Coat the exterior of the boat and the floor with epoxy but be careful with the amount that is used because epoxy is heavy and you don't want the boat to be overweight. You can balance the boat on its side on a bathroom scale to get a rough check on the weight as you progress. Paint alone will add about 1 kg to the finished boat and the hardware can easily add 2 kg. The goal is to get the boat just at the minimum weight without using correctors. If you use good quality plywood and are careful with glue you can achieve this weight.
For the exterior hull use a good quality polyurethane paint which is compatible with epoxy and following the manufacturers directions. The interior sides can be varnished and if the boat is kept covered this finish will last several seasons. All the hardware and airbags need to be installed and that will complete the construction of the hull.

Foils and spars

See the Class Rules for specifications. Foil, spar (and sail) plans are available @ US$20 but are not strictly necessary.

Measurement

Official measurement:

  • enables the Optimist to race at any level
  • much increases its secondhand value
  • enables an official sail number to be issued

    Your nearest measurer can be contacted via your National Optimist Association. A list of these is available on the internet at www.optiworld.org/ioda-members.html
    The measurer will issue you with an official Registration Book and an ISAF plaque (sticker) to show that the royalty on the copyright design has been paid.

    Happy Sailing!

    Appendices:
    1a Expanded Side Panel Drawing
    1b Expanded Bottom Drawing
    2. Temporary Frames to maintain shape

    The Optimist Class Rules are available at www.optiworld.org/ioda-rules.html