Building the Tridarka Raider
Chief builds hull #1 for the Everglades Challenge 2007
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Tridarka Boat Works

Building the Vaka

Multi Tasking

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This entry was posted on 2/12/2007 10:31 AM and is filed under Building Components,Make the Akas,Build the Vaka Hull,Build the Amas.

I was able to do a bunch of multi tasking over the last couple of days.


After waiting several days for the primer to fully cure (7 days minimum) I was able to paint the cargo holds with Orcas White.  This is a very bright white and will work well.  The paint went on easier than the primer.  The paint itself looks great.  I had lots of drips and runs in the epoxy so it doesn't look that great close up, but it will do. 

BTW, the drips and runs aren't as bad as I have seen on some boats, but they are annoying.  If you want a really nice surface you must stay several hours after applying the laminating epoxy to scrape off the runs as they occur.  Even when you think the epoxy has set it still runs for several hours.  I am using slow hardner so I can't complain, but it is something to watch for when the finish matters.  Note that getting these runs out AFTER the epoxy has cured is possible but way too much work.  Also, it is very easy to sand through the glass or carbon.  So either scrape them off in the gooey stage or live with them.


I finished filleting the second ama and flipped the first ama over to apply the outer skin.  However, I had to stop here because I didn't want to sand the seams and do final prep for skin because that nice white paint was drying and would have gotten a lot of sanding dust in it.  The mosquitos in the paint are bad enough.

The ama hull looks really neat upside down.  I just like the shape and it looks fast.


Since I couldn't skin the ama, I started making some of the components.  I cut four pieces of plywood for the rudder control head.  These will be laminated together using GelMagic.

I cut the first piece of Ash for the Manu.  I need two more pieces to laminate with GelMagic and then carve to shape.  I used Ash figuring that if it is used for baseball bats it should be able to take some impacts when I misjudge coming into a dock

I didn't snap a picture but I also made a pattern to use when routing out the side panels for the akas.  I was going to have the former kit builder do it but that never turned out.  I will have to make these pieces by hand.

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Comments

    • 2/12/2007 7:51 PM Sundance wrote:
      Chief, what type paint are you using?
      Reply to this
      1. 3/15/2007 6:29 AM Chief wrote:
        Sorry about the delay in getting back to you.  Some how this comment got lost and I only found it today.

        Up to this point I used the System Three primer and paint system.  It works really well, but the primer must cure for at least 7 days before painting.  This is too long if you are under a strict time limit.  I am searching for another primer/paint system that can be applied faster.  I should select something in the next day or two and will post again.
        Reply to this
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