Sailing Squibvideo
Squib's Refit - Episode 33
August 31, 2023 · 18 min · 980 views
What this video covers
Peter and Sabina are refitting their aging pocket catamaran, Squib, with a focus on structural reinforcement for a new Windpilot self-steering system.0:09 The crew removed the stern railing and the old Aries windvane mount, which had caused stress cracks in the gelcoat.0:29 Peter reinforced the transom by laminating wooden support boards and filling old mounting holes with thickened epoxy.4:42 He sanded the platform, applied two layers of 300g fiberglass cloth to the damaged areas, and created fillets to ensure structural integrity.10:08
Beyond the stern work, Peter installed support battens in the cabin to prepare for ceiling panel installation and prepped the forward hatches for mounting.12:30 He used a custom-built template to test the positioning of the Windpilot and a boarding ladder, ensuring the rudder arm clears the ladder during operation.14:41 Peter plans to consult Peter Förthmann of Windpilot regarding the mounting geometry.17:15 The project also includes building a new battery box and adapting a solar panel to streamline the electrical setup.11:37
Structural reinforcement of the transom is essential to prevent stress cracking when installing a heavy self-steering system on a fiberglass hull.
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