Crazy ????

[babaz64]

I have a 76 Hustler by Shamar,I was wondering if anyone knows what type of fiber and resin would be best suited for stringer,floor,and transom repair? The company went out of business a few years ago!

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Crazy ????

Epoxy is stronger but just about any good fiberglass and resin. Good quality fiberglass is all dependant on how you apply it. Even the strongest and best resins will work poorly and fail if not installed right.

Read these forums and we will guide you. How far along are you now?

 

[babaz64]

Re: Crazy ????

I ripped the floor out and discovered that in order to do the repair right I'd have to remove the top cap to do the stringers completely.Removed trim ,screws,rivets,and sealant now I am trying to get info on the best way to remove the cap.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Crazy ????

make sure you have it released in all areas. you can take some 1x blocks (spacers) and work you way around the boat, to make sure. then get a couple of friends and lift it off.

 

[babaz64]

Re: Crazy ????

Thanks for the info Tashadaddy.

 

[croSSed]

Re: Crazy ????

Be VERY careful when lifting the cap! It isn't very strong by itself and can fracture easily. The cap isn't very heavy, but the more people you can get to lift it, the better; you'll have better support all the way around it. Make sure wherever you store it, that you have it adequately supported.

Another thing - Sometimes the upper cap is fiberglassed to the transom. It will take some patience, time, a crow bar, and probably a floor jack w/ a block of wood, to delaminate the top from the transom. When I did mine it seemed like it was NEVER going to come apart; then, all at once, it started making a cracking sound, and BOOM! The cap jumped up in the air about 6" and was separated from the transom.

TG

 

[Bondo]

Re: Crazy ????

Ayuh,...........

The Hull Isn't very sturdy by itself Either,........

You'll have to Jig it into shape before you start Gluing things back together.....
I you don't get it Real Close,...... The Cap Won't Fit when you're Done......

If you've got the Space,.....
I've Jigged Up the Cap,+ Just Raised it,+ tied it off to the ceiling with ropes.........

 

[croSSed]

Re: Crazy ????

"The Hull Isn't very sturdy by itself Either,........"

Bond-o makes a good point. If the floor is tabbed to the sides of the boat (and in most boats it is), the floor is a major structural support to the sides. If you just remove the floor, the sides of the boat will start to distort by sagging outward. You will need to rig up some kind of support for the outter chines of the boat to keep the sides from sagging out. If you make your floor pieces exactly the same dimensions as your old floor, make sure you check the "trueness" of the hull by trial fitting them. If the floor pieces seem small, but you made them to the exact dimensions as the old floor pieces, your hull has deformed for sure. You will need to "jack up" the outter chines even more to make sure the floor pieces fit in as they should. It's a little tricky... think through everything as you proceed. Good luck!

TG

 

[babaz64]

Re: Crazy ????

Thanks you guys are the best!!!