"West system" bottom

With the keel done, all the frames faired in, it's time to lay the new bottom. The original bottom on this boat was a 9 mm (3/8") single piece molded plywood, shaped in big shaped presses at the Riva plant.

My new bottom will be cold molded, or what it's known as in the US a "West System" bottom. Named after the use of West System epoxy though I will use a different brand epoxy. I got in contact with a whole seller and could purchase 13 kg for less than the cost of 5 kg West System.

For plywood material I imported BS-1088 quality Marine plywood from Robbins Plywood in the UK. I will lay three (3) layer with 3 mm plywood, with thickened epoxy between.

The plywood is attached to the keel, chines and frames with 3M5200, and stapled in place with marine use Monel rustproof staples. When all layer are done, I will use silicon bronze screws to the frames, as original. I will also use CPES (Smith's clear penetrating epoxy sealer) on both sides of the plywood before laminating.

First layer done. Two more with epoxy between.