"The Big Fitz" Dry Dock 1

A new center section has to be rebuilt after it's first 5 year inspection.

Summer of 2003 proved to be some difficult times for my Fitzgerald. I found a major flaw in my construction with the fiberglassing. In the hot summer sun the hull would heat up, the fiberglass weave then started to show through the paint. As you might imagine, this had to be fixed.  It turns out I needed additional layers of epoxy after sanding to shape. I am glad I caught the problem now and not after the detailing was finished. The solution is to put a additional layer of glass on with 6 ounce cloth, sand smooth and add one more coat of epoxy. Not really a big deal.....................

However in the inspection of the ballast tank I found the resin chipping away on the inside. This is very bad news. When I built the ballast tank frame I did not sand away the finished face of the wood paneling that I used. This didn't allow the glue to stick and soak in good to seal it. Water had got behind it and was starting to rot. The wood has to be replaced. In other words the whole cargo hold has to be replaced. Ugh..........

The good news is I get to build a bigger ballast tank, one that hold enough water to bring it to full draft. Before I had 15 pounds of lead to get her to ride at full draft even with full of water. Now I when she is done the model should only weigh about 15 pounds. Think positive...................

As you can see it looks a mess. O well better to catch it now then with her all detailed out. Time to get to work !!!!!!!!  .....