1990 4.3 Century 2000 - Floor,Transom,Stringer,Upholstery Project

[Chris51280]

I just talked to us composites and was told that it is not advisable to glass under 70F. There is the risk of too much shrinkage. They are saying at 75F at 1% is perfect. I got enough mekp for a 1.8% ratio. What would be the work time and minimum temperature you feel comfortable with glassing? 60-65F with 25min pot life?

 

[Chris51280]

Started classing tonight. I boroughed a 55000 but torpedo heater and got my barn to 90F air temperature. I mixed it a little over 1% mekp. The surface was at around 70-75F. I hope it will kick alright since i had to go inside. How sticky should it be the next day?

 

[kcassells]

Looks good. Hopefully just tacky.

 

[Chris51280]

I went out a little later and it dried. I was panicking because I thought I needed more hardener. It just stayed runny and did not gel or heat up even though I laid wet on wet. Tonight the first pieces will go in the boat. The weekend will get the transom installed

 

[Mechanicalmike08]

There's been plenty of glass work done below 70°, I would say you don't want to be below 55-60 for sure. Almost all my glassing was done in 60 garage. The warmer the quicker it will kick, the colder the slower it will kick. I took advantage of the colder temps and could do larger layups. That first glass experience is something, I can still remember mine. Looking good.

 

[Chris51280]

I got my side panels in. Lots of peanut butter. About 1/2qt each side. I could have put more under it since it is so uneven. Its better than bevor since it was hollow when I took it out and only cut diagonally. At least there is some contact now and i will put 1708 over it. Not sure how structural this is or has to be but it sure is better than new.

 

[kcassells]

Now you're moving.

 

[chevymaher]

Not sure how structural this is or has to be but it sure is better than new.

I went through that to. Wondering if i was doing it right. Then just like you I came to the conclusion. What am I worried about this is twice as good as it was new.

 

[Chris51280]

Transom is in with fillets around. Tabbed in my side panels. Tomorrow will be the tabbing of the transom and I think I can put a the 1708 over the panels to seal it up. Starting to get the hang of it on how quickly the 1708 lays down and drinks the resin. Pb sure takes alot of resin. I'm almost through with my first bucket.

 

[kcassells]

looks good!

 

[Chris51280]

First layer tabbed on the transom. I forgot to put a layer of csm down on the face. But the .8oz on the back of the 1708 will do I think. It attached nicely and it was soacked with resin.
the side panels have one layer of 1708 which I think will be enough. There was hardly anything on there. Just one layer of csm. Doesn't look like boat builders use 1708 much other than on the hull.

 

[Mechanicalmike08]

Looks good, if your are going to do two layers of tabbing you will find it much easier to do both layers while the first is still wet. I found it much easier to prevent bubbles in the second layer. The issue is any imperfection in the first layer is hard to get the glass to lay smooth over.

 

[Chris51280]

I ran out of time today. Tomorrow will be the second tabbing and a layer of csm on the front. Maybe even both layers of the 1708. We will see how things go. The stringers will definitely be done with wet on wet application. I hope that by the weekend I have the stringers in with pl. I know it takes 72 hours to cure. Time is ticking and the days fly by

 

[Chris51280]

Transom done. 1 layer of csm down then the face 1708. After that the second tabbing with about 2" over hang. Then the second face layer of 1708. I sure hope thats enough. I will have to measure tomorrow what my thickness will be. Before the layers with just wood it was 1.95".

 

[Chris51280]

My precut stringer boards are not 100% straight. Anybody else had these problems? I'd say about 1/4"-3/8 over 3-4 ft

 

[kcassells]

Just wedge some wood between them to get them where you want. Then glass them.

 

[Mechanicalmike08]

Nothing is straight or flat in a boat, you have to make the best of it. Especially trying to deal with plywood in these shapes. If you want it at straight as possible you would have to support it with a structure that could be removed after glassing.

 

[Chris51280]

Well I thought I would be putting in my stringers today. After checking my transom thickness and flatness, lets just say it wasn't to my liking. It was still within spec of 2.05 and flat within I would say 1/16. I ground down the high spots and added another layer of 1708. I think niw its ok. Checked the inner transom plate and it is not flat either. The transom originally was at 1.4" but that was probably because it swelled and it was without the transom plate bolted on. So I think it will be ok with 2.1" and 3 layers of 1708.

 

[Chris51280]

First bulkhead and the inner engine mount stringers are cut and ready to be bedded with pl. I started but tje new caulk gun crapped out on me. Will return it tomorrow and hope another one works better.

 

[dezmond]

Just remember that PL needs time to gas out before you can fillet or lay any glass or resin over it..