Building the 23' V-Bottom Skiff - Episode 13: First layer of fiberglass

It's time to fiberglass! This is a a very important step in the construction of our V-Bottom skiff. The boat is a wooden boat at heart but the bottom will be a composite construction utilizing fiberglass for strength and rigidity. In this episode Lou shows up his method for prepping the surface and then applying the fiberglass to the hull. We're using TotalBoat 2:1 High Performance Epoxy and thinning a little bit with alcohol so it will soak into the first later of wooden bottom planking.

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TotalBoat 2:1 High Performance Epoxy

TotalBoat 2:1 High Performance Medium Hardener

[Barrelu]

When I apprenticed as a Tool and Die machinist I was lucky enough to have a master machinist who had similar skills in that trade a s you do in boat building. I truly wish that I could go back about 45 years and learn boat building from you as well. A good teacher is one that knows the subject, is willing to share that knowledge and has the ability to keep the student engaged. You are that person.

[utubeaccess]

This has got to be one of the strongest boats ever built! Genius use of materials for this build.

[pnmvwyw]

I’ve been building boats for over 30 years and I never get tired of watching Lou. Amazing work sir.

[mturallo]

Fantastic camera work and editing! I'm sure I've made this comment before but its worth saying again. It absolutely serves Lou and his magic to the degree he deserves. Great job.

[nataliespentzos]

Dad, these comments are amazing and make me realize how incredibly talented you are. Wow!

[getnospams]

I revel in your knowledge. Speaking as a design engineer for half a century, I see every day of your experience showing in your art. Delightful.

[ericgruel]

Thanks Lou for taking me to school. I'm building a Marsh skif for Texas coast skinny. Your explanation of why helps emencely .the great folks at total boat got me my order quickly.

[xavytex]

The fiberglass mat is necessary when using polyester resin because 2 fiberglass fabric layered on top of one another tend to split over time. Polyester resin isn't strong enough. It's not as necessary when using epoxy resin. But you can still take advantage of the mat side by using it as a finish layer. Fiberglass mat can be sanded whereas fabric can't. Sanding fabric essentially cuts the fibers so it looses a lot of it strenght. Instead of having a continuous weave, you end up with a series of U's about an 1/8 long. Thanks for the video series by the way.

[graxav]

There was a saying in my apprentice days -' .. if you can't make it right, make it bright ..' With Lou its, ' .. make it right and bright!' His love of excellence and mastery of form combine effortlessly - then he tells us how he did it! 😎👏👏

[laserbeam]

I’ve been watching this wise old man for years now and to this day every episode nearly blows my mind... Brilliant.., as always...!

PS can’t even remember how many episodes I’ve watched over and over.., feel like this will be one of them ;)) thank you Lou...!

[kfarrel]

Besides everything else I liked in this video, I'm especially glad to see the care and attention to dust control, which is important for your health.

[scotthutson]

Lou, your passion for building quality boats is truly inspirational to watch. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and skill with us.

[dozer]

When the guru of wooden boat building introduces fiberglass to the scenario, 🤯🤯

Amazing construction Lou! Thanks for the content. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[thejohnboatfaithfishingand]

That's where I'm at now on my skiff build. I'm putting two layers on the outer hull and I plan to let the first layer dry before laying down the second layer, just to make my life a little easier since I don't have anyone to help. Good tip about the scraper!

[BlakePizzey]

It's been awhile since I've watched one of your videos and boy do I miss it. Love the commentary. Thank you.

[TitoRigatoni]

Very nice! I didn't fully appreciate just how much the sole contributes to the strength of the hull until I saw it in cross-section like this.

[seatroutking]

What a design it’s going to be a ice breaker of a hull please Louis any update on The Orca build I can’t wait for it I have been a fan of that boat from a child 👍🏻 all the best from Ireland 🇮🇪 keep safe 😷

[fortnoxz]

Thank you so much for sharing your skills. You sharing this will keep the wood working alive.

[kerrykrishna]

I am SO enjoying all you are doing here. As far as the scatter pattern of the fibreglass, my understanding is that, because the long fibres run in all directions, it make the topside layer much much harder to distort. Any direction you pull it in, it will not want to shift.

[oletorbergsen]

Mr Lou, you such an inspirational and knowledgeable person. Thank you for sharing!