New to site and boat project

beercraft

Recruit
Joined
Feb 12, 2005
Messages
3
Hey everybody, I've got a 1972 Biercraft Tri-hull fish and ski boat that is currently undergoing a complete resto-mod. Anyone ever heard of these boats? There doesn't seem to be any info on the internet anywhere. We have allready replaced the stringer, floor, and are currently in the middle of doing the paint work. My question is, we didn't use any kind of foam under the floor (.5" treated ply) because there wasn't any to begin with. Is this going to cause any problems?<br /><br />Another question, we've chosen some poly paint to use on the outside, with the graphics nearly done today. Is there any problem with this paint in a marine application? It is basically automotive paint laid over a sandable primer. <br /><br />Thanks for your help,<br /><br />Kyle
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,308
Re: New to site and boat project

Hi Kyle, welcome to the forums here at iboats.....You've come to the Right Place...... ;) <br /><br />I've never heard of your Biercraft...... It could have been a small regional builder......<br /><br />It sounds like you're well on your way to Fun this summer..........<br /><br />There's Allot of answers to your Foam Question..........<br />The boat seems to have survived for 33 years Without it,.......... But, In the name of Safety, Most people will tell you it's Absolutely Nessessary,.....<br /><br />The Same applies to your Paint Question........ Lot's of Answers.........<br />Personally,....... I've painted an awful lot of boats, both Fiberglass,+ Aluminum with MSU 2pt. Ureathane Automotive paint,.... Both above,+ below the waterline.....<br />With No Real Issues......
 

Realgun

Commander
Joined
Jul 31, 2003
Messages
2,484
Re: New to site and boat project

IF at all possible I would cut out some holes for and aft. then put in some 2 part foam. Wait till it s warm so you get a big expansion.<br />Lift the bow as high as you can then pour in the top hole till foam goes out the bootom. seal that hole and continue till it comes out the top hole. Don't pour 2 whole gallons of foam it it could pop something. I would use a Qt at a time till I get it out the holes. the seal up the holes.<br /> I believe boats of your era were not required to have foam but, I think that you will be safer with the foam. And it will add a little sound deadning and stiffness.<br /><br />Cars get wet don't they? You should be fine with the paint your doing. I am thinking of paint rather than pinstriping on my boat too.<br />Post some pictures if you got them.
 

prockvoan

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 27, 2004
Messages
512
Re: New to site and boat project

Do they have any foam under the decking?The way the USCG sets the standard on how a boat floats after sinking,that is what it comes down to is,the boat when sunk,the boat must stay afloat atleast to the top of the gunwales(top on the decking of the boat)no more or less.<br />Me,I would fill the floor up with foam!Saftey first and helps the strenth of the boat.
 

beercraft

Recruit
Joined
Feb 12, 2005
Messages
3
Re: New to site and boat project

Thanks for the welcome guys!<br /><br />So there aren't any objections to using the automotive paint? What are the disadvantages to using gelcoat instead of this type of paint?<br /><br />As for the foam, I'll have to consider it, it may be a little late for that, but I'll keep it in mind for the next boat.<br /><br />Now for some pics...hopefully they work...<br /><br />***EDIT- May have to copy link to a new browser window...I hate technology***<br /><br />Here's one of the front similar to when I got it, we had just started shooting the primer.<br /> http://bennettracing.mustangii.net/boatpics/front-primer.jpg <br /><br />Inside of the boat after just the base silver coat:<br /> http://bennettracing.mustangii.net/boatpics/silverrearview.jpg <br /><br />Outer shot with the silver:<br /> http://bennettracing.mustangii.net/boatpics/silverportview.jpg <br /><br />Picture during striping of the graphic, the graphic is painted, but I don't have updated pics for that yet...<br /> http://bennettracing.mustangii.net/boatpics/Striping3.jpg <br /><br />And a little bit of the front floor framing we did to make our casting deck...we're trying to make it a little more fishing-oriented:<br /> http://bennettracing.mustangii.net/boatpics/frontfloor.jpg <br /><br />Let me know what you think guys, I can really use some feedback!<br /><br />-Kyle
 
Top