PocketShip.net

First, does the transom get epoxied in place, or is the fillet on the inside the only thing that holds it in place?

Second, The 1"x3/4" pine cleats that go on the top of the bulkheads near the bow. If the fillets go in first they then need to be rounded to fit the contour of the fillets. Is there any reason they can't be epoxied in first, then the fillets can go around the cleats?

I'm just following the instructions in the manual and assuming they are correct. The transom is temporarily located with some screws and then the fillets are applied on all inside edges. It will be fiberglassed on the bottom edge inside the hull and completely glassed on the outside so I think it will be quite strong. The cleats for bulkheads 1 and 2 are supposed to be glued on before stitching (P.68 but mentioned after the instructions on page 67 to stitch in the bulkheads) and that is what I have done. However, be very accurate in your placement of the cleats. Mine on bulkhead 2 is a little too high and will need to be planed down a bit to fit the forward deck properly.

OK i see the cleat thing now and i got them fitted perfectly, thanks.

As far as epoxying in the transom. Does anyone see any good reason not to do it? I understand that the fillet on the inside and the glass on the outside should be enough, but could it hurt to mix up a little thickened epoxy and glue it in place first? I have it in place with temporary screws right now, it would take 10 minutes to pull it out, glue it in and screw it back together.

I don't think any epoxy made it into the tight seam around my transom. Not that adding some wouldn't be a good idea. In the end, there's a big fillet on the inside, fiberglass cloth on the inside, then more fiberglass cloth on the outside. Mine hasn't fallen off yet.