Correction to OzRacer RV plans – Transom widths – an easy fix at any stage.

I have just put out a new version of the plans for the OzRacerRV.  This fix applies to plans before version 1.1gsd (see page 7 of the plan for the version number).

The main change was a discrepancy between the width of the bow and stern transoms compared to the length of the side panels.  This post explains the fix and how to correct the problem with two easy methods depending on what stage the boat is at.

I don’t think it is worth getting a new copy of the plans for this error.  But if anyone wants they can email me with their receipt number from the agent and I will resend.

I must apologise for this error!  A poor bit of drafting (draughting).

The first method is if the plywood has not been cut yet.

The second method is if the plywood is cut and the boat assembled.  Most builders will discover the problem at this point during the pre assembly.  It is a simple method of filling the gap and shaping a radius before glass taping.  So now the detail.

The problem looks like the left image.

As above if the panels have not been cut out yet … then the bow and stern transoms need to be made wider to cover the gap.  This requires a different plywood layout from the plans.

Second method if the ply is cut and/or the boat assembled.

I am doing this the ultra neat way – how a professional boat builder might choose to get out of the problem.  You can just fill and sand the gaps to a radius if you want.  But a bit of preparation saves a lot of sanding later – creating a temporary mould using a piece of ply covered in brown plastic packaging tape. and masking tape just a small distance back from the area to be filled.

fixing a plywood discrepancy in a small sailboat.  Filling the gap.

This is also a method that works very well for many building situations and repairs on plywood boats.  Because epoxy is structural quite large gaps can be filled and structural integrity not compromised.  A reasonable sized gap to bridge with epoxy is equal to the plywood thickness.  Which this one is.

Finishing off with glass tape after when the plan method is followed from this point means the job is equal in strength to the original.

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