Next Phase

[S/V Laura Ellen]

Now that the planking has been completed and the faring is well underway (hopefully completed next week), it is time to start thinking about caulking.

In preparation for the caulking job, I've started to add some moisture back into the boat.

I've tented the keel/deadwood area and have been running a humidifier inside the tent.
This weekend I've tented the rest of the hull and put in another larger humidifier.

Has anyone gone through this? How long will it take to build up enough moisture in the wood before its it's ready for caulking?
What moisture level should the wood have?

On the caulking front, how do I estimate the amount of caulking I need?

If it make a difference, all planking is new African mahogany.

[Paul Pless]

I've been looking for an update from you.:)

Pictures?

Whose gonna be doing the caulking?

[S/V Laura Ellen]

I've been looking for an update from you.:)

Pictures?

Whose gonna be doing the caulking?

Laura Ellen actually looks like a boat again.
At this point the boat is tarped from the deck to the floor, so there isn't much in the way of pictures. The original tarp went on to control the dust from the sanding/faring process, and then stayed on for the humidification.
Next time you are up in the area, give me a call.

I think I will be doing the bulk of the caulking. Ron, the shop owner wants to help to gain experience in a large scale caulking (he has done lots of smaller boats). I have many professional resources at my disposal to ensure I'm on the right track.

[S/V Laura Ellen]

Bump.

I really am interested in hearing from anyone that has any experience or knowledge on this matter.