Side Splitting Fun

Well, we finally installed the gunwales (pronounced gunnels).  Gunwales are the tops of the sides.  I went to my favorite marine store, you know, Home Depot.  I bought two 16 foot boards that are used for back yard decks.  I ripped the wood to about 2 inches X 16 feet.  Then, I cut a grove in the bottom that is a little over one quarter of an inch wide and about an inch deep.  

Fitting these things was a trick.  It was a two man, I mean two person job for sure.  My lovely bride dropped her quilting project and helped me fit these fiddly bits.  Thanks Lori!! 

We first fitted them and made the cuts in front and back.  Then, we mixed up some epoxy flox and put it in a ziploc bag.  We cut a small hole in one corner of the bag and then shot the mixture down into the grove.  Once we got it down on the sides, some of the mixture squirted out. 

The only problem we had was a small split on the left rear.  Not to worry, we can fix it with fiberglass.

I know what you're thinking...  You're thinking this joint looks like we were a little tipsy when we fitted it.  Now, it may look a little disappointing, but I think we can make it look better.  Tune in next time to see if we can salvage it...