| If you have never built a small trimaran (or any | | | | Epoxy can be used to create an extremely strong, |
| sailboat) then you'll likely have to deal with some | | | | durable and essentially "monocoque" hull structure out |
| mental reservations. This is only normal. | | | | of different pieces of wood. Thus, it's popular with |
| You'll probably ask yourself questions such as, "Can I | | | | many wooden boat builders for obvious reasons. |
| really do this?" ... "How long is a boat building project | | | | However, the very chemical properties that make it |
| realistically going to take?" ... "Should I go with a boat | | | | such a wonderful tool in boat building also make it |
| that has a frame and uses a cold-molded construction, | | | | dangerous if not handled properly. |
| or should I just go with a simple, straightforward Stitch | | | | The fumes can make you very sick. Epoxy chemicals |
| and Glue type of construction?" | | | | on the skin can result in terrible rashes, or even poison |
| These are good questions. These are important | | | | your whole system. |
| questions. | | | | Not good. |
| Building any boat properly with wood requires good, | | | | In essence, before you work with epoxy, be sure to |
| useful information to help you get through the building | | | | safeguard yourself by reading up on the process, and |
| process. Thankfully, there is some good info out there | | | | by following all the safety practices. There is no good |
| about wooden construction. | | | | reason to damage your health when simply following |
| While it would be nice to find a little bit of this type of | | | | the proper procedures will prevent harm. |
| content provided in a unique, web-based environment, | | | | Using medical gloves such as latex ones is very |
| most of the really good information is still found in | | | | important. Using a respirator is equally important. And |
| books. But more very good info is now making its way | | | | clean up epoxy-related residue afterwards. This |
| into the marketplace on DVD. | | | | includes setting aside any clothes that might have |
| Whatever info resource you use, you'll want to make | | | | absorbed epoxy. It's something that requires diligence |
| sure it includes more than details about marine-grade | | | | and paying attention in order to follow through |
| plywood ... scarfing joints ... strip plank ... frame and | | | | completely. |
| stringer ... diagonal plank on frame and stringer ... or | | | | Safe boat building is smart boat building. The bottom |
| other forms of construction. | | | | line is that you can build a small trimaran out of wood |
| Your resources should thoroughly cover how to safely | | | | and end up owning a great boat by doing things the |
| use epoxy. Epoxy is a wonderful invention, but great | | | | right way. |
| care must be exercised when working with it. | | | | |