Changing colour of gelcoat question

MikeSchinlaub

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Would 2 layers of 1.5oz chop strand mat with 17oz 0-90 glass in the middle be strong, light enough.
Hmmm, maybe. It wouldn't give you much material for attaching hardware though, and you wouldn't be able to staple the upholstery to it. I would still suggest using a core material of some sort.

Is the idea to not use wood to avoid rotting?
 

carlos515

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Not really, I was just thinking of a clean interior. Maybe I will laminate 2 of my panels together. That would be close to 3/8 thick. Then skip the fibreglass and use my foam and vinyl. Just thinking of different ways to finish the interior.
 

carlos515

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I forgot I made gel coat laminates for the top of my sides many years past.
Never thought of PVC sheets. They may be good for the bottom of my sides.
 

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carlos515

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My youngest son came up with an idea for seating. I was just going to put a big sun pad at the back. Now I made a frame for glassing. I used exterior plywood. I will have to seal every square inch with resin. I still have to price the pvc sheets tomorrow. The front Port box seat will have a flip-flop back rest to watch the tubers, skiers, etc
 

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carlos515

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I just priced some 5/8 Meranti marine ply,156 a sheet. For the peace of mind, I think before I do the other side, I will get a few sheets of it.
Edit: Would 1/2 inch be ok if it is glassed?
 

carlos515

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I can re-use my old seats for the rear anchored seats. I have new vinyl skins made for them.
 

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carlos515

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Well, I priced the PVC sheet. With them bringing in a sheet of 1/4" it would cost 315. This is from Laird plastic. I think it is laminating 2 of my 5/32 sheets of Meranti together time. Realistically, I will redo, update the boat in another 5 to 7plus years. I still have to buy a walking foot sewing machine...... I sold my Pfaff a year ago for space. Palm to forehead.
 

MikeSchinlaub

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Why the high dollar plywood? You could just use some non treated 5/8 from lowes and put a layer of glass on each side for water protection.
 

carlos515

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That's what I bought on the weekend to start the rear seat project. Then I thought the normal exterior plywood rot out in a couple of years.
Now I take it all 6 sides need to be sealed? This would be a lot easier on my pocket book.
When attaching the main bench seat to the boat, would 4"x3" stainless angle brackets be ok, or should the bench be glassed to the floor?
I am also skipping the flip-flop seat. I will put bucket seats instead. There is just not enough room in the boat. I have not found my boat stretcher yet, must have misplaced it.
 

MikeSchinlaub

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Now I take it all 6 sides need to be sealed?
Yes. Seal every bit of bare wood. You can leave it assembled to do it. It will soak in a bit, so let the first coat set for a bit, and do a second. You can see the dry spots pretty easily with some light. You could also use a layer of csm to help hold more resin.
When attaching the main bench seat to the boat, would 4"x3" stainless angle brackets be ok, or should the bench be glassed to the floor?
Brackets should be fine.
 

Scott Danforth

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Buy some ACX and use linseed oil and terpentine if you want to be cheap

1/4" PVC is $78 per sheet thru my local source
 

carlos515

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Buy some ACX and use linseed oil and terpentine if you want to be cheap

1/4" PVC is $78 per sheet thru my local source
Up here in Canada, we pay triple your prices for most things.
I don't want to be cheap, but I also do not want to waste money.
 
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