by Captain James R. Watson When the centerboard of my Searunner trimaran broke in the middle of a windy race around the Black Hole, the question I kept asking was “Why now, after working fine all of this time, and when we were leading the race?”
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by Captain James R. Watson When the centerboard of my Searunner trimaran broke in the middle of a windy race around the Black Hole, the question I kept asking was “Why now, after working fine all of this time, and when we were leading the race?”
by Jim Derck Why do centerboards and rudders need durable edges? When centerboards and flip-up rudders drag across the bottom, the first fiberglass to abrade away is usually the leading edge at the bottom. This exposes the end grain of the wood, allowing water to be absorbed the length of the centerboard or rudder. The […]
by Brian Knight—GBI Technical Advisor Race boatbuilder Jon Staudacher suggested this mini hydroplane design for my 12-year-old son Paul several years ago. It is an 8′-long hydroplane, powered by a 5 to 15 HP outboard motor and can accommodate a driver up to 150 pounds. Paul and his friend built the boat in three or […]
By Tim Atkinson — Senior Chemist & Glenn House — Director of Product Safety and Regulatory Compliance The technical staff of Gougeon Brothers, Inc. has recently received inquiries about the proper disposal of leftover resin and hardeners. The increase in customer concern results from more stringent environmental regulations and heightened awareness of the need to protect […]
A Recipe from Gougeon Brothers’ Kitchen Here is a handy formula for gritty homemade hand soap for removing epoxy resin. We often use it around our boat shop. You can make it in the kitchen blender from common household supplies. The beauty of this stuff is that it’s easy on you, easy to make, and […]