PocketShip.net

Morning all from the UK. I've just stitched all my bulkheads and floors in place, and I have a small gap between bulkhead # 1 and the bottom panel on each side. It's not big, and I am wondering if it really matters. I would be grateful for any opinions before I try to close it. I've got a ratchet strap and wood blocks standing by, just in case …

Hi,

I'm uncertain what "small" means, but I doubt it's a problem. If you've tightened the wire stitches appropriately (sometimes circling back to re-tighten stitches gaining better approximation), then any remaining gaps will be filled with thickened epoxy in the process of filleting.

Keep at it,
Mark

Hi Mark. I must try to add a photo when asking for advice! The attached pic is of bulkhead # 1 wired in place. You can see a 'small' gap in the bottom panel. I would be grateful for opinions on whether to close it or fill it.

Cheers!

I also have a small gap between bulkhead 1 and the bottom skin. It is very small, maybe 1/16" and I have tightened about all I can. My last pass I pressed my knee against the bottom of the skin while pulling hard enough to just about break the wire but it has held so far. I figure the fillets will handle the rest.

Steve,
I think if you drill and put another tie in between the two ties you have, it should pull it in enough.
I put additional ties in multiple places. They will all be covered up with epoxy and glass.

Thanks

Hi Steve,

Thanks for the photo. I agree with Ron - put another stitch in and press the panel to the bulkhead while tightening the stitch. (From the photo, it almost appears that a stitch "should" go there given the gap between adjacent stitches compared to other between-stitch gaps visible on the photo.) In any case, whatever is left will be amply filled and bonded with the fillet.

Thanks for posting,
Mark

Thanks guys. More stitches it will be!

Steve