At the gelcoat stage - help needed!!!

[morebass 17]

Re: At the gelcoat stage - help needed!!!

Hope you had a fine Holiday too. Everything is looking good at your end. I have been on hold had to get ready for winter did a little hunting , just did some things other then the boat. Now the deep freeze is here so going to do some work that I can do without having to pay to heat up the shop. Keep the expenses down as a restore is expensive enough.

I got a couple new tools , a portable compressor and stapler so I will be hitting the upholstery real soon. I didnt feel like running to the shop to use the compressor in the cold. I am hoping we will get some warmer weather to get out to the shop . I just need a few days to finish the inside and I can flip. I want to have the inside complete ready for carpet when I flip. So when I am done the hull it is flip back over and reassemble. Should be good for the warm months of the summer up here.

You are doing a fine job....Have a safe and happy new year.

Jack

Good to hear from you mate, Yeah the winter is a killer here too, Not as bad as previous years though but it still gets in the way of doing a restoration. I only have a small garage to work in so its not too hard/expensive to heat up.

Thats good you got your new tools, was it an air stapler you got? lucky you if it was. My upholstery is drawing sooner, maybe about 2 months time i will be at that stage, although the carpet will be going in hopefully in the next week or so. (floor & storage compartments)

I'm dreading upholstering new seats, never worked with a sewing machine before but there's only one way to learn, hopefully i've still got all my fingers at the end of it. I've done a little research on it but I still need to do a lot more. I want 2 different colors with piping round the side, Ive attached a pic of roughly how I would like them to turn out. I may be aiming high for my first attempt but I'm willing to give it a try. Let me know how you get on with yours, hopefully I can learn some more from you.

Glad your nearly ready for the flip, just take your time mate and you cant go wrong. Your doing it the right way (having the interior finished for the re-flip. Wish I had done that now, but not to worry almost there.

Thanks Jack and happy new year to you too and everyone else at iboats.

Ian

 

[morebass 17]

Re: At the gelcoat stage - help needed!!!

The painting is taking forever, Thats two full days I've spent on it and only managed to get the first undercoat on, I had no idea it would take this long, I was hoping to get 1 coat done a day, But its taking twice as long as I hoped.

I'll make a start on the first finish coat tomorrow before work. Here is a couple of pics and also one of how I would like to do the upholstery on the seats, (just a rough sketch I done on paint, as you can see I am no artist but you will get the idea)

If anyone has any tips or even a link to a good upholstery guide it would be really appreciated. Go easy on me though I am a total novice when it comes to sewing.

Edit : - The pic of my seat plan must be on my other computer I'll post it when I get a chance.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: At the gelcoat stage - help needed!!!

Well, I am NOT the best but I bought a old machine and viewed a bunch of Youtube videos and here's what I came up with
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=524995

 

[morebass 17]

Re: At the gelcoat stage - help needed!!!

Well, I am NOT the best but I bought a old machine and viewed a bunch of Youtube videos and here's what I came up with
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=524995

Wow Woodonglass, great guide that even a novice like me can understand. Excellent results too. I'm really impressed how you made the piping yourself, I was just going to buy mine but now im not sure, might try and make my own.

The design of your seats with the 2 different colors and the piping is exactly what I had in mind. I wont be starting my upholstery for another 2 month or so, but when I do make a start I'll have a few questions no doubt.

Hat off to you Woodonglass

 

[morebass 17]

Re: At the gelcoat stage - help needed!!!

Well, I am NOT the best but I bought a old machine and viewed a bunch of Youtube videos and here's what I came up with
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=524995

Wow Woodonglass, amazing guide that answered alot of my questions. You got great results too mate, If I can get results anywhere near that I will be happy. I like the way you made your own piping, I was just gonna buy mine but now im not to sure, I might just try it myself.

The way you used two different colors and the piping is exactly what I had in mind, I will be wathing those videos a few more times before I start, no doubt I'll have a few questions when I make a start on it.

Thanks Woodonglass for sharing that with us.

 

[Outback Jack]

Re: At the gelcoat stage - help needed!!!

