18' Sailboat Build (Skeg - Primary Installation)

This video shows the final application of fiberglass cloth and barrier coats of epoxy resin, then finished skeg is checked for fit and installed in place with marine adhesive and screws. The skeg mates with the keel and stern timber at this stage. This is only a “primary” installation. At a later time after the boat has been lifted off the strongback and turned right side up, there will be long lag screws that will be driven through the keel, bottom panels, and keelson, into the skeg from inside the boat.

The next video will cover the fitting and installation of a “shoe” that will go on the bottom of the skeg to protect the edge grain of the plywood used to fabricate the skeg. The shoe will extend beyond the skeg to protect the rudder. Another “shoe” will be applied to the forward edge of the skeg, extending from the keel to the bottom “shoe.” This will protect the plywood end grain of the skeg and the end grain of the bottom shoe. The leading edge shoe will also be shaped and rounded to allow laminar flow.

Note: The “fairing” is limited to a “rough,” workboat like finish. It will not receive a yacht like finish, and this is my personal choice. I simply do not wish to put that much time and effort into the finish when there are so many other more important (to me) jobs ahead that must be accomplished before the cold weather sets in here in Maine.

Here's the video:

https://youtu.be/YaOMbQgCkkA