After reviewing the initial lay up of the top skin (two layers of 1708 biaxial cloth), it was evident that a third layer was needed, and previously suspected. The goal here is a pleasing fair curvature of the aft deck, allowing water to naturally drain off the surface. I removed the peel ply and sanded the area to take back proud surfaces around the edge of the repair. After cleaning up the surface with the typical vacuum and solvent wash, I applied more plastic sheeting to create a template for the needed third layer of cloth. With the template, I removed the third layer of cloth and then mixed up a batch of epoxy resin to wet out the work surface, and then to wet out the fiberglass itself. After the third layer of 1708 biaxial cloth was wet out sufficiently, I applied it to the top skin repair area. I then finished the surface with a layer of West System's 407 (micro balloons) to begin the fairing process. I finished the surface with a layer of peel ply.

I decided to go ahead and remove the taff rail, seeing significant amounts of gelcoat applied to the seem between the top of the stern and the lower portion of the taff rail itself. I removed nine bungs, and then nine slotted screws. The backstay padeye, securing the aft stay, apparently had a machine screw break in a previous attempt to remove it. I attempted, myself, to remove the shaft sans screw head, but was not able to budge it. I'm sure a bolt secures the machine screw shaft down below, so that will be left for the next work session.

Total Hrs: 1.5