Good to hear from you mate, Yeah the winter is a killer here too, Not as bad as previous years though but it still gets in the way of doing a restoration. I only have a small garage to work in so its not too hard/expensive to heat up.

Thats good you got your new tools, was it an air stapler you got? lucky you if it was. My upholstery is drawing sooner, maybe about 2 months time i will be at that stage, although the carpet will be going in hopefully in the next week or so. (floor & storage compartments)

I'm dreading upholstering new seats, never worked with a sewing machine before but there's only one way to learn, hopefully i've still got all my fingers at the end of it. I've done a little research on it but I still need to do a lot more. I want 2 different colors with piping round the side, Ive attached a pic of roughly how I would like them to turn out. I may be aiming high for my first attempt but I'm willing to give it a try. Let me know how you get on with yours, hopefully I can learn some more from you.

Glad your nearly ready for the flip, just take your time mate and you cant go wrong. Your doing it the right way (having the interior finished for the re-flip. Wish I had done that now, but not to worry almost there.

Thanks Jack and happy new year to you too and everyone else at iboats.

Ian

You are moving right along and as usual it looks great. I took the compressor out of the box yesterday and broke it in and tried out the new air stapler , works real good . I even had my wife put 10,000 stainless steel staples under the tree.

Don't worry about the upholstery , check out my thread I never did any upholstery before and people that seen my seats before and after were impressed , I actually have some of the old hot rod guys wanting me to do their seats in their old cars. I have told them to let me learn a little more and after I have my boat under my belt I might do it. I actually just took my old seats apart piece by piece. I Cut the threads from the backside and then I traced each piece on the vinyl. Remember to have it facing the same way the vinyl is facing when you trace it. Biggest trick in mine was getting the pipping to go down the sides and around the front edge to follow the the shape of the foam.

What I did learn the first time and taking the seat apart 1 time was putting the pipping down the edge of each seat had to be sewn from opposite directions. I was showing the upholster guy up the road my seats after I had them done and he was really impressed for a first timer. He also showed me on the inside of the vinyl how to read markings upholsters put in there to tell you which way to sew. So I learned a little trick there but he said it all depends on where they were made if you can understand the upholsters marks.View attachment 126826

My seats are not perfect but they will do for me. They don't look any different then the old ones as to where the stretch wrinkles are etc. I even made it so the center pads are removable for cleaning , before the manufacturer just had big screws hidden along the edge through the vinyl . I would love to make some videos etc but I don't have the resources and there are already lot's of good videos available here, but I am going to take more pictures from here on in.

I did the same as Woodonglass. His videos are real good too . I actually bought an old singer from 1949 used to makes sails. It works real good too. I paid 125 for it and that included 50 bucks for shipping to canada.
View attachment 126827
I would recommend getting one of these piping feet to do your pipping also. It does a real nice job and makes it nice and tight.. You can see that in my next picture. I got it off of ebay for like 7-8 bucks. Also this pipping is a little wider then usual because I am again trying to make my side panels a little different thickness
View attachment 126828

The back of the seats I decided to put a pocket into it . The machine did it with no problems 6 layers of vinyl with foam in between. This is also when you want the pipping real tight so you can follow it when sewing multiple layers. View attachment 126829

I would love to see some pictures as to how you plan on doing your upholstery too as I am open to any ideas and designs to how I finish my deck over the engine area and designs in the back bench seat and the bow seats.
Thanks for the New Year Cheer, I wish you and all a Happy and Safe new Year
Cheers

Jack

 

[morebass 17]

Re: At the gelcoat stage - help needed!!!

You are moving right along and as usual it looks great. I took the compressor out of the box yesterday and broke it in and tried out the new air stapler , works real good . I even had my wife put 10,000 stainless steel staples under the tree.

Im so jealous, I'm having to use a hand stapler, but I might just treat myself and buy an air stapler, Im sure it will be worth its weight in gold.

Don't worry about the upholstery , check out my thread I never did any upholstery before and people that seen my seats before and after were impressed , I actually have some of the old hot rod guys wanting me to do their seats in their old cars. I have told them to let me learn a little more and after I have my boat under my belt I might do it. I actually just took my old seats apart piece by piece. I Cut the threads from the backside and then I traced each piece on the vinyl. Remember to have it facing the same way the vinyl is facing when you trace it. Biggest trick in mine was getting the pipping to go down the sides and around the front edge to follow the the shape of the foam.

