'78 Ebko Lebaron - Therapy

[ben2go]

Re: '78 Ebko Lebaron - Therapy

I have to agree that flipping would make it so much easier to work on. But flipping the boat seems like it would be pretty difficult with my current situation, working by myslef. Will i need to sand all the gelcoat off or just the spots I need to rework? Can I use a hand orbital sander or do i need to use a block to keep things flat?

i just got back from buying wood to make the cradle. If I need to flip her I don't see much sense in making the cradle. If I do decide to flip her, do I need to pull the cap or leave it to hold things in place?

Lot's of questions........

I would only sand off the bad gel coat and rough up the rest for painting.I would reinforce and rips or gouges on the inside before flipping it over,that way you have a backing to make the repairs on the outside.I would use an orbital to get started.Once you are ready to start fairing,I would use a sanding board,and only block sand on the tighter areas.Remember to toward the edges and ridges to keep the lines straight and crisp.

Here's a few links to help with single handed flips.I would make the cradle after the boat is up side down.You can get a better fit.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread...p=3571270&highlight=flipping hull#post3571270

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=511063&page=4&highlight=flipping+hull

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=451571&page=7&p=3129745&viewfull=1#post3129745

 

[ben2go]

Re: '78 Ebko Lebaron - Therapy

Looking good Trooper. When you get the outside hull repaired are you going to put keel guard or some similar product on it? I have never used it, but it looks like a good idea.

Keel Gaurd can get kind of expensive depending on how far back you go with it.I recommend them to people that beach their boats.If you don't beach your boat,just make sure the trailer rollers are in good condition and roll smoothly.Remember that the weight of the boat should mostly be supported by the bunks.To much weight on the rollers will mar the hull over time.Also remember to make sure the transom is supported by the bunks.An unsupported transom on a trailer will develop a dangerous hull hook.

 

[Decker83]

Re: '78 Ebko Lebaron - Therapy

Hey Trooper,
The reason you can see light through the hull is the fiberglass is almost clear and you have no gel coat on the outside hull. It lets the light through.. Not really a big deal but make sure the glass is in good shape and not damaged in those places. Mine had a few places the same way. I just put some extra csm and then the 1708 over those places. About 6" to 7" bigger than the area where the light was.

Which way are you going to go? Are you going to paint the hull or try and gel coat?

The paint would seem easier for you without any spray equipment. Gel coat is usually sprayed on and you have to do alot of sanding.
You will need a high volume compresser to spray gel coat.

Some of the other experts like oops and yatch dr can tell you in more detail about the gel coat.

I fliped my boat by myself. It can be done.

I also agree to put in the new stringers and transom (if needed) before the flip. Leave the cap on like WOG said if you can.
It will help keep the shape of the hull.
Good luck and keep on keeping on.

 

[Trooper82]

Re: '78 Ebko Lebaron - Therapy

Thanks for the helpful information everyone. I still am a little unsure what my next steps will be. Because I am several months out on being able to get my materials for glassing there is no sense in flipping her just yet and that is the direction it looks like I should be going next. I will just go ahead and set the boat on a cradle so I can work on the trailer.

My plan was to make three sections to my 'bunk' then once i have them all in place tie them together. I will most likely play it by ear till I get started cutting the wood. I should be able to get the hoist relocated today and see how much weight I am looking at picking up. I have another 4x4 to add on top of the gantry to strengthen it up some.

As for the question on gelcoat or paint, I thought my only option was gelcoat. In smoe of the threads I have read I assumed they were talkimg the same thing.

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: '78 Ebko Lebaron - Therapy

I'm just curious of the need for stringers and transom in before flip. Is this absolute? Will the shape of the hull be that deformed while the boat is flipped, and repairs are being made? I'm facing the same, but my cap is off also... Hey Troop! Love this build dude... She's gonna be a fantastic boat! Hope the weekend is a good one for ya...

 

[Trooper82]

Re: '78 Ebko Lebaron - Therapy

I'm just curious of the need for stringers and transom in before flip. Is this absolute? Will the shape of the hull be that deformed while the boat is flipped, and repairs are being made? I'm facing the same, but my cap is off also... Hey Troop! Love this build dude... She's gonna be a fantastic boat! Hope the weekend is a good one for ya...

Hey thanks cuda! I was reading your thread this am, you are doing a fantastic job on your build too. I try to keep up with everyone's work but there are an awful lot of builds going on.

 

[sphelps]

Re: '78 Ebko Lebaron - Therapy

Troop new gell coat would be great but from what I,ve seen ya really gotta know what your doing. I don,t have a clue what I,m doing so I,m going to paint mine with the Vaispar tractor enamel with the hardener.
keep up the good work!
S.P.

 

[ben2go]

Re: '78 Ebko Lebaron - Therapy

Thanks for the helpful information everyone. I still am a little unsure what my next steps will be. Because I am several months out on being able to get my materials for glassing there is no sense in flipping her just yet and that is the direction it looks like I should be going next. I will just go ahead and set the boat on a cradle so I can work on the trailer.

My plan was to make three sections to my 'bunk' then once i have them all in place tie them together. I will most likely play it by ear till I get started cutting the wood. I should be able to get the hoist relocated today and see how much weight I am looking at picking up. I have another 4x4 to add on top of the gantry to strengthen it up some.

