1968 Glassmaster Runabout

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1968 Glassmaster Runabout

Hey FS, Those clamps look good to me!!!! They are not supposed to be fine woodworking tools. As long as they get the job done they are good to go. You're doing fine. This ain't brain surgery so don't make it so hard. Try to enjoy the challenges when they present themselves and take pride when you conquer them.

Good Job!!!!

 

[fstorm08]

Re: 1968 Glassmaster Runabout

Thanks Wood

 

[fstorm08]

Re: 1968 Glassmaster Runabout

Is this good enough for the new transom and PB?

The roving is tough to get ground down in the little nooks.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1968 Glassmaster Runabout

What are the last two pics???

 

[fstorm08]

Re: 1968 Glassmaster Runabout

What are the last two pics???

These are close ups of the areas circled in green:

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1968 Glassmaster Runabout

Ok, I would grind those areas a bit more so your tabbing will make sure and bond properly.

 

[fstorm08]

Re: 1968 Glassmaster Runabout

Thanks wood. That will be first on my list tomorrow morning.

I took Monday and Tuesday off as it looks to be good glassing weather here in the northeast

 

[archbuilder]

Re: 1968 Glassmaster Runabout

Looks like you are making great progress, keep it up!

 

[fstorm08]

Re: 1968 Glassmaster Runabout

Thanks Arch. I am moving forward

Picked up some plastic soup spoons that should work well for the fillets. They are a little shorter and rounder than the regular plastic spoons.

Got the the grinding done and dry fit the transom this afternoon. Also adjusted the clamps so they will only need minor tightening when the transom get clamped

Got a layer of 1.5oz CSM on the back side of the transom. I'll glass the front of it after it is installed.

I will need to add less MEKP next time as this stuff went off pretty quick.

That's it for now.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1968 Glassmaster Runabout

I would recommend you make at least two more long clamps. 5 would be ideal.

 

[fstorm08]

Re: 1968 Glassmaster Runabout

yes. I have a total of 5 long clamps that I will use.

 

[fstorm08]

Re: 1968 Glassmaster Runabout

Here is the transom after the sides have been trimmed and sanded.

Coated the sides, let it get tacky, then glassed the sides.

Off to Home Depot to pickup some more Nitrile golves while this does it's thing.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1968 Glassmaster Runabout

Really nice job on fabricating your transom. Doing this will ensure longevity. Your Grandkids will be able to enjoy this boat!

 

[fstorm08]

Re: 1968 Glassmaster Runabout

Thanks wood.

I now understand what everyone has been saying about the learning curve when fiberglassing

 

[fstorm08]

Re: 1968 Glassmaster Runabout

Got the transom in.

I think I went a little overboard with the PB. That stuff squeezed out all over the place and I made sure not to tighten too much.

Ohhh well... I guess too much is better that not enough

 

[fstorm08]

Re: 1968 Glassmaster Runabout

I have a question on mixing up the PB.

It took me about 30 minutes to get the milled fibers and cabosil mixed into 2qt's of un-catalyzed resin. Then another 2 minutes to get 10cc's (MEKP 1%) of MEKP mixed into the PB mixture. The temp where I was working was 82 degrees and I kept the MEKP in the fridge.

My work time was about 20 minutes before it started to go off.

If I had catalyzed just the resin before mixing in the milled fibers and cabosil, I would not have gotten the mix out of the pot.

I have read may threads on the forum that it you want to catalyze the resin, not the mix so my question would be:

How would you cat the resin, then mix in the fillers to PB consistency and still have work time to get it on the transom, put the transom in the boat and clamped in before it kicks

Thanks in advance

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1968 Glassmaster Runabout

You need a partner, and need everything in place with dry runs to ensure it all goes like clock work. Using a 1% MEKP mix should give you 15 mins minimum @ 83 degrees. With a partner you can mix a quart and start to apply while he is mixing the final one. It is a circus but can be done with good planning and a helper. By your self, yeah it is a big challenge. It is just very difficult to ensure a good mix with the MEKP when all the cabosil and fibers are already present. If you use a power mixer, i.e. drill and old mixer paddle, then IMHO either mehod will work. I prefer to mix the cat first then the rest but either way you should be fine.

 

[fstorm08]

Re: 1968 Glassmaster Runabout

Ahhhhh.. I see.

I did use a drill mixer so hopefully the cat got mixed well enough.

I'll check it out tonight.

Thank you for all the guidance thus far

 

[fstorm08]

Re: 1968 Glassmaster Runabout

Well she's un-clamped and all seems fine

Just have some sanding to do and fix some of the fillets.

Then I can glass the rest of the transom and tab her in.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1968 Glassmaster Runabout

Looks to me like a fine installation. It'll be a LONG time before the next person has to replace the transom in this boat.