To stiffen up the ends, I screwed on a couple of scrap pieces of plywood as decks.
Later I'll add in the bulkheads and fully deck over the bow and stern so they are floatation chambers.
Now for the skid.
The skid is an important structural member, it prevents the bottom from "oil canning" - that is when the bottom flexes around.
My first skid was 1/2", but when I tried to bend it around the bottom, it snapped right off.
The next skid I made was only 1/4" thick, and it was able to take the curve just fine.
Lots of glue and screwed right thru the skid into the bottom.
Later I pulled out the screws and filled up the holes with thickened titebond II glue.
One quick coat of latex exterior house paint on the outside and bottom of hull, a total of 2.5 hours of labor and I am take my first spin on the water !!!
Wasn't sure if I was going to like it, so it was nice to stop and take it for a test paddle. Not only do I like it, I love it. I can really see how this is going to be a fun boat to use.
Lots of other details to finish up, starting with airboxes to make it self rescuable....
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