dixie hustler "deck job" (turned full rebuild)

[mwe-maxxowner]

Re: dixie hustler "deck job" (turned full rebuild)

That texture would probably help hide imperfections if my prep wasn't spot on

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: dixie hustler "deck job" (turned full rebuild)

The GelCoat will NOT flow out like the bed line and using their roller could create high points that would NOT be easy on the feet. Not saying you can't, just saying I wouldn't. I guess if you baby sat it and rolled it just as it was setting up you might get similar results. Donno, I've never done it. You could be our Guinea Geller!!!!

 

[mwe-maxxowner]

Re: dixie hustler "deck job" (turned full rebuild)

Haha no I think I'm gonna gel with a regular roller! I'll just tell everyone to hold on to something until hydro turf is installed

 

[mwe-maxxowner]

Re: dixie hustler "deck job" (turned full rebuild)

Before ↓

After! ↓

I also cut a transom template today out of pink foam. I filled in the old voids and I think I failed miserably. I think I pit way too much chopped strand in. I would wipe it on, and if I tried o smear it around some it would just start gathering a hairball of chopped strand. We'll have to see the next day I get a chance to grind on it and see if I created something that got hard and I can sand and if I kept it warm enough. If it didn't work I only wasted about a pint of resin...and about 10 ounces of chopped strand.

 

[mwe-maxxowner]

Re: dixie hustler "deck job" (turned full rebuild)

When I fill the cut in my hull, the pb mix needs to be smooth. Can just resin and cabosil create a suitable filler? Or is the chopped strand a necessity?

 

[tpenfield]

Re: dixie hustler "deck job" (turned full rebuild)

Subscribing in . . . looking forward to more discussion on fuel tank installation

 

[mwe-maxxowner]

Re: dixie hustler "deck job" (turned full rebuild)

There is another thread on this first page or two of threads that gives a link to common boat building myths where tank securing is discussed. I think it boils down to this: foaming the rank in isolates it well from vibration and rubbing. But at the cost of the possibility of holding moisture against the tank and causing corrosion. Buuuuut take good care of your boat and there shouldn't be enough moisture in there to matter for a loooooo.g time.

There was a structure glassed into my boat to hold the tank up off the hull and to mount the tank to. I'm going to recreate this structure and glue plastic pieces to that and the tank to the plastic with 3m 5200. Also going to add some wood supports on top or beside the rank to help hold it still.

 

[mwe-maxxowner]

Re: dixie hustler "deck job" (turned full rebuild)

Does it matter how close my transom wood and deck edges are to the hull? As in can I cut it very close but not touching so I'll need less filler?

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: dixie hustler "deck job" (turned full rebuild)

1/4 to 3/8" is where I like to keep it.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: dixie hustler "deck job" (turned full rebuild)

There is another thread on this first page or two of threads that gives a link to common boat building myths where tank securing is discussed. I think it boils down to this: foaming the rank in isolates it well from vibration and rubbing. But at the cost of the possibility of holding moisture against the tank and causing corrosion. Buuuuut take good care of your boat and there shouldn't be enough moisture in there to matter for a loooooo.g time.

There was a structure glassed into my boat to hold the tank up off the hull and to mount the tank to. I'm going to recreate this structure and glue plastic pieces to that and the tank to the plastic with 3m 5200. Also going to add some wood supports on top or beside the rank to help hold it still.

Yes, the rationale for foaming in aluminum fuel tanks is similar to the rationale for using wood in the boat's structure. . . it will last a long time, if (if) taken care of, etc.

Manufacturers foam in tanks, because it gives the best support to the tank and also adds strength to the boat. What they don't do well is provide a design that prevents water build-up in the fuel bays, and therein lies the problem that many folks, professional and amateurs alike, talk about. The manufacturers know that the tank will outlast the warranty period, and probably last 15-20 years, same as the bulkheads and the stringers. It is with the extra care that an owner can give a boat that allows it to last more than that amount of time.

 

[mwe-maxxowner]

Re: dixie hustler "deck job" (turned full rebuild)

Yes, the rationale for foaming in aluminum fuel tanks is similar to the rationale for using wood in the boat's structure. . . it will last a long time, if (if) taken care of, etc.

Manufacturers foam in tanks, because it gives the best support to the tank and also adds strength to the boat. What they don't do well is provide a design that prevents water build-up in the fuel bays, and therein lies the problem that many folks, professional and amateurs alike, talk about. The manufacturers know that the tank will outlast the warranty period, and probably last 15-20 years, same as the bulkheads and the stringers. It is with the extra care that an owner can give a boat that allows it to last more than that amount of time.

Aside from add limber holes, what more can I do to allow condensation to escape from that cavity?

