My chine flats are not that flat...problem?

[xrayengineer]

Hey Brian,

I have the bottom panel all finished, and I am ready to install the shelves, transom, etc on the jig.  I used the 2x4's for clamping as required.  However, when I sight down the chine flats from the transom, I see a few waves.  On one side there is a nice wobble, too (makes a quick down and up over a span of about 5 inches.)

I will try to straighten this out when I install the side panels later, but with both side of the chines fiberglassed, I dont think it is going to move much.  Is this going to be a problem?  I will try to get some pictures, but it is hard to see with a camera....

The "waviness" is about halfway up the chines, right around where they start the upturn .

[Brian.Dixon]

Whether or not the waviness is an issue or not depends on where it is and how much there is.  The last 6 or 7 feet or so should be made as flat as possible, e.g. a straight run.  The boat will work regardless, but it'll be most efficient if the last 6 or 7 feet run straight so the water flow will be smooth.  Try taking pix, especially with a straight edge over the wavy spots and a light behind so we can see the gaps.  Worst case is not a bad case:  Just run a jig saw down the seam, clamp or screw on straight edges that fix the waviness and re-glue ...then re-glass (if you've already got the glass on it.).  You can fair in the re-glassing later and nobody will be the wiser.  But before jumping to conclusions, try to get some pix that at least show the location of the waviness and try to use a straight edge so you can measure the gap (between the straight edge and the chine flat) by hand ...THEN we can talk again.  There's nothing so complex about these boats that it can't be fixed ...on other similar boats, some people have even filled and faired waviness out after the whole hull had been built but wasn't turned over yet ...there's always a way to fix things.  In the mean time, discover country music and beer, and buy an old wooden chair to set out in the shop ...your official 'moaning chair' where you sit and feel sad sometimes and then figure out good solutions  .  And remember, the only difference between a good boat builder and a bad one is that the good one knows how to hide his mistakes better ...    Been there, done that!

Brian

[xrayengineer]

Thanks for the info.  I will be getting back home in a few days, and I will take some pictures and get back to you.

[Brian.Dixon]

OK...

[xrayengineer]

Well, it appears there was nothing to worry about.  After screwing a 2x6 down on the chine flats using 2 1/2" Spax screws, the chine is as flat as a pool table!

I had to lift up on the transom on each side with chain hoists to get the flex out of the last foot of the shelves before installing side panels.

All is well and final fairing  and glassing of the hull is next, then paint and flippers!

[Brian.Dixon]

One of the nice things about this style of construction is that nothing's permanent until you choose to make it permanent.  Need to make adjustments to make something fair, or line up, or fit just right?  That's fine ...Jus' Dew It ...then when all is well, lock it in with epoxy.

Brian

[xrayengineer]

This is the best picture I could get of the chine flats, ready for paint.  They are pretty flat!

[Brian.Dixon]

Looks great!

Brian