Building And Assembly Of The Hull - Backbone

The backbone is required to be assembled on a true flat surface. I again resorted to a brick layers line stretched tight between two support timbers, I then inserted a number of further timbers adjusted in thickness to the line to take account of any floor variations. The 100 mm support timbers provided clearance to enable insertion of G- clamps along the length of the backbone. The gluing of the backbone is a time consuming task, good organisation and an ability to work fast is essential. Even with the centre board case section previously prepared and sheathed, it required a further four hours to apply the epoxy, assemble and clamp the several layers that make up the backbone.

Applying epoxy before assembly of the backbone.

The backbone clamped on a plane and horizontal surface to ensure against  distortion.   

I realised that the centre board would require periodic removal and servicing at some point in the future. It would be necessary to remove the stainless steel spindle to allow the centre board to be lowered. I came up with the idea of fitting two O-ring sealed screw type stainless steel bungs on each side of the centre board case over the centre line of the spindle. This enables easy access to the spindle beneath the companionway step within the cabin. 

O-ring sealed screw type stainless steel bungs on each side of the centre board case.

Prior to bevelling, I laminated the false hardwood stem onto to the stem of the backbone to ensure a perfect fit when fitting later. Note the sheathed strake joints to the right of the picture.