Im sure that the piping must be the hardest part, But to be honest the seats you done look really complicated, Amazing for a first timer. You have done some job on they bucket seats, they are also the exact colors I am looking for, I was thinking of making a couple of bucket seats but I never had any old seats or foam to start with, I would have been making from scratch if I took it on. So I just bottled it and bought new ones lol.

What I did learn the first time and taking the seat apart 1 time was putting the pipping down the edge of each seat had to be sewn from opposite directions. I was showing the upholster guy up the road my seats after I had them done and he was really impressed for a first timer. He also showed me on the inside of the vinyl how to read markings upholsters put in there to tell you which way to sew. So I learned a little trick there but he said it all depends on where they were made if you can understand the upholsters marks.View attachment 126826

My seats are not perfect but they will do for me. They don't look any different then the old ones as to where the stretch wrinkles are etc. I even made it so the center pads are removable for cleaning , before the manufacturer just had big screws hidden along the edge through the vinyl . I would love to make some videos etc but I don't have the resources and there are already lot's of good videos available here, but I am going to take more pictures from here on in.

I did the same as Woodonglass. His videos are real good too . I actually bought an old singer from 1949 used to makes sails. It works real good too. I paid 125 for it and that included 50 bucks for shipping to canada.
View attachment 126827
I would recommend getting one of these piping feet to do your pipping also. It does a real nice job and makes it nice and tight.. You can see that in my next picture. I got it off of ebay for like 7-8 bucks. Also this pipping is a little wider then usual because I am again trying to make my side panels a little different thickness
View attachment 126828

I am keeping a look out for a decent 2nd hand machine, that piping foot looks a joy to work with, I must get myself one of them.

The back of the seats I decided to put a pocket into it . The machine did it with no problems 6 layers of vinyl with foam in between. This is also when you want the pipping real tight so you can follow it when sewing multiple layers. View attachment 126829

All I can say is
Its amazing that you done all this extra complicated work on your first attempt, I am only making bench seats and a bow seat and Im getting nervous just thinking about. Looking forward to it though

I would love to see some pictures as to how you plan on doing your upholstery too as I am open to any ideas and designs to how I finish my deck over the engine area and designs in the back bench seat and the bow seats.

I have a rough sketch in my work of how I plan to do the seats, I'm not back in work till wednesday, I will post them when I get back.
Mine are really simple compared to what you have pulled off.

Again Jack I must say, excellent job mate. Thanks for including all that info in this thread, It will come in really useful for me and every one else thats doubting thereselves if they can do it or not. Cheers mate

 

[morebass 17]

Re: At the gelcoat stage - help needed!!!

You are moving right along and as usual it looks great. I took the compressor out of the box yesterday and broke it in and tried out the new air stapler , works real good . I even had my wife put 10,000 stainless steel staples under the tree.

Im so jealous, I'm having to use a hand stapler, but I might just treat myself and buy an air stapler, Im sure it will be worth its weight in gold.

Don't worry about the upholstery , check out my thread I never did any upholstery before and people that seen my seats before and after were impressed , I actually have some of the old hot rod guys wanting me to do their seats in their old cars. I have told them to let me learn a little more and after I have my boat under my belt I might do it. I actually just took my old seats apart piece by piece. I Cut the threads from the backside and then I traced each piece on the vinyl. Remember to have it facing the same way the vinyl is facing when you trace it. Biggest trick in mine was getting the pipping to go down the sides and around the front edge to follow the the shape of the foam.

Im sure that the piping must be the hardest part, But to be honest the seats you done look really complicated, Amazing for a first timer. You have done some job on they bucket seats, they are also the exact colors I am looking for, I was thinking of making a couple of bucket seats but I never had any old seats or foam to start with, I would have been making from scratch if I took it on. So I just bottled it and bought new ones lol.

