Following a previous blog when I made some modifications to my Cariad, I received a request from Brian asking for help with building his recently acquired Cariad.
The hull is available from Chris Brown (Google for details) complete with plan and he also offers a fittings kit and sails.
I have decided to start this new blog to share the process from scratch as it may well be of interest to others building similar model ships using a fibreglass hull.

The first stage is to construct a boat stand that will hold the hull safely during and after construction.

I am attaching photos of my completed stand. I covered the edges where the hull sits with some 1" hose split lengthways, but other types of protection are just as suitable. Ballasted my model is heavy so the rubber tube works best for me.

I have not painted or stained my stand but this should be finished to the standard you require. For display purposes a degree of care will enhance the finished result, and if not being sailed then a much lighter structure would suffice.

I will post a photocopy of the stand template with measurements on the next post

As promised I attach a scan of the Stand template. A4 size sheet so should print OK if no scaling applied to your printer settings

Could only upload one template so here is the second

Once the stand Is built It's time to start work on the hull. I have another hull from Chris Brown for the smaller Celyn and will use this to aid the discussion.

Firstly check that the top of the bulwark Is level all round the hull, sanding away any high spots using a long (about 9" - 12") flat sanding sheet. I make my own from flat white wood or mahogany sticking the sanding sheets on with contact adhesive. I buy the sheets from a local supplier by the metre In several grades.

Around the bulwarks on the Inside edge the fibreglass matting needs to be carefully rubbed smooth and filled with car body filler so that you have a nice solid flat surface between the decks and capping strip along the top of the bulwark.

Initially you need to mark the deck level on the Inside of the hull - I use a felt marker - but anything that shows the level Is suitable. Although the hull Is relatively thick and strong be careful not to overdo the rubbing. An Initial gently sand will remove the high spots and an application of body filler - applied with the supplied plastic spreader - will fill the low spots. Progressive sanding and filling will produce a nice smooth unblemished surface.

Remark your deck line. You will need to decide how you are going to complete your deck. I used a piece of ply covered with Individual planks so you need to allow for the thickness of both when drawing the line.

I relied on Chris's hull casting being correct to produce my line as I don't have detailed drawings to work from. As there Is a raised prow I extended the line forward from where the raised portion started,

At some time during Its lifetime Cariad had a small engine and propeller fitted. I fitted such to my sailing model and If this Is to be fitted a hole will be needed In the hull for the propshaft. I fitted this later so will not describe the process at this stage.

The rudder requires a support at the bottom attached to the hull but again I fitted this later.

The next post will cover the fitting of the deck and bulwark support rails around the hull and the cutting of washports at deck level through the bulwarks. 😀