Posted by Dan on August 18, 19103 at 08:08:52:
In Reply to: Re: Console Skiff Transom question posted by Eric W. on August 18, 19103 at 07:35:55:
Eric,
Thanks for the feedback. Over the weekend, I went ahead and installed the transom.
-Squaring the transom
As you stated, the FastG building method doesn't give you many known good reference points for measurements. Barry suggested that I measure from the temp form or the end of the panel butt blocks. I had little confidence in this approach, because I know I did not pay that much attention to the exact position of the butt blocks and subsequently the temp frame. This may have been an error on my part, but I basically eye-balled their position per the plans and relative to each other. However, I did feel comfortable measuring from the front edge of the aft bottom panels. Even after stitching and folding, these panels lined up perfectly. Using this as a reference point and using the transom knee, I was able to position the transom properly (I believe). As you stated, I had to walk a way a couple of times and review my thoughts and measurements.
- Side panel position and gap between transom and side panels.
I temporarily installed the transom in position by driving a few screws. As you suggested, I was able to loosen some stitches on each side and reposition the side panel. The side and bottom panels were originally stitched right at the bevel (per the plans). After loosening the stitches, I repositioned the side panel (a little higher) and retightened them. This closed the gap some, but there was still a gap (3/16 to 1/4"). At this point I removed the transom, slapped some thick putty in there and installed the transom. Once fiberglass is installed over the fillets, I am sure that it will be fine.
Another challenge occurred midway through the installation. My drill/driver broke and I was not able to drive all of the screws all of the way in. When all was said and done, I had about 10 screws that I had to cutoff. I later drilled a new hole next to the broken screw, put a little putty in the hole, and drove a new screw (once I bought a new drill/driver).
In the end, it is in and appears to be installed correctly. I have a few screw heads that didn't finish up flush to the surface. I need to solve this challenge, but it can wait a little bit.
Thanks,
Dan