Final varnishing

So, Dad has been in charge of the varnishing. He's done 3 coats (in addition to the one that Bryan did) to the bottom, and he has done one on the top.

Here's how it looks so far.

Group effort

Well, today's XMas eve. Mom and Dad won't be getting anything tomorrow, since they already received their boat (hard to hide a 20' kayak!), but they are getting to help finish it. Today was sanding and prepping for another varnish coat. As you can see, we now have plenty of hands working on the project!

Finally varnished!

Bryan put the first varnish coat on the kayak tonight, and it looks beautiful!!

Mom and Dad will see it tommorrow, and I can't wait. I think they will be VERY surprised!

Cowlings and final sanding

Bryan glued the cowlings yesterday, and today we took the kayak out the front window and sanded before applying the first varnish coat tonight. It's really coming together now, which is good because Mom and Dad arrive in 48 hours. There's still LOTS to be done, though!

Saturation coat for top

Finally! We are getting a good look at what the final boat is going to look like. The top is glued, the overlays are on, and the first saturation coat is on. The finish is not yet smooth, but the color is now coming out. I think it's going to be incredible...

Glassing the interior

Fitting the top

Final glassing