Need some advice on transom materials

[redfury]

Re: Need some advice on transom materials

Well,living in minnesota probably helps too,lol...Im sure you have a nice big climate controlled garage so Im just messing with you. The resin to hardner ratio was more of a brain fart than strategy. Thanks for the reply though.

If you consider wind gusts and tarps climate control, then I guess you'd be correct

I simply wanted to make sure there was clarity as far as the need to stick to ratios and not delve from them very far just to get more time to work with the resin...Do it at night or in the morning when it is cooler out if you need more time from the heat...that's about the only shot I've got at it right now with my boat.

 

[matt88]

Re: Need some advice on transom materials

I appreciate the advice and I will definitely try to stick to the manufactures specs from now on. Ive got the transom about 95% complete now but I have just noticed a stringer that is starting to delaminate so I guess I will have to deal with that before putting the floor back in. This little project has burned through a lot more cash than I expected. It has been 99 degrees here today and I work mostly outside form 8-5 so Im debating on taking a night off from my little money pit,lol.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Need some advice on transom materials

Hello Matt..

There are different kinds of MEKP actives ( for large project or small project cure rates ).

Also depending on what resin you have .. could result in extreme variations of cure time and properties.

I allways would suggest Low VOC resins..

Please dont take this the wrong way ( As I know that I can come across harsh sometimes ) .. but from what I see in your pics you used " finish cloth ". You know ..the stuff that comes in most DIY fiberglass repair kits.

Well .. that stuff has little or no applications on a Boat. Its very weak and has like no bonding value. ( wet out a small 1x1' piece .. let cure and try to rip it like paper. I'll bet you can easy. However do the same with 1.5 oz mat and you will rip your fingers off ).

I hope you used mat for your first bond lam ..

YD.

 

[matt88]

Re: Need some advice on transom materials

I did used mat on the last piece. I was under the assumption that the cloth was stronger than mat or I believe I had read that before but I guess I cant change it out now. I went all around the edges with a substantial amount of jelly and used mat on the outer layer of the transom. Like I said before this is my first fiberglass transom repair and I have learned a lot along the way and when I get the chance to do it again I will definitely do some things differently but I believe this will be strong enough judging by what was in it before the repair. This boat has a huge splash well and it looks like that would add strength as well. Is that a correct assumption? The last repair consisted of aluminum plates and metal rods with a mashed potato like wood core and when I took the boat out before I noticed the rot the transom didnt seem to flex any but I decided that it wasnt safe enough for my family and thats why I dug into it. Thanks for the info. though I will have to remember that on my next project.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Need some advice on transom materials

I did used mat on the last piece. I was under the assumption that the cloth was stronger than mat or I believe I had read that before but I guess I cant change it out now. I went all around the edges with a substantial amount of jelly and used mat on the outer layer of the transom. Like I said before this is my first fiberglass transom repair and I have learned a lot along the way and when I get the chance to do it again I will definitely do some things differently but I believe this will be strong enough judging by what was in it before the repair. This boat has a huge splash well and it looks like that would add strength as well. Is that a correct assumption? The last repair consisted of aluminum plates and metal rods with a mashed potato like wood core and when I took the boat out before I noticed the rot the transom didnt seem to flex any but I decided that it wasnt safe enough for my family and thats why I dug into it. Thanks for the info. though I will have to remember that on my next project.

Hello Matt..

Most people here that use the word " cloth " is a generic term for Structural Glass ( IE 1708 to woving etc. ).. not " Finish Cloth " which is ment for toy models or deck finishes ..

One thing you can do is find a non structual corner of your lam and try to peel it up by hand. If you can then....erm..

On your future projects please remember it is Very important to start your lams with CSM ( chopped strand mat ).

YD

 

[matt88]

Re: Need some advice on transom materials

The package stated that it is ok for use on marine applications but I guess they mean that its only suitable for cosmetic repairs and not structural. The boat builder I mentioned before told me that he never used any mat or cloth but thats why I came to iboats in the first place because he didnt seem as knowledgeable as I thought he should have been. The work he was putting out probably contributed to the fact that his business is for sale after only one year in operation. I do appreciate you guys helping those of us who are not as knowledgeable get it right. As far as my transom goes. Wouldnt it be a safe repair as long as the wood is bonded to the outer hull?

 

[plaz]

Re: Need some advice on transom materials

So what is the coorrect answer using glue or resin to bond the two pieces of plywood togeather and what is used to bond the transom skin to plywood replacement transom plaz

 

[matt88]

Re: Need some advice on transom materials

Well,from what I have gathered the glue or epoxy to laminate the two pieces of wood together is dependent upon personal preference and to laminate to the hull epoxy and mat should be used. Whatever you use to laminate the two pieces of ply together just make sure there is complete coverage with no air bubbles in between.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Need some advice on transom materials

Guys, Guys, Guys, you are gunna "Think" yourselves to death. PL, Gorilla Glue, Poly resin, Epoxy they all will work. They have ALL been used before and will ALL be used in the future so take your pick. The important thing is to follow the recommended procedures for any particular method to ensure your success. Investigate this forum, read the threads of others that have done the restorations successsfully and follow their leads. Experience is the best teacher.

I'm just sayin...