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Tube Time

 

Make sure you understand how the keels attach so you put the double fold on the INSIDE OF THE TUBE. So as pictured above the bottom keel the fold is up on side shown. The top keel part the fold is on the other side as pictured (the inside of the tube). The big tube part again the fold is on the other side pictured.

  • The finish length is 34.24" on the top of the bottom keel.
  • The finish length is 39.25" on the top of the inside keel.

 

 

  • The big side keel I fold once to put in a crease.
  • Then put in a piece of baste tape at the crease mark.
  • Then I lay in 1/4 webbing or fold a 1" strip of dacron and use that to give that leading edge of the tube a some stiffness.
  • Now double fold and sew up your front edge fold. .
  • Now do like you did on the top keel part / inner side of the tube marking at the 34.25 and 39.25" finish spots and double fold to those marks as needed.
  • Sew the ends

 

Instead of 1/4 wide webbing I prefer to use 4oz Dacron adding a stiff leading edge.

  • Using your 1 inch ruler cut 1 inch wide strips from 4 oz Dacron

  • Fold the 1 inch strips down to 1/2 inch.
  • Consider running a hot iron down them to really flatten them out.
  • Then sew them in your tube leading edge.

 

 

 

  • Now put baste tape on both sides on the top of the bottom keel.
  • You'll stick your tube parts on sandwiching the bottom keel between them
  • Now sew.
  • As pictured above when you make the tube the bottom seam is hidden inside!

Congratulations! Please repeat the whole process for the Blue side.

 

Seam Taping tips.

The double sided seam tape can cause troubles if you get in a hurry.

  • Do not stretch the tape or material when applying. Just try to lay on gently. Otherwise you will get puckers!
  • When sticking two long pieces together (THIS IS IMPORTANT)
    • Just peel back 3 inches of tape and press the paper backing back flat
    • Then stick on top piece lining it up all the way to the end.
    • Now pull tape a few inches .. stick top piece .. pull tape .. etc..
    • The trick is to keep the piece lined up at the end the whole time and with some practice you'll have it down in no time.

 

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