The mold is now ready, hurrah!
The plug was highly polished in preparation for making the mold. The red coating was sanded, rubbed and polished to the point where the black under layer started to appear. This was a clever way (for which I take no credit) to avoid rubbing too much in the same place and distorting the shape. (Dreadful phone picture)
Polished plug
The mold is made in two sections, joined down the centre with a wide flange to support vacuuming.
Mold joined down the centre
The boat seems narrower in the mold, this appearance may be caused by the join line though.
Rear deck
The combined weight of the plug and the mold is substantial.
Front deck
The cockpit rim will be made at the same time. I’m glad I’m not the one who has to release it from the mold.
Cockpit rim
The plug will now remain in the mold for a further ten days to ensure that the fibre glass has completely gone off thus reducing the risk of distortion.
It’s like waiting for Christmas, but hopefully we’ll get the boat wet by mid-November.
Darkside Canoes 