Tips from a Shipwrightvideo

Building the V-Bottom Skiff - Episode 40: Painting up the topside, bottom and out the open door!

5 October 2022 · 16 min · 59K views

What this video covers

Louis Sauzedde completes the construction of a custom V-bottom skiff, finishing the project with a final paint application before moving the vessel out of the shop. The build features a double-planked, cross-planked bottom with fiberglass reinforcement, designed to eliminate common chine issues found in traditional hard-chine boats. Sauzedde applies Total Boat Wet Edge topside paint in sections to maintain a wet edge, using a roller to tip the paint in the opposite direction of the stroke to prevent marks. He then masks the waterline to apply Total Boat Spartan Red bottom paint, noting that taping above the waterline requires careful alignment. The boat features a fine entry and a shallow dead rise, intended to improve performance and stability compared to a standard flat-bottom skiff. After removing the tape, the boat is moved onto a trailer for transport to an outboard motor shop. The project concludes with the vessel ready for sea trials to test its handling in various sea states.

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