What I did learn the first time and taking the seat apart 1 time was putting the pipping down the edge of each seat had to be sewn from opposite directions. I was showing the upholster guy up the road my seats after I had them done and he was really impressed for a first timer. He also showed me on the inside of the vinyl how to read markings upholsters put in there to tell you which way to sew. So I learned a little trick there but he said it all depends on where they were made if you can understand the upholsters marks.View attachment 126826

My seats are not perfect but they will do for me. They don't look any different then the old ones as to where the stretch wrinkles are etc. I even made it so the center pads are removable for cleaning , before the manufacturer just had big screws hidden along the edge through the vinyl . I would love to make some videos etc but I don't have the resources and there are already lot's of good videos available here, but I am going to take more pictures from here on in.

I did the same as Woodonglass. His videos are real good too . I actually bought an old singer from 1949 used to makes sails. It works real good too. I paid 125 for it and that included 50 bucks for shipping to canada.
View attachment 126827
I would recommend getting one of these piping feet to do your pipping also. It does a real nice job and makes it nice and tight.. You can see that in my next picture. I got it off of ebay for like 7-8 bucks. Also this pipping is a little wider then usual because I am again trying to make my side panels a little different thickness
View attachment 126828

I am keeping a look out for a decent 2nd hand machine, that piping foot looks a joy to work with, I must get myself one of them.

The back of the seats I decided to put a pocket into it . The machine did it with no problems 6 layers of vinyl with foam in between. This is also when you want the pipping real tight so you can follow it when sewing multiple layers. View attachment 126829

All I can say is
Its amazing that you done all this extra complicated work on your first attempt, I am only making bench seats and a bow seat and Im getting nervous just thinking about. Looking forward to it though

I would love to see some pictures as to how you plan on doing your upholstery too as I am open to any ideas and designs to how I finish my deck over the engine area and designs in the back bench seat and the bow seats.

I have a rough sketch in my work of how I plan to do the seats, I'm not back in work till wednesday, I will post them when I get back.
Mine are really simple compared to what you have pulled off.

Again Jack I must say, excellent job mate. Thanks for including all that info in this thread, It will come in really useful for me and every one else thats doubting thereselves if they can do it or not. Cheers mate

 

[Outback Jack]

Re: At the gelcoat stage - help needed!!!

Thanks for the kind words bud. I can say I am a Jack at all trades but a Master at none . I will try anything after doing a little research. I remember the first motor I built I was working at a welding shop building truck bodies well basically manufacturing anything for the power companies in the maratimes. Wasn't making much money then as it was my first job. I was running the parts department. I pulled my old car inside and used the plate hoist to lift the motor out. I began to rebuild it by myself. Bought a couple books. When I was done I said to the shop forman wonder if it will fire up. He said damn right it will, I was a mechanic for 25 years before I come here and I been watching you work. I was impressed for an 18 year old. I sold it 5 years later. I knew the basics of mechanics watching my dad work on stuff in the driveway but that was it.

I was thinking of making a couple of bucket seats but I never had any old seats or foam to start with, I would have been making from scratch if I took it on. So I just bottled it and bought new ones lol.

I would have went out and bought new ones if I never had the old ones to work with or used ones at a good price.

Its amazing that you done all this extra complicated work on your first attempt, I am only making bench seats and a bow seat and Im getting nervous just thinking about. Looking forward to it though

I just jumped right in one day and took the seat apart. The first seat took me the whole day to sew up . I tried it on the seat and the piping on one side at the bottom was going in the opposite direction. Then I had to take it apart and I figured out I was sewing that side of the seat in the wrong direction. After I was done I took it up the road to show a guy that I was waiting for 2 months to do them and he said where did you get it done. He could not believe it. That is when I found out about the writing on the back of the patterns for sewing. The second seat I sewed up in like 3 hrs I was amazed.

I never run a sew machine before. I grabbed some of my old vinyl and practised on the machine first. Made all my piping first just to get my speeds down. Take your time get your edges lined up and you will get it. Remember you are sewing from the backside so when you flip it over it hides all your screw ups The guy up the road also gave me a tip he said to leave a little extra in complicated sewing areas and run a seam just to hold it together, then move in to wear you actually want the seam and sew it up good. It worked for when I did the back with the pockets. The pocket addition I found out when I was in town getting a second quote for 600 to do them. The guy was doing a set at the time and showed me and I went hmm. When I got home I searched the net and found a picture of my seats.

