Final fittings

One chronic problem with builders I know has been the fit of the turtledeck to the hull at the transom. I decided it would be easier to take some time with the frame out of the hull to take a look at the problem.

During the turtledeck/hull fitting the turtledeck is bound into place with ratchet straps, then riveted. I wasn't ready to do that yet, so good old duck tape served to pull in the sides of the hull and allow the turtledeck to sit in place. 

What I found was that on the transom and hull there is a "lip", and I theorized the turtledeck was cut shallow on this lip.

Using the aft boom tube cover showed my boom tube hole was the correct fit, and the theory was correct I was told this is the normal fit for the turtledeck/transom/hull, and extra rivet would be used in this area, but it just doesn't make sense to me. Overlaps are supposed to fit over the lip, not be shallow. I may add some glass to extend the turtledeck overlap in this area, but fortunately I don't have to do this for a while and have time to ask others and do more research on the fitting.

A little finish sanding and sealing of the holes in the back. Not much particle hazard from the little bit of dust I was taking off, I just don't like the taste.

The next thing was to (gulp) tackle the cluster bracket/aft root tub hole in the turtledeck again. First a string was ran from the root tube support forward to the fin, and a centerline established on the turtledeck.

If you're building a new LSX kit, pay particular attention to the end of the ridge going down the deck. Note that my turtledeck has a rounded end, page 6 of section 17 Turtledeck appears to show it now cut off square. This is IMPORTANT because the manual calls for a hole to be drilled 4 3/4" aft of the end of this ridge. If you have the rounded end like mine that is about 2" too far!!!!!!

With the turtledeck correctly mounted it was time to start slowly cutting out the hole again. At one point I scared the hell out of myself when I lowered the deck and found the aft end far misaligned.

Fortunately, the front edge of the deck had gotten hung up and after lifting it into place all was well.

Slowly, literally cutting millimeters at a time, the cluster bracket/aft root tube support mount emerged.

Until the aft end fell perfectly into place.

But again, it shows that the turtledeck is cut short. It just don't make sense....