Six Layers of Fiberglass and Zero Regrets (MJ Sailing - Episode 372)

Overbuilding the engine bed might seem excessive… until you factor in weight, torque, vibration, and a moving ocean. In this episode, we lift and align our diesel engine, temporarily set it in place, then pull it back out so Matt can glass the engine mounts permanently into the engine bed. With six layers of double-bias fiberglass, this is one of those areas where strength, alignment, and patience matter more than speed. Engine weight, torque, vibration, and constant motion all get factored in here, and taking the time to do it right now will pay off later when we’re actually underway. While Matt focuses on the engine bed, I’m back in the owner’s hull working on the media cabinet area — sanding, fairing (because of course), priming, and painting. It’s not a showpiece cabinet, but it’s one of those practical spaces that still needs to be clean, durable, and easy to live with. I may have also accidentally used a much higher-end primer than most people would ever put inside a cabinet… no regrets. This episode is a good snapshot of winter boatbuilding for us: heaters running, cold temps outside, slow progress inside, and a mix of heavy mechanical work and interior finishing that slowly turns this project into a livable boat. Thanks for watching and for following along as we keep pushing this build forward, one step at a time. ⛵️