My "New" Project Boat

bkhallpass wrote: The secondaries need to be built out just like yours.

Brian, you probably caught this, but for anyone else reading- the secondaries need to be built out at the front end of the exhaust pockets. This narrows the pockets up and allows for the motorbox to cover the pockets completely. Ive seen boats that did not build the pockets up and had visible gaps with the box closed.

I would definitely leave the last foot in back unfloored... no need for it back there and that will give you complete access to all transom hardware (notably the platform bracket bolts). If youre considering drains, I assume youre not refoaming?

Looks like youre doing a bang up job!

On mine, there is insufficient room to use through bolts on the bottom of the platform brackets. However, inthe original construction, the lags came through the backing and into the foam. This was yest another possible source of water intrusion into the foam. There is a more significant obstacle in that the Through bolts will be very close to the stringer. I can make it work but need to be careful. I am replacing the wood in the transom witht he exception of the large lifting ring block, and the two small blocks which merely provided a place to mount the speedo tubes (whatever they are called). I will probably leave the back foot or so open. I've seen an early matercraft witth the platform sheered of, and it was a real pain to cut up the floor to get access to fix it. BKH

Another thing I did was build a battery box that holds two batteries. While you have the floor out you should consider doing it. It fits pretty well. You have to move the forward bulk head a little but two will fit and building the box out of a mold and glass isn't to hard. Let me know if you want to see some pictures of how to build it and see the fit in the bow and I will post them. It is a nice to have feature! I also ran a tube from the box up to the foam box under the bow so I could wire future amps right off the batteries to under the bow.

AKA,

I've been tossing around idea of dual batteries. With beefed up structure, two batteries, possible amp, possible sub, possible heater, that's a lot of weight getting to bow of boat. Have not decided yet. Yes, I will foam.

Tim, the lowest screw on the platform brackets come through the hull too close the bottom of the boat. Insufficient room to get a nut and washer there.


BKH

Wow that is really a good idea !! nice work !!

I saw someone took a piece of steel and tapped it out in the locations of the bolts.   Then they epoxied it to the inside of the transom and then when they needed to remove the brackets they just removed the bolts from the outside and never needed to put a wrench on the inside to hold the nuts.

I also saw someone do something simliar but instead of tapping the steel they welded the nuts to the steel. I guess either way it accomplishes the same thing. I guess the nuts welded to the steel would give you more threads than tapping a piece of steel.

Continuing on the longest stringer job ever recorded here at CCfan (now almost 3.5 years ) I bedded the main stringers, filleted, and have applied 2, 4, and 8" tape to each side. Pictures aren't too exciting at this point, but I'll post some this weekend.

Last night I saw my first example of amine blush. All surfaces just feel a bit damp and slippery. More viscous than water, but not really oily. I didn't see any white spots or blotches as is sometimes reported. Lots of people have asked how you will know amine blush. I can now answer from first hand experience, you'll know it if you have it. It's pretty obvious to the touch.

BKH

I am putting foam back in the floor of my boat. I will just stop the foam a foot or so short of the transom. I will probably just use a piece of cardboard taped in place to hold the foam back when pouring, and then just glass over the foam to the floor.

I debated putting in a wooden rib - it would not be that hard.
I think I've decided against it. One, it's not necessary. Two, ribs, particularly ribs with go to the outside gunnel on these boats are not the best idea. The boats flex a bit. This is ok for the stringers which run the length of the boat. However, if a rib is butted up against the outside wall of the boat, it's a source of gel cracking under flexion. Joe in NY is fairly experienced with this and talked me through pros and cons of adding a rib. BKH

Okie, bought this when my daughter was two months old. Had lots of time when all she did was sleep 20 hours per day. Then, next thing you know she's running around, "daddy, daddy, daddy" and poof, there goes your time. Add in a job, and the rest of life and you know how it goes.

Luckily this is just a hobby for me. I have a perfectly good boat sitting at the dock. I've learned a lot about boats by taking this one apart. It doesn't matter if it's perfect, and it does not matter when it is done. Some day I want to rebuild a classic from the 60s. Thought I'd practice on something a little less rare.

BKH

Just wrap a board in plastic and then after the foam sets it will come out easy cause the foam won't stick to the plastic.

Well pappa, we don't use the other boat enough, and there is no excuse. I live on the water. Boat is on a lift in the backyard. And I haven't been working for 4 months. Go Figure. I guess I'll use the excuse it's still raining here in CA.

My girl is 3 and a half. Yes, she follows me around everywhere, and seems particularly interested in my attention when I'm under the bow or transom covered in epoxy resin

I finished glassing in all six transom pieces this morning. Kills my back and knees to lean over while under the transom to apply the glass. Got the first wrap on one main stringer. Goal is to have both mains wrapped by Saturday, and bed the secondaries on Sunday. We shall see. I could do the job more quickly, but I generally let one section dry before doing another otherwise I find myself stepping or laying in wet resin.

Thanks Greg,

Trying to get a couple layers applied where I can. It was pretty easy when applying the 2, 4, 8 tape at the base. Finding it a bit more difficult over the top of the stringers.

As you know, a learning experience. I get better as I continue, and I think if I were to do another stringer job, it would go much better than the first.

I'll get some pictures up this weekend. What are firehose pants?

BKH

Those pants are pretty cool. I may have to buy a pair of those. By the time I'm done with this project, my "work jeans" will all be toast. BKH

Brian,
Look'n good! Do you have any planned completion date - roughly?

Really nice work, Brian. Slow and steady will win many, many races.

I hope you are enjoying the process.