Step by almost step...

This is a description of one happy Surf Scoter builder and his photos of work in progress: "Construction on the Surf Scoter began in October 1997. At this point of construction the main bulkheads and transom have been aligned and leveled on the "strongback". The 1/2' plywood skin is then laid on the bulkheads.

After the bottom and side panels are applied, a layer of 1/4" plywood is added to the bottom for extra structure. At this point the entire hull is fared, and the keel is fit and glassed in place. The hull is then glassed with one layer of tooling cloth (two layers on all joints), sanded and coated several times with epoxy. In the photo below, Ed (Sorry about taking your head off) installs the iron bark chafe strip onto the keel. She's ready to be rolled over.

Now that she's rolled over it's time to start laying out the v-berth followed by the cabin and cockpit. Bulkheads get trimmed to shape, v-berth water tank and p+s settees are built, and Ed is fitting cockpit soles.

Structural glassing is completed in the v-berth and cockpit below sole level. Now that the aft bulkhead, galley and helm are fitted and tabbed in place, it's time for a structural glassing in this area. 2 1/2' PVC pipe is epoxied in place under the cockpit sole elevation to connect the ships systems from the pilot house to the engine compartment. It makes running battery wires, steering cables, heat exchange hose and all other wiring much easier come time to install ships systems.

After all the interior bulkheads, longitudinals and flats are fitted and epoxied in place, all final shaping and glassing can be completed. Once all wood gets epoxy sealed (usually takes two coats with sanding between coats). This particular boat gets interior paint below the sheer, so we'll use an epoxy primer. Once primed it's easy to see surface blemishes, and an automotive "bondo" is used to fill and Smooth out rough areas. A final sanding and we are ready for paint.

After the cabin is completed it's the same drill as above, final shaping, glassing, sealing and then on to primer and "bondo" on the entire exterior of the boat.

Now that she's painted, it's time to start hanging trim and hardware. Windows and a few finishing touches, and she's ready to splash.