Labor-intensive stratification
After gluing the roof to the side walls in the last episode, Matt starts by removing the frames around the roof bars. While he's not entirely satisfied with the gluing, the defects can be remedied by filling in the few glue gaps.
Matt then proceeded to laminate the entire roof-wall connection to a butt joint. Given the scale of the operation, he enlisted the help of a few friends. The operation is performed on contact, the geometry being complex.
Definitive shapes
Matt can then cut the roof to its final shape, especially at the bow. He also glues the extension to the stern, which will provide a more protected watch when on watch in the cockpit.
Now that the roof has its definitive geometry, it's time to protect the edge of the sandwich foam. After applying a light radius around the perimeter, he vacuum laminates two glass fabrics.
The results were mixed. The size of the area to be evacuated didn't allow us to achieve a good vacuum level. While this doesn't call everything into question, there are a few bubbles, and Matt will have to make a few adjustments. A two-stage stratification would probably have produced a better result without any real loss of time.
