Because this thing has 4 stringers 1" thick instead of 2 @ 1.5", the cost to do wood/fiberglass doubles. The amount of material needed to glass in a stringer is mostly the same between them (difference being the 1/2 inch over the top). So compared to SeaCast, its not cheaper, but it's pretty much the same. After taking accurate measurements last night and calculating on their website, I will need 14.4 gallons of Seacast, but I intend to get 20 gallons for safe measure. Of course I am quite a ways out from that, but I try to plan way ahead.
I am interested in your hindsight revelation though, as I have a few spots in the bow area where the factory didn't even try to get it glassed. I guess they figured if water gets up there, you're done anyway. lol
Not to belabor the "not cheaper" discussion, I am curious if SeaCast has dropped their prices. 2-5 Gallon kits were a shade under $500. The SeaCast math on my stringer replacements (with 2x ~1 inch stringers plus transom) was 8.5 gallons, or $500. Using 3/4" Oak Plywood + Resin, Fiberglass, Cabosil, Milled Fibers was $150.
Regardless, I have no regrets on using SeaCast. IMO; The fact that the Transom will never tear off is a safety precaution well worth the extra $350.
As for hind-sight; I spent weeks getting the stinger channels water tight. Every time I would re-fill the transom and channels with water to check, I'd find another spot weeping water. I lost a few of weekends just with that. That may not sound like much, but if you do most of your work on the weekends, thats almost a month of lost time!
What I would have done differently during the prep;
Perfection is not necessary. Actual HOLES must be properly plugged and laminated prior to the pour. Spots that are weeping can be covered with two layers of gorilla tape during the pour.
During the pour;
1. Arrange for one, or preferably 2 people to help. One to pour, one to hold the forms, one to spread the goop and follow with the clamps for the channels.
2. Create "clamps" to pinch your transom and stringers at the correct thickness. I've seen some vid's where folks cut, and then bent some metal flat stock into appropriately sized "U" clips. Place them every 18" to 24". If you don't, the seacast will cause the channels to spread, which will take up more of the goop.
3. Plan it, keeping in mind your funnels. (And you will need this/these. Do NOT try to pour straight from the 5 gallon pails into the channel.
4. Stop the pour 1/2" from the top. Figure on finishing the top 1/2" caps with some thickened resin and 1708.
If I think of anything else, I be back...
