Fig. 13 The first layer of fiberglass material applied to the fiberglass planking is usually some type of chopped strand mat. The mat pieces are cut to rough oversize initially. Joints in adjacent mat pieces are usually butted, however, along areas such as the keel centerline, it is common for the mat on one side of the hull to overlap onto the mat of the other side for extra strength and fiberglass build-up. Where bunching of the mat occurs, tear V-shaped gores by hand in the material to prevent forming a double layer of mat at these points.

Fig. 14 The pieces of mat are laid in position and folded back onto themselves to expose the underside surface. Resin is generously applied and then the mat is rolled or folded back in position. This way, the mat has resin starting the saturation from the backside thereby assuring thorough coverage. Continue