I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

[tpenfield]

Having done quite a bit of fiberglassing recently, I tend to go with the longer (wider) piece on the first layer and then progressively narrower pieces on top, when doing open lay-up (i.e. not vacuum infused).

The reason being is that going short -> long yields air pockets in the areas within the laminate where the wider pieces transition over the shorter pieces.


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[Pmt133]

I've seen it reccomended both ways is why I asked. I know FAA is small to large but they're typically bagging if memory serves (and as you said).

Honestly I don't know that any of us are stressing the materials enough to have it actually matter all that much... as I think back to my boat with minimal structure in the tabbing and no caps.

 

[redneck joe]

can you not use the VE stuff or PB i see yall talk about to feather the possible voids?

 

[Pmt133]

It wouldn't be as strong as a continuous laminate... and the slight angle of the layup at the overlap is "weaker" as the glass is only strong in it's plane.

 

[flashback]

Hey @tpenfield How is it going, have you faired in the pod? I find myself looking forward to your project more and more.

 

[tpenfield]

Hey @tpenfield How is it going, have you faired in the pod? I find myself looking forward to your project more and more.

It's going . . .

The bottom seam is all filled in and glassed, and the entire pod is sanded in preparation for fairing compound (VE fairing compound).
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I'll be doing the fairing compound today and perhaps sanding it smooth on Friday (6/5/2026)

 

[tpenfield]

An afternoon of fairing compound. . . this is the vinyl ester fairing compound that I got from a supplier in CT. It is good for below the water line, etc.
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I have not done much fairing compound in my days, and it is times like this that I wish I made a mold instead of a one-off . . .

Anyway, Some more to go and then it will probably need a second pass to get any imperfections/low spots, etc.

I have DuraTec VE primer (1794-006) to go on before the gelcoat, and then I also have the DuraTec gloss additive.