As for the question on gelcoat or paint, I thought my only option was gelcoat. In smoe of the threads I have read I assumed they were talkimg the same thing.

You're welcome.I think you have the right idea and best approach to your situation.Taking your time and making sure it's done properly will assure that you will have a solid boat to enjoy for years to come.

 

[Trooper82]

Re: '78 Ebko Lebaron - Therapy

Good evening all.

My plans changed just a little today. The idea I had was to lift the rear of the boat, pull the trailer forward abit, set the bunk sections under the boat. I Started out thinking I would make 3 seperate sections to put under the boat as my temporary bunks. While I was cutting the parts out I decided 5 would be better. The I had an epiphany! I could just lift the rear of the boat with my floor jack, put the gantry up in the fron, pick the whole thing up - pull out the trailer and slide my bunks in as one piece. So Five sections turned into one giant section 13.5' long! I must not have thought this out enough, how will I move this thing when I get it finished?

Just for fun lets see how your powers of observations are.
Two types of beverages are present in this picture.

How many of each?

As darkness started to fall I began to focus on the carpet to go on the bunks.

I have 4 bunks 13.5' long - thats 54' linear. It takes 10" wide strips to totally enclose a 2x4.

I bought a piece of carpet at the local Lowes precut 6'x8'. So It was going to take a little figuring to see if I had enough to cover all four bunks.

6' x 12" = 72" which means I can get 7 strips that are 8 foot long. 7x8' = 56' Cutting this way will work

8' x 12" = 96" so I can get 9 strips that are 6 foot long. 9x6' = 54' This will also work, and as it turns out makes it easier to wrap the four bunks.

To be safe I decided to go with 9" wide strips. This will net me 10 each strips 8 foot long. Using a fabris wheel cutter on cardboard, works pretty good. I thought I could use that aluminum piece as a guide for the cutter, but it is too thick. Ended up using my 24" square, so it is aking a little longer to cut them out.

I hope I haven't over engineered this bunk system. The boat looks to be straight for this 13' that will lay in the bunks. After cloder observation on=f the trailer bunks, they only are supported by the ends, alowing the wood to droop in the middle if needed. Won't be getting any droop the way I have this cut out. Tomorrow I will finish wrapping the bunks. I also plant to put some cross pieces of wood to hold everything together. I will then move this close to the boat. Install the bunks. Move my gantry, lift the boat, pull the trailer out and slide in the new temp bunks .

Wish me luck!

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: '78 Ebko Lebaron - Therapy

Maybe just a bit Over Engineered but will definetly work. I'd really think about some pneumatic casters for it.

 

[sphelps]

Re: '78 Ebko Lebaron - Therapy

Good luck and be carefull!
Oh and looks like you had 4 mountain dew,s and a Bud Light not nessecellery in that order.

 

[Trooper82]

Re: '78 Ebko Lebaron - Therapy

Oh and looks like you had 4 mountain dew,s and a Bud Light not nessecellery in that order.

Close...you missed one each...(Edit - You missed one...thought you said 3 dews...Thanks for playing )

 

[Trooper82]

Re: '78 Ebko Lebaron - Therapy

... I'd really think about some pneumatic casters for it.

Wood,

These castors are rated for 300 lbs. Are you saying to use them to get the bunk in place or keep them on with the boat on the bunk?

 

[Trooper82]

Re: '78 Ebko Lebaron - Therapy

Nuthin getting done sitting in here reading....off I go, Have a good day all.

 

[ben2go]

Re: '78 Ebko Lebaron - Therapy

Wood,

These castors are rated for 300 lbs. Are you saying to use them to get the bunk in place or keep them on with the boat on the bunk?

I believe he is saying to leave the boat on the cradle with the casters to make it mobile.If you don't need it mobile,I wouldn't waste time adding the casters.

 

[GT1000000]

Re: '78 Ebko Lebaron - Therapy

Wow Troop, you are definitely going to need another project boat after this one so you can get some good use out of that Killer looking cradle you are building...way to plan ahead...

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: '78 Ebko Lebaron - Therapy

I found it to be Really nice to have mine mobile. I could pull it around with my lawn tractor when needed.

 

[Zyen]

Re: '78 Ebko Lebaron - Therapy

hey troy. great progress!
that cradle looks quite sturdy.

glad to see you're making headway.
im keeping an eye on you.

 

[Trooper82]

Re: '78 Ebko Lebaron - Therapy

Wow Troop, you are definitely going to need another project boat after this one so you can get some good use out of that Killer looking cradle you are building...way to plan ahead...

Shhhhh, the wife doesn't suspect a thing

I found it to be Really nice to have mine mobile. I could pull it around with my lawn tractor when needed.

I can appreciate that, but not sure they would handle this boat, they barely handle the motor.

I did end up pulling the gantry and the bunk with a rope, worked quite well.

hey troy. great progress!
that cradle looks quite sturdy.

glad to see you're making headway.
im keeping an eye on you.

Thanks Allen, haven't seen any updates from you in awhile, how is the progress?

 

[Trooper82]

Re: '78 Ebko Lebaron - Therapy

I didn't have a sling, so made one from rope.

The wife was sitting in the sun helping me today. She took this picture so you know it is me doing the work

Jake decided to be in the shot too.

Added some bracing...almost finished. I drup it over to beside the boat to put the bunks on.

And here they are....this thing is SOLID!

My powers of the single hand levitation...lol