Got a bunch going on, here is an update.. Stern/transom: - finally finished getting all the new pieces cut out and glued up. Used a router to cut out the core for the new plug to go in from the back of the transom. Also cut the inside core for the new plug as well. These pieces overlap and fit together like a weird puzzle. Used gorilla glue, a make shift press and some screws to pull it all together. Ran some 10" lag bolts up into the stringers for security and it really helped pull the plug tight into the transom. Had to fill some of the voids and cover over the screws, used cat hair fiberglass. Using mat, woven and resin I built the glass back up. When getting closer to orginal transom edge, used Evercoat filler to smooth out the transition before rolling on finial mat and resin. Got top coat on but waiting till done in the bilge to paint the rest. My luck paint would run down the drain hole from the bilge over a nice new finish on the back of the transom.
Inside transome, bilge area: - Used PL to glue the new knees in along with stainless screws. It cured up rock solid. Next I PB'd all joints/edges with cat hair, tabbed in all joints and rolled on a thin layer of mat. In between the knees on the transom, in the inside corners where the knees meet the transom and the inside of the knees from the hull to the top of knees.. I used woven roven for added strength. Decided to do a second layer of roven in between the knees on the transom (where bolts will be for bracket) before a second layer of Matt over everything. - sanded and painted first coat using rustoleum and enamel hardner.
Bracket: - Used paint striper, Sanders and abrasive disks to get all old paint off bracket. Washed with 50/50 vinegar/water, etched, primed and painted with rustoleum and enamel hardner. Came out really nice.
Next: coat bilge area with 2 more coats rustoleum/hardner, re-drill transom drain, paint lower back of transom, install brass transom drain plug/insert, drill bracket holes and mount bracket, figure out new floor hatch and panel where dog house used to be. Hope everyone had a great weekend and good Memorial Day, remember today wasn't National bbq day.. Thank you to all our service men and women, past and present. Dave