I have a rough sketch in my work of how I plan to do the seats, I'm not back in work till wednesday, I will post them when I get back.
Mine are really simple compared to what you have pulled off.

Again Jack I must say, excellent job mate. Thanks for including all that info in this thread, It will come in really useful for me and every one else thats doubting thereselves if they can do it or not.

You say the design might be simple but it can give us ideas. I say grab a machine and take your time, I was really amazed at your gelcoat and painting skills and have no doubt you can do it and anybody else. After you see how they come apart you will be more comfortable and realize how simple they all are.

Again Thanks for the kind words

jack

 

[morebass 17]

Re: At the gelcoat stage - help needed!!!

Well folks, not much been happening since my last post. Ive been really busy again with work but ive managed to find the time to finish the painting, install interior lights, line storage compartments with carpet, install some speakers and managed to install the steering console. Next task is to install the floor that I made for the bilge area, which includes fitting the bilge pump, fuel tank and batteries. Here is a few pics of the progress i made.

 

[morebass 17]

Re: At the gelcoat stage - help needed!!!

 

[morebass 17]

Re: At the gelcoat stage - help needed!!!

well quite a bit has been done since my last post, it doesnt look like much but progress has been made, The electrics have been a bit harder than i first thought ( whats new eh !! ) but im almost finished all the wiring, and ive fitted the rear bilge floor and ive installed the bilge pump, battery and fuel tank. now just a little more wiring to do then its time to fit the carpet and then boat will be going outside to make way for the cap which has to be prepped for gelcoat. im behind schedule for a summer time launch but hopefully if i can catch up i should be able to dip her in the water sometime this year for water trials. wish me luck. here's a few pics to keep yous all entertained for a little while.

 

[morebass 17]

Re: At the gelcoat stage - help needed!!!

 

[jones01m]

Re: At the gelcoat stage - help needed!!!

morebass,

I guess we are getting to the root of your name. I always thought that was "bass"... as in fish.
You have some serious audio in that rig.
I love the detail you have put into all of your electricals. It is always in the finishing touches that really makes something look sharp.

 

[Pmccraney]

Re: At the gelcoat stage - help needed!!!

Just wanted to stop by and say great work... I, too, thought it was "bass" (as in fish), but since you from the UK, I could also see "bass pale ale" - which is some good swill.

 

[Outback Jack]

Re: At the gelcoat stage - help needed!!!

Hey bud , as usual you are doing a fine job and paying attention to detail . I am still in the deep winter up north here...we had -30 last week, Just not worth heating the garage up . I been in the house playing with my upholstery though. it is coming along fine. Just down to the bow cushions and the bench seat . I should be all done by end of next month for that stuff. Then hit the boat for a week and get the inside finished the turn it over and make the decision. I been trying to figure out a design for colours on my boat now. I been looking at some nice finishes on sprayed boats up here and am actually impressed with how paint looks...I am still on the fence to do gelcoat or just spray it. I will have to decide as I am fairing out the hull. No biggie either way I think it will look good.

I want to be at the point that when it is sprayed and ready it is just assembly ...should be in the water for a few trips this summer

Keep up the good work

 

[morebass 17]

Re: At the gelcoat stage - help needed!!!

morebass,

I guess we are getting to the root of your name. I always thought that was "bass"... as in fish.
You have some serious audio in that rig.
I love the detail you have put into all of your electricals. It is always in the finishing touches that really makes something look sharp.

Lol, yeah my username actually has two meanings : -
1. The boat make & model is actually a "Morbass 17' Delux"
2. Also "MORE BASS" never goes a miss, Lol.

Thanks for the compliments jones01m, I'm actually taking a few short cuts as well to try and stick to my target of a launch in the summer, so over the next season or two I will have some more jobs to redo to get things just right.

Thanks for getting involved mate, stay tuned.

 

[morebass 17]

Re: At the gelcoat stage - help needed!!!

Just wanted to stop by and say great work... I, too, thought it was "bass" (as in fish), but since you from the UK, I could also see "bass pale ale" - which is some good swill.

