry fitted, a few more framing pieces still need attaching and the bow and stern plates. - the bulkheads need to be faired and levelled.. - but she is coming along... soon the sides!

Keel Laying

KEEL LAYING!

Finally! Victoria Day, May 21st 2018 marked the celebration for the laying of the keel for Hull #98, "Mystnyx" designed by Roy Schreyer and built by Brian Nix. She's a Dianne's Rose class mini-houseboat. An 1888 Victorian shilling was affix to the starboard longitudinal frame for good fortune.

A good time was had by all! The "Roses" are a throw back to the original Dianne's "ROSE".  A small ceremony and an ode to the sailing gods! Unfortunately, the microphone on the recording didn't work.

Mystnyx Keel Laying Toast

For Thousands of years, we have gone to sea, and mankind has crafted vessels to carry us and we have called them by name. The ships will nurture and care for us, through perilous seas, and provide us same comfort in our journies. So we affectionately call them "she".

To those of who have gone before us, to our our ancestors who have sailed down rivers in shanty boats, paddled canoes, and sailed across the briny ocean, to them we toast.  And ask them to bless the construction of the Mystnyx, Hull #98.

Toast:

To the Sailors and ancestors of old and here's to the successful building of the Mystnyx!

The moods of the sea are many from tranquil to violent, we ask that  this vessel strong and true be given the strength to carry on. May the keel be laid flat and true, and withstand the rigours of the sea and storm.

Toast:

To The Sea, and To the Sailors of old and here's to a keel laid strong and true!

Today we name Hull #98, the Mystnyx. We pay tribute to Neptune the king of the sea, and affix a coin to her hull for safe passage. We ask the sailors of old, King Neptune, and God for protection for safe passage for the Mystnyx on all bodies of water for her captain, passengers, and crew!

Toast:

To the Sea and to the Sailors of old and to God & Neptune, and here's to the Mystnyx for safe passage!

Partial Bulkheads framed & Epoxied!

Great weather today.. nice to see +15c temps. Starting getting more work done on hull number 98. Ripping stock, and managed to begin framing. Got a coat of epoxy on the bow panel, and starting to work up the partial bulkheads.