P1 Puma RIB racing-scratch building

[Dim L]

A first layer of epoxy primer and spray putty... I like it's lines but there are too many imperfections as expected... This means sanding and more sanding.

 

[Unusual RC]

Sanding is key!
Eventually it pays the strong labour back, when the hull is finished!
Still amazing to see you got from a first try in Fusion 360 this far!
No kit can cope with your own design including your custom outboard!

 

[Dim L]

Oh, thank you so much Michael for your encouraging words... Indeed, I didn t expect this result when I first started with fusion 360 and the diy outboard.
Now, I want this effort to be also compansated by a good sailing behavior and descent speed, not only looks !

 

[Dim L]

Update #32: First round of sanding...

Next, 2nd layer of epoxy primer and spray putty again...

Much better now but still a lot of work to do as it is revealed with @Dirk Jan 's technique...

Next is epoxy putty. I still haven t found a good technique to apply the putty with minimum residuals... Any ideas?

 

[Dim L]

Update #33: 2nd round of sanding, primer and putty again.

This time I applied a thick layer of spray putty only on specific spots on the hull.
Next, I will sand lightly the spots with putty, primer again and hopefully painting...

 

[Dim L]

OK... This is the 3rd round of primer-putty-sanding and I still find imperfections... This time I applied epoxy putty with my finger so as to avoid too much putty residuals. I hope that this is the last round...

 

[Dirk Jan]

Nice work Dim, it's getting smoother each time!

The trick is to apply putty where required, but to sand it down from the rest of the hull. If you add for example 4 layers of putty at an already smooth surface, it could make the surface less straight and it will add weight.

 

[Dim L]

Thank you Jan for the tip ! You are absolutely right...
Generally this is what I m trying to do, but these spray rails are so difficult to get them 100% smooth... Another tricky spot is between the tubes and the hull...
I hope this weekend to be able to paint the hull

 

[Dim L]

I wasn t lucky today... I started painting the hull and I noticed a very weak spot on the left tube. I decided to strip the balsa off and rebuild it immediately. Fortunately, the inner of the tubes is reinforced with cf so it is not that big issue.

Then sanding, epoxy putty etc....
Ouf... I have enough with building, I can t wait to see it in the water...

 

[Unusual RC]

Well, better to discover it now then during the maiden, or even worse when you run it at sea!
Now it is still dry and without the final paint job.
Luck by a unlucky event!

 

[Dim L]

Sure, you are right Michael, from this perspective I am very lucky...

 

[Dim L]

Update #35: Painting the hull and the tubes (finally)

As always there are some imperfections but overall I am OK with the result

 

[Unusual RC]

Wow, take it easy!
Now it is finished
Looks awesome!

 

[Tamiya1970]

Wow !! ,thats one good looking boat Dim .

 

[Dirk Jan]

Indeed looking great! I like the red and white color combination [emoji108]

 

[Dim L]

Thank you very much guys!!!
There are still many details to paint plus the decals but the main part of the work has finished.

 

[Dim L]

Just a sneak peek of the painting progress and the name of the boat, which is "PENArib r820". PENA is from the first syllable of my sons names (Peter and Nasos), rib is the type of the boat, r is for racing (haha ) and 820 is her total length in mm.

To be continued...

 

[Dirk Jan]

Nice! I enjoy watching the progress. The background of the name is cool, like my Cozy boats; derived from my last name [emoji6]

 

[Dim L]

It is really one of the best parts of the building process...

To be honest, I saw your last name in the T800 plans and I understood that you have used it to your boats.
Sorry Jan but you have some great ideas that is difficult not to borrow them
!!!!
I also decided the numbers on my boats to be related somehow to the birthday dates of my sons and wife... (as a reward to the hours I spend in the workshop... )

 

[Dim L]

Update #36: The painting and the decals are finished.

Next, it remains the clear coat on the hull and the testing of the electronics and the outboard.
Overall, I am satisfied with the result, I hope that it will sail nicely too...