Rub Rails and Companionway Hood Top

Companionway Hood Top

I've temporarily mounted the companionway hood on the boat so I can be sure the sides stay in exactly the right place while I glue on the top.  

Gluing Hood Top, Rear View

Gluing Hood Top, Front View

You can see that the top is a bit larger than the hood, to be cut to size later.  There is also a curved bar at the rear of the hood to hold it to the proper shape.  The companionway door will slide under the hood.  After the top cures I will remove the hood, to be installed permanently later.  While it is off the boat I will build the sliding hatch and make sure it fits properly.  Adjustments will be much easier to make with the hood off the boat.

Rub Rails

As you may remember the rub rails have been scarfed together to get them up to about 17 feet in length.  Now I have sanded them down and beveled the sides on all six pieces--three per side to be built up one at a time.

Port Rub Rail, First Layer

The first layer of the port rub rail has been glued in place, to be followed by two more layers, each tapering down to a slightly smaller size.

Starboard Rub Rail, Trial Fit of Layer One

Here's a shot of the first layer of the starboard rub rail trial fit.  The manual calls for that to make sure the alignment is good and not "lumpy" looking, but it's pretty easy to get it right because you line it up right against the edge of the topsides panel.  Since taking the picture I have sanded the side and glued the first layer on.