I like the idea of foaming it because it will certainly be secure, but I want it all to last.

This boat will never again sit out in the rain. I'll park it under a carport during summer, and during winter cover it and park under the carport. I always pull the bilge plug after a day out and always crank the trailer up when parked. But I know condensation eventually becomes an issue.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: dixie hustler "deck job" (turned full rebuild)

Aside from add limber holes, what more can I do to allow condensation to escape from that cavity?

I like the idea of foaming it because it will certainly be secure, but I want it all to last.

This boat will never again sit out in the rain. I'll park it under a carport during summer, and during winter cover it and park under the carport. I always pull the bilge plug after a day out and always crank the trailer up when parked. But I know condensation eventually becomes an issue.

Paint your tank before installation, use the zinc chromate aluminum primer then use 2 or 3 coats of all metal primer on top of that. You don't want a slick finish, a primer finish will be best. You want multiple coats to make sure there aren't any bare or thin spots in the paint job.

When you foam the tank in, encapsulate it completely on the 5 sides. You don't want any voids in the foam, especially on the bottom... you don't want the tank sitting on anything but foam on the bottom.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: dixie hustler "deck job" (turned full rebuild)

Aside from add limber holes, what more can I do to allow condensation to escape from that cavity?

I like the idea of foaming it because it will certainly be secure, but I want it all to last.
. . . I know condensation eventually becomes an issue.

My thoughts on what can be done to provide better results with foamed in tanks.

As JnG said . . . paint the tank (some say not to, but with the proper paint, etc., it does provide a barrier)

Since boat manufacturers don't generally design their fuel bays to allow drainage, there are a couple of things that you can do, and that I did on my recent rebuild.

Provide a drainage path underneath the tank. Below is a drainage duct that I fabricated for my tank installation.

Then I provided an open space at the back of the tank where water could collect and go through the limber hole that I installed in the bulkhead.

This is the area where the water had collected after 20 years of use with the previous tank, etc. Once the boat was all put back together, the open area behind the tank was accessible via the same deck plate used to access the tank fittings and sender.

Ideally, the fuel tank bay should have a raised sole, higher than the keel level, as well as drainage underneath the tank, but drainage itself is an improvement over the typical OEM installation.

 

[mwe-maxxowner]

Re: dixie hustler "deck job" (turned full rebuild)

Here is my tank area as it was. The center has glassed in ply shaped like a 2x2 with a few cross members laterally, for lack of a better explanation. But, of course, foam would fill underneath and prevent water flow.

Forgot the pic

 

[tpenfield]

Re: dixie hustler "deck job" (turned full rebuild)

Here is my tank area as it was. The center has glassed in ply shaped like a 2x2 with a few cross members laterally, for lack of a better explanation. But, of course, foam would fill underneath and prevent water flow.

Yea, that is why I put perforated channel stock along the keel undeneath where the tank goes. The foam hits the perforated mesh and does not progress any further. You might be able to do the same sort of thing, depending on the space you have to work with.

Otherwise, trapping the tank from the top and sides with multiple cross members, etc. should be sufficient for general application. The reason I foamed my tank in upon rebuild were 2-fold:

1) Formula Boat's Tech Support Dept. recommended it.

2) The boat is designed/intended for offshore & rough water usage, so it was best to do it in a manner that would provide the maximum amount support and structural strength.

 

[mwe-maxxowner]

Re: dixie hustler "deck job" (turned full rebuild)

The tank in both my dixies was secured to this mount in the middle and held by wood stops front and back and both tanks are in good shape. I really think I'll put it back in a similar manner. I feel like if it was good enough for jays sea ray it'll do for me! I'm not sure what the best way to use bracing to.secure it without a possibility of them rubbing is yet but I'm thinking on that.

I only boat on small freshwater lakes here in north and south Carolina.

 

[mwe-maxxowner]

Re: dixie hustler "deck job" (turned full rebuild)

70$ shipped good for drivers side rated 2 3/8 pedestal with a sliding rotating seat base?

 

[JASinIL2006]

Re: dixie hustler "deck job" (turned full rebuild)

Not a bad price with shipping, I'd say.

Jim

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: dixie hustler "deck job" (turned full rebuild)

If your not in a hurry, watch for deals here..........

I got 2 @2 3/8"pedestals, bases, slides & swivel for $100 delivered

 

[mwe-maxxowner]

Re: dixie hustler "deck job" (turned full rebuild)

If your not in a hurry, watch for deals here..........

I got 2 @2 3/8"pedestals, bases, slides & swivel for $100 delivered

That's where I found the one I mentioned . I went for it. Cheaper than anything I've found. The drivers seat was a pain to get into. But where it was was comfortable to drive from.