Underskin advice

[VaGent]

Re: Underskin advice

My cross members are 16 inches on center from front to rear. The width is 49 inches side to side between my logs. My boat has the "U" shaped logs & they have a 1 ince lip on each side that the cross members attach to with SS 3/4 inch bolts. What I was thinking of doing is starting with a full 4X8 sheet at the back & wherever it ends, butting the front sheet tight up sgainst it & using a sealer to seal the joint. I was going to cut a 1 inch strip to fill in the gap along the side & seal it the same way. Is this something that will not work? Since I can butt the sheets tightly together should I still overlap them anyway? I only need 2 full sheets to cover the majority of the boat & then cut up & fit the rest around the transom & the very front of the boat.

 

[VaGent]

Re: Underskin advice

View attachment 60432
Here is what I attached to my frame under the boat. Just cut to size, peel the tape and stick. Window seal tape.
View attachment 60433
All Done!!!

[/ATTACH][/ATTACH]

Here's some tips, try to overlap every seam.
I added some 3 1/2" strips down the sides. If I had to do it again I would have got the strips bent in a 90 degree angle. This would help the edge of the big sheet to be stiff between the braces near the sides.

The rivets were not bad at all, it went quick after it was held in place with a few rivets. Hands were fine after the job.

I used three 4 x 10 sheets of 0.050 3003 aluminum $250
Window tape $free from my Dad
Box of 500 1/8 x 1/4 Stainless rivets $37
Less than $300 For a much improved ride

Did you use the window seal tape solely to hold the sheets up while you fastened the sheets into place or was the another purpose for using it? That's a pretty cool idea.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Underskin advice

Personally, I wouldn't worry about the 1 inch gap at the edges. You're not looking to make it a watertight enclosure, just there to knock down the waves from slamming the cross members. Most of the pressure from the water is in the center. When I did mine, I used 2 X 4's cut to fit to hold up the aluminum while I fastened it. I would definitely overlap the sheets, working from the back to the front..

 

[benny429]

Re: Underskin advice

How do you install it around the center pod?

If I loosen the bolts to get the skin under, I won't be able to re-tighten them.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Underskin advice

Butt it up to it..

 

[VaGent]

Re: Underskin advice

Personally, I wouldn't worry about the 1 inch gap at the edges. You're not looking to make it a watertight enclosure, just there to knock down the waves from slamming the cross members. Most of the pressure from the water is in the center. When I did mine, I used 2 X 4's cut to fit to hold up the aluminum while I fastened it. I would definitely overlap the sheets, working from the back to the front..

Thanks for the information Rick. I think I'll do it as you say. But I will definitly overlap each piece as you suggested.

 

[Kitchen363]

Re: Underskin advice

Did you use the window seal tape solely to hold the sheets up while you fastened the sheets into place or was the another purpose for using it? That's a pretty cool idea.

Had a roll of it laying around, I figured it would dampen the sound too.


P.S. its only sticky on one side, six hands, and three heads were used to hold it up

 

[Kitchen363]

Re: Underskin advice

How do you install it around the center pod?

If I loosen the bolts to get the skin under, I won't be able to re-tighten them.

Just get as close to it as you can. My was done in two peices on the back.
Just remember measure twice cut once

I used a sheer press at work to cut the big straight cuts. And used a jig saw with a well oiled blade when I did the cuts around for the transom.

 

[Kitchen363]

Re: Underskin advice

Just got back from a boating trip to Cave Run lake in Kentucky.
We boated for 4 days, the underskining has held up great with no problems!!

 

[Mr Crabbs]

Re: Underskin advice

Kitchen this is to late for you but might help others.

Tape, I'd recommend 3M VHB (very high bonding) double sided tape. It was originally designed to hold glass in skyscrapers, I found it when trying to figure out how to attach a cherry arm rail onto a granite bar. My fab guy didn't route out the granite to take the rail . I used the 3M tape, that was 4 years ago and it's still rock solid. Way easier than the epoxy would have been.

I use the tape on other projects on my travel trailer. I've installed paper towel/TP holders, cup holders and an exterior door catch. It's awesome stuff.

It comes in different thicknesses, widths and lenghts. I got mine at tapecase.com

BTW, I like the idea of putting the styrofoam insulation behind the aluminum. Good idea to put some support behind your thin gauge aluminum.

Nice install too kitchen, clean and professional looking.

 

[Kitchen363]

Re: Underskin advice

Thanks for the thumbs up.

I love this forum.

I hope others can pick up a few pointers from this thread

Happy boating to all

 

[jdcarter]

Re: Underskin advice

I know this is old - but hoping someone can help me out. I'm about to underskin my new Bentley with .063 5052 but I'm short a 24x60 piece and can't get any more locally - my question is how is the .050 3003 holding up for others now that its got some age on it?