J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Forum The Boat, Sails and Equipment Cabin Sole Rebuild, MaJic Carpet

When I am done with installing the plugs over the screw heads and then put on at least a couple of more coats of finish I will do a short video on this crazy project, but for now it is essentially done. I supported the rear wings by getting my blocks in from the side or behind the pieces. This whole thing turns into quite the puzzle project to get assembled. This was the first time I have ever used silicon bronze screws and boy are they weak even when using paraffin wax on the threads. I was using a tapered drill bit and the ribs below are quarter sawn white oak, but even still a couple of screws twisted off without giving the slightest clue they were loaded up too much. Maybe there are big quality differences, but somehow I suspect these are just kind of weak screws.

Next step is to push some matching plugs in the outboard sections, cut them off carefully and then lightly sand them flush (I am not going to try and trim them off with a chisel, been there and cried when a plug broke off too low). Followed by more finish and rubbing and on and on. The last step will be using a silicone caulk to cover the transition from the sole to the vertical parts of the liner tub. I can't wait for that project. But this whole sole project does make a cool statement about this old yacht. The grills are worth all the effort I put into them and seeing the false bilge area is going to be very helpful in the long term. I am not sure how well my sleeved cooler hose line is going to work, but someday I can try to do a little more work there if I see that it would be worthwhile.

I have more than enough work in front of me without adding every last minor detail to the list to do now.

Also just to be clear the companion way steps are currently covered in blue painter tape.