Quick adhesive question

[sunkentreasure]

I'm almost ready to start putting new wood in my Skagit transom. Because this is a curved section, I'll be laminating 1/4" ply with the first piece bonded directly to the outside skin, clamped until cured then add more sections until I get the correct transom thickness.

My original plan was to use thickened epoxy on that first piece, but could I use PL adhesive instead? It would sure save a lot of fussing around, but would it be strong enough? (all edges would be epoxied to keep water out)

 

[rockyrude]

Re: Quick adhesive question

The pl should be strong enough as long as you can guarantee 100% coverage. The hard part will be sealing the first layer, most everybody seals the new wood with a coat of 'glass before gluing to insure a lasting repair.

 

[jonesg]

Re: Quick adhesive question

If you're going to put 1/4" ply under stress to form the bend in the boat I hope your cap is on or it might not fit right, the ply will pull the glass as the glue cures.

What some people do to get around this is form the curve before installing , you can clamp it to the outside of the transom and laminate it there.
Cut some relief kerfs in the ply to enable it to curve easier, laminate it with your choice of glue, if I had epoxy I'd use it, otherwise either poly/mat or PL.

Personally I'd like to see that I have a solid transom before gluing it in place.
Its easier to seal the edges too.
And you only have to get the install right one time and its done.

If you're worried about the ply to glass fit where you cannot see it, just apply some little balls of clay to the wood and press it against the glass transom, if all the clay balls flatten you have a fit, otherwise powersand til it fits. If its real close use cabosil to bed it along with mat/resin. OR PL

 

[sunkentreasure]

Re: Quick adhesive question

Thanks guys.......I had a few minutes to think after I asked my question and realized that the PL might actually be MORE trouble than the expoxy. How would I be sure of a 100% bond? Did I seal ALL the edges? Would there be any unseen voids...etc.etc. Unfortunately I didn't know about pre-forming the wood on the outside before I ripped all the old wood out. It was powder anyway. Amazing how some boats hold up...this guy was just using it a couple of weeks before I bought it!

So I think I'll go back to my original plan. As far as maintaining the proper curve, I lucked out. The boat came with a transom stiffening plate, which was the first indication of trouble, BUT whoever fabricated it knew his stuff. It's 1/4" welded aluminum plate and matched the transom curve perfectly. All I have to do is epoxy my first piece, then slide that plate down and use wedges to keep the skin/wood in tight alignment until cured (a little wax paper to prevent sticking in the wrong places). After the transom is back to proper thickness, I'll take the plate to the recyclers for some cash!