New Project... SleekCraft Aristocrat... Some questions...

[bigblock454]

Hey team. I'd like to ask "is it acceptable to construct transom out of the boat, using PL glue to laminate the two 3/4" pieces, wrap with polyester resin and csm, then use epoxy and glass ONLY to glue the lamination to the existing transom skin, then complete the procedure using poly"? I already have some "structural adhesive" epoxy from Glen-L, left from another project. That way I would get the good "secondary bond" offered by the epoxy (I know epoxy bonds well to poly, but not other way around), and then complete the transom, floor, and stringer using polyester. Otherwise I could just "bite the bullet" and use epoxy throughout, but UGH... the extra expense! Actually, I haven't tallied anything up to see "how much more" the epoxy would cost over the poly. I just remember being floored with the cost "by the gallon"! Still not sure how much of anything to order, but really want to order it! Guess I'll brush up on my math skills. Again, the "floor" is basically a 4 x 8 sheet of plywood, covered with what appears to be roving. Never worked with that stuff before. Is that what I should be using to cover the new floor with? Under that is a single central "stringer", that I expect to be gone. The only reason I don't know for sure is I want to have new transom in before I tear out the other "structural members". I believe this type of hull uses that 4 x 8 for structure as well as a place to mount seats! Thanks for any input!

Norm

 

[bigblock454]

Also... As mentioned, I'd like to separate the cap, to get to the are under the bow deck. I want to replace whatever is under there for a "floor" as well as stiffen up the bow deck itself. I'd like to be able to walk on it with confidence, to aid in tying up at the dock. I was thinking that it would be best to glue in her new 4 x 8 floor in the cockpit area before removing her cap to do the forward area. I could provide more pics to show the rather unorthodox interior. again, those "tunnels" seem to change all "normal" construction methods. The floor doesn't go to the sides of the boat, but rather straddles the tunnels.

Norm

 

[bigblock454]

Here's some pics of the interior of hull, trying to show floor construction...

 

[bigblock454]

Here's a pic of NOT MY BOAT, but the same model, showing what I expect to see under the floor when I remove it. Actually this pic obviously taken after the rotten wood replaced.

 

[sphelps]

Your plan for the transom sounds like it would be fine to me ... Just thinking I think on some of these older tunnel hulls had balsa cored hulls ... I saw that on another forum .. Any signs of that on yours ?

 

[bigblock454]

I think on some of these older tunnel hulls had balsa cored hulls ... I saw that on another forum .. Any signs of that on yours ?

Looks like "traditional" layups used here. That last pic was from another sight where the owner documented his restoration. I think he started posting it here, but was basically told to "find a better candidate for a project". Anyway, it looks all glass and ply.