Buoyancy tanks

The first buoyancy tank built was used as a mold that I waxed and applied Partall to, and built the second tank around: two sides and end, in a thin layer of fibreglass. After I coaxed the original tank out of the new shell, I closed in the top with a piece of the same urethane foam that I built Golightly out of, and glassed it to the sides.

Now there are two buoyancy tanks. After I took this photo, I used some hook and loop webbing to tie them in. Neatly. I didn't want to attach them permanently, but wanted to be able to take them out if I wanted to.

John thinks I'm fussy because I prefer things neat rather than carved out of chunks of styrofoam or something. I agree wholeheartedly: I am fussy! 😀

Bobber Ann named

First, she was painted with two coats of Pettit Easypoxy semi-gloss white.

I really enjoyed the translucent quality of the clear-finished cloth, but cringed every time I saw the boat baking in the sun in a parking lot on top of the car.

Aesthetics are always top of mind, but practicality comes just ahead. After all, it wouldn't do to have a pretty boat that fell apart due to sun damage.

Lettering positioned.

Overlay coming off.

"Fredly" font has a break between the 'e' and the 'r' that I closed using Illustrator.

She's "Bobber Ann" because she's so corky. And because I enjoy the song. (Yes, I know it's technically "Barbara Ann", but I spelled it the way the Beach Boys sing it.)

Above the name you can see the racing stripe that I painted over because it wasn't coming off well.

I thought it would be easy to find racing stripe tape, but it's not. The skinny one is dark blue, and an official racing stripe.

I wanted a green stripe about ⅜" wide. The green one is ¾" PVC tape such as electricians use. Both are on temporarily (I hope!).

Yes, I could do it the old-fashioned way and paint a stripe on, but I'm too lazy. I don't like either of these solutions, so I'm considering not having a stripe at all now. I can always put one on some other time down the road.

Buoyancy tanks are done and painted. Putting it all together tomorrow. Stay tuned.