Thanks mate,

I can see why a lot of you thought it was "bass" as in fish, But with the bass I should be putting out the fish will just rise to the surface anyway, (swimming backwards !!) so it's all good Lol.

Cheers for posting mate.

 

[morebass 17]

Re: At the gelcoat stage - help needed!!!

Hey bud , as usual you are doing a fine job and paying attention to detail . I am still in the deep winter up north here...we had -30 last week, Just not worth heating the garage up . I been in the house playing with my upholstery though. it is coming along fine. Just down to the bow cushions and the bench seat . I should be all done by end of next month for that stuff. Then hit the boat for a week and get the inside finished the turn it over and make the decision. I been trying to figure out a design for colours on my boat now. I been looking at some nice finishes on sprayed boats up here and am actually impressed with how paint looks...I am still on the fence to do gelcoat or just spray it. I will have to decide as I am fairing out the hull. No biggie either way I think it will look good.

I want to be at the point that when it is sprayed and ready it is just assembly ...should be in the water for a few trips this summer

Keep up the good work

Hey Jack, Thanks again for the kind words,

Winter is almost gone here, which means I have only 4-5 months to get this thing wet. Here's hoping I can get it done in time (still a load more to do).

I'm glad your making progress with your upholstery, a few pics of the finished article would be really appreciated, I may just steal some ideas from you

The choice between gelcoat & paint is a tough one when you try and weigh up the pro's & con's. Either one can give you a superb finish if done correctly, possibly more colors and finishes could be had with paint though , but as I am quite new to gelcoat myself this might not be true as there is loads of pigments and additives than can be added to gel to obtain the desired finish. So this only leaves the durability issue between the two. I personally think that gelcoat would last longer than paint especially below the waterline, thats why I decided on it, but i'm pretty sure a professionally applied two pack paint would give a fair amount of durability too but maybe not just as much as gel. Hopefully the pro's can chime in with some info to help you decide.

Above the waterline I opted for paint as you know, I am honestly not too happy with it, but this is only because I rolled & tipped it, and I don't have the knack for applying paint in this way. I wish I had gelled my color scheme too, Knowing what I know now ,this would have been so easy to do at the time, but I will just live with the paint for a season or two and then it will be gelled.

Now that i've seen how forgiving gel can be even when applied in the crappy way that i did it and still got an acceptable finish - I think gelcoat will always be my first choice from now on. Paint on the other hand is not so forgiving , once its on that the finish you are going to get, you might be able to some minor repairs to the paint once applied but nothing compared to what you can do to gelcoat.

As I said either finish will look great but this is only true for paint if done properly, If your a dab hand with a spray gun or if you can get a good price for it to be professionally sprayed then paint is an option.

Its your decision mate, Hope i've not made the decision harder for you though !!

Thanks again Jack

 

[morebass 17]

Re: At the gelcoat stage - help needed!!!

Right, more help required !!

As you can all see I am adding quite alot of electrical items which leaves me a big problem - my charging system is never going to be enough.

Until I can afford a 90 - 115hp outboard with at least a 60A charging system I will have to explore other options to run all my electrics.

My current Johnson 75hp outboard has a measly 6A charging system, this was obviously only designed for running nav lights and possibly a fish finder. I have done loads of research on this and managed to find an aftermarket stator which kicks out 9A but this is still way too low.

Ideally I require a 60 - 80A charging system. On paper Ive calculated that on average I will really only be drawing about 40A but in the real world this will prob be a bit higher, hence the 60 - 80a alternator I am looking for.

I will be running two 110ah batteries which again on paper would give me about 4 - 5 hours of use before having to switch everything off to reserve starting power. This will be ok for the water trials but I really have to come up with something for the long term.

I have thought of solar panels, wind turbines, generators and little hamsters running around in wheels generating power for me lol. But all these ideas fall short of my requirements. The only option I think I have is to add an alternator to my outboard, Space under the cowling is one of the biggest issues, but I can solve this by taking a mold of my existing cover and making a new one to accommodate an alternator. The next tricky part is mounting a pulley to the flywheel and making sure the gearing is correct.

Has anyone ever done this or even heard of anyone doing this or am I just crazy !!

Any thoughts ?