fixing mistakes
may, 2022
As ready as I was to be done with the decking and get Odo on the water, there were a few mistakes I had to fix...
The first was the fiberglass in the rowing footwell. I hadn't done the best job of it and, since this is the area where all of the water in the boat drains, it is one area where waterproofing is crucial. So I had to go back and sand/grind out the fiberglass and paint and redo it.
the reglassed rowing footwell
The second mistake I needed to fix was the latch placemen on the front hatch. I thought I could get away with only one latch, but once I installed it it became clear that it wasn't creating enough pressure on the lid to create a good seal. As a result, I had to add a latch and patch the hole from the original latch placement. This was actually a great opportunity for learning the patching method used on dories and it turned out to be a very fun, satisfying process.
the offending misplaced latch hole
1. marking the margins for the bevel of the patch piece and hatch lid
2. adding the bevel to the patch piece
3. beveling the hatch lid & it fits!!
4. filling any uneveness
after sanding and painting the patch is indiscernible
redoing the "O"
The third (probably not final) mistake I fixed was the "O" on Odo's name. I had tried to paint an outline and drop shadow but, though my painting skills were enough for the solid filled letters, they were not up to scratch for doing the outline. I really didn't like the result so I sanded it off and repainted it in the brass color paint. I may eventually add the outline and drop shadow but for now Odo will have a more subtle paint job...