Day61

Welding the hull is really one of the "easier" things we will have done. As we have no prior boatbuilding experience ( in steel ) every little thing is a new experience. The welding of the hull below the waterline is a particularly touchy issue for us as, well let's face it, we don't want any leaks!! Butt welding 2 pieces of plate together to be strong is a different idea than making the weld strong, sealed, and flawlessly straight with no running off. As the welding surface changed from horizontal to vertical, this became increasingly difficult. For the most part, today was successful, except for the last weld. We made 2 mistakes. One was mine , the other was Genas.

Oh boy

For the most part, today was successful, except for the last weld. We made 2 mistakes. One was mine , the other was Genas. As can be seen in pic to left, my welds weren't exactly along the center of the two plates. Some ran almost right off and created weak points in the join. Of course we didn't realize the magnitude of this error right away. Gena welded from inside after I had finished the outside.

Day 61:
7 hours - Welded radius to bottom plate near bow, and "temporarily" welded radius to sides

Because this entire join will be above the waterline, we are able to grind it down to a smooth finish. ( Whereas under the water, it has been recommended to leave the welds to their full thickness ) This was when the problem showed up. The weak welds that obviously hadn't penetrated on one side or another, cracked away once welded from the other side. Probably during cooling.	View from upclose...hairline crack
Oh well! Back to the drawing board... Gena has an idea to "straighten" things out a bit. We'll see if it works next weekend...this one's done!