Before mixing the thickened epoxy, perform a dry run of the entire operation of this section. The objective is to quickly complete the operation before the epoxy starts to cure. The order of assembly/installation is:
MIX THE THICKENED EPOXY
ASSEMBLE BALLAST AND KEEL FIN
REINFORCE KEEL
INSTALL THE ELECTRONIC MOUNTING BOARD
Thoroughly mix the entire contents of the epoxy package. Add the powder thickener until the consistency is like peanut butter. Keel Assembly - Use a generous amount of epoxy in the slot in the ballast for the fin and assemble using the screws. NOTE: The aft keel screw may not "bite-in" to the plastic keel. The front screw and the epoxy will adequately secure the assembly. Check that the axis of the lead ballast is perpendicular to the shaft in the keel fin. Refer to Step 3 graphics. Apply generous dollops of epoxy to the four marked footprints for the Electronics Board. Do not place the mounting board into position yet, wait until step (f). Remove excess epoxy and fill the screw holes on the bottom of the ballast. Reinforce Keel Trunk- Use most of the remaining epoxy to form a generous fillet at the front and back of the keel trunk in the bottom of the boat. Apply some epoxy at the bottom of the compression post and keel shaft pipe. Install the Electronics Board - Carefully lift the board and move it forward to place it in position on the dollops of epoxy. Smooth the epoxy to form fillets at the beam-ends.
G) Allow the epoxy to cure for four to five hours.
