1986 20 ft cuddy cabin

[scubadoo73]

I have done a ton of reading on here and i have everything in place to start re-doing the floor stringers and transome, my only real question is do I have to put the boat in a cradle or can i leave it on the trailer? It is a roller trailer.

 

[Mr.Stickney]

I'm no expert, but I don't believe there is any reason that a boat needs to come off the trailer for an interior restore. I think the more important question is whether you need to brace the gunnels when removing the structure to keep it from flexing In my humble opinion there should be enough structure at the door to the cuddy to keep everything where it needs to be, if you wanted to you could put some bracing ( 2x4's or what have you) between the port and stbd gunnels to be safe.

I'm sure there will be some other opinions to follow.

 

[Woodonglass]

Pics always help us to help you. A lot comes into play with every restoration. No two boats are the same. Roller Trailers are NOT the best support structures for doing a restoration. Once the stringers, deck, transom and other support structures have all been removed the hull will become very flimsy and it's critical that it's supported well. It's also critical that you take preliminary measurements so you'll know how she goes back together when the time comes. Get some pics posted so we can see what your working with and we'll be able to guide you much better. You may be able to add some structure to the trailer to get the necessary support.

 

[scubadoo73]

Iam just waiting to get my boat inside the storage place I'm working on it in then the pics will come I'm just trying to get as much as I can ready
Woodonglass that's why I asked the question was because I know roller trailers are not the best for support at the best of times I also plan on converting the trailer to 1/2 roller 1/2 bunk(rear half) if time allows.
I read about using cabosil and 1/4 " strands to make the peanut butter what is cabosil and can you not just use resin and hardener with the 1/4"

 

[Woodonglass]

Cabosil is kinda like talcum powder. It acts as thickening agent. the fibers add strength to the mix. You need both IMHO. Cabosil is VERY inexpensive

 

[kcassells]

Welcome Aboard!! Looking forward to some pics.

 

[tpenfield]

We like pictures so feel free to post what you can. A roller trailer would not be very good in terms of support for a rebuild, since the hull will get real flimsy when the structure is cut out. Bunk style trailers tend to be fine, and some folks also provide a little extra support in the bow area.

If you can slide in some 2x6 boards doubled up and set vertical rather than laying flat, that should provide enough support so the hull does not change shape as you rebuild.

 

[Mr.Stickney]

And that right there is why you wait for the experts to chime in!

 

[Woodonglass]

You will find this helpful IMHO...

 

[DeepBlue2010]

Scub, cabosil is nothing but a viscosity modifier. The resin by itself is a thick and heavy liquid like a 40W engine oil for example. If you try to build any thickness with it – to fill up a hole or a gouge – it will run and sag. You add the cabosil until you get the viscosity that is suitable for the job you are doing. It has no hard and fast rules of adding precisely x quantity for every quart of resin or anything like that.

The boat can’t be supported by a roller trailer if stringers and bulkheads will be removed but you don’t need to build a cradle for it either. Jack the boat up from the keel until it no longer touching the rollers. Let it rest on wood blocks (don’t use cement blocks) strong enough to carry the weight. Support the sides by boat stands if you have them or rig something up that uses the beam of the trailer itself as a pivot point and the other end supporting the boat. That is like building a stand the rest of the trailer beam instead of the ground.

Keep in mind that these support points are for stability only, they are not weight bearing.
Now, jack up the front from the closest point of the keel to the bow that is still flat and do the same thing. Your boat is not resting on the rollers and you can start working. This method can be modified to take the completely of the trailer if you need to work on both.

Supporting the gunnels will be required only if you are taking the cap out for the restore. This is usually needed if you have an outboard. Most inboards can be rebuilt without taking the cap off. Best of luck with your project.

 

[scubadoo73]

Thanks to everyone for the replies I'm in the process of insulating the storage location pics coming soon

 

[scubadoo73]

Have another question for the experts
I know I need to ventilate the area but do I have to use an explosion proof fan for the intake and exhaust

 

[DeepBlue2010]

Have another question for the experts
I know I need to ventilate the area but do I have to use an explosion proof fan for the intake and exhaust

What are doing? Spray painting or just poly resin? If it is the former, yes. If it is just to work with Poly resin, then no, just leave the garage door 1/4 open. If you want to get really picky about it, put a regular fan pointing out.