Sterling Models Kingfish Sailboat, Assembly Manual, Page: 4 / 17

Page
4
Step 3 - Bulkheads
Insert bulkheads #5 and #12 into notches in #1 and #2 and cement securely. See Figure 3. Slip keel into
notches in bulkheads #6 to #11 and cement in place against bottom of inner deck #10. Place frame
upside down on a flat surface so that the tops of the bulkheads are flat on the table. Be sure they are
square (90 degrees) with the keel. Allow to dry thoroughly, then drill 1/8” hole for rudder post, th rough
the keel, continuing from the notch in #2, behind bulkhead #11.
Figure 3
Step 4 – Completing the Internal Structure
Cut 3/16” square balsa strips to length to fit from bulkhead #5 to bulkhead #12 and cement in place on
both sides as shown in Figure 4 . Cut 1/8” x 3/8” balsa strips to fit from bulkhead #7 to #9 and cement
into notches on each side as shown, flush with fro nt of #7 and 1/8” past the back of #9. Cut two pieces
of 1/8” x 3/8 balsa to length to fit between the strips just install ed. Cement one strip across the top of
#9, flush with the back of the other strips as shown. The remaining strip is cemented in place as shown,
1” back from the front of #7.
To remove excess plastic, cut around the hull with a single-edge razor or modeler ’s knife. It is not
necessary to cut completely through since plastic will come off easily when bent along a cut line. Note
that the rub rail molded along the top of the hull receives the deck in the next step. Cut the slot for the
center board out of the bottom of the hull at the molded location. A slot must also be cut in the bottom
of bulkhead #8 from center notch to the inner deck #10 for the center board.
Sand the lead ballast smooth, then insert the center board through the slot in the hull. It is now bolted
in place between the keel and the remaining #3, as shown. Use 4-40 machine screws and nuts, flat side