Now it’s time to sand out the top to level it out. I start with a 60 grit, then an 80 grit, then a 100 grit, then a 120, and the final is 220.
Most of this is done by plank sanding. A plank sander is a longboard, about 12 inches long, that has the sandpaper attached to the bottom and the top has a handle. I plank sand to bring the contours from board to board together and make them all even and smooth.
Not only do I have to have the top smooth and straight, I have to sand the sides down to where they match the contour of the boat. The interior is also slightly rounded with sandpaper and a little patience.
I call this the money shot. I just think it’s absolutely great to look at a boat from the front. Next, I will finish plugging the top planks.
Later on in the process, I will push the boat outside on a warm day, mix up a little bleach that’s pretty caustic, and wash the boat. I wear gloves, a face mask, and a Tyvek suit when using this mixture. Believe it or not, this will turn the boat white and blend all these different colors of planks together.
Jack
I think the wood looks spectacular before you even wash and stain it. There’s something about wood in its natural tone that brings out its beauty. But, we know it needs to be protected from the water. You’re going to have this project done before long and ready for a test run.