Hey there, boaters and DIY enthusiasts! This week, we're casting off with a fantastic new TotalBoat ambassador, Evan, the adventurer behind the YouTube channel Finding Freedom. In his latest video, ‘Rainy Days and DIY Boat Projects | Life Onboard my 37 foot Sailboat Ep. 31,’ he takes us aboard his 37-foot sailboat to tackle a project many of us can relate to: finally getting around to that "temporary" fix that's been lingering for years.
Even on a beautiful sailboat, life isn't always smooth sailing. This episode kicks off amidst a passing squall, complete with wind, rain, thunder, and lightning. As our ambassador candidly shares, ‘Two of the strikes were probably a little too close for comfort,’ reminding us of the unique challenges of life on the water. He even recounts a past lightning strike in Guatemala that, luckily, only damaged his VHF antenna and depth sounder thanks to his boat's basic electrical setup. These conditions often call for resourceful DIY solutions, which is exactly what this week's project is all about.
The star of this episode is the much-needed rebuild of his forward hatch. This hatch is crucial for creating ‘a lot of air flow down inside where I'm sleeping’ and for easily pulling sails out. For three years, a temporary hatch made out of PVC board has served its purpose, surprisingly without leaks. However, it wasn't strong, let in no light, and was often covered by his old dinghy. Now, with his new sailing dinghy, Dapple, no longer covering it, it's the perfect time to build a proper, stronger hatch – one that will even let light through! He notes, ‘This hatch is not very strong- It's only made out of PVC board. It doesn't have any light that comes through, and honestly, it was a temporary repair 3 years ago that just stuck.’
So, how do you build a sturdy boat hatch from scratch? Evan opted for plywood, fiberglass, and, of course, TotalBoat epoxy! The process begins by cutting out a plexiglass window and then laminating two pieces of plywood together to form the base of the hatch. This is where Traditional 5:1 Marine Epoxy truly shines. He enthusiastically states, ‘Having this TotalBoat 5:1 epoxy makes it way easier to try to get these jobs done fast, especially with these pumps- it makes measuring the epoxy out really easy.’ This ease of use and precise measurement are game-changers for any boat project, ensuring a strong, reliable bond.
After laminating the base and attaching the sides, the next crucial steps involve making the hatch completely waterproof and impact-resistant. Evan soaks the plywood with epoxy and then lays up two layers of fiberglass on top, explaining, "If I only soaked it in epoxy, if anything were to ever get dropped on here, it could split the epoxy and then allow water to get in and slowly damage the plywood". This thoughtful application of TotalBoat 5:1 epoxy resin with fiberglass adds incredible durability.
After the lamination is complete, Evan moves on to fairing the hatch with TotalFair. He makes sure to address any small imperfections and holes, making sure the surface is perfectly smooth. Utilizing TotalFair is a crucial step to achieving that flawless finish. TotalFair is an excellent choice for this, known for its creamy consistency and easy sanding to achieve a smooth, paint-ready surface. While he briefly mentions using Sycaflex for sealing the plexiglass, he notes it was old and caused some minor issues that he plans to fix with fresh material.
Beyond the DIY project, the video offers glimpses into the unique 'Life Onboard' experience. From dealing with building storms – even moving his dinghy Dapple onto the deck for safety – to the peaceful contemplation that rowing his dinghy provides, ‘It's a moment to just be present and to slow down,’ it’s a constant adventure. He even tackles a floating fridge, highlighting the ongoing effort to keep the waterways clean.
The finished hatch looks fantastic, a testament to skill, perseverance, and the reliability of TotalBoat products. If you're tackling a similar project or just love seeing real-world boat repairs, be sure to check out Finding Freedom's full video, "Rainy Days and DIY Boat Projects | Life Onboard my 37 foot Sailboat Ep. 31," on YouTube!
TotalFair Epoxy Fairing Compound
1 comment
Nice work.
Just a few questions.
What paint did you use?
Did you run the fiberglass down the sides and on the bottom side of the cover?
If so, it would be nice to see a video of how you accomplished getting the fiberglass to hold the rolled edge without popping up.
What kind of fiberglass did you use?
Would like to be able to see the video in full screen mode.
The cover looks great!