Materials estimate

[mtnrat]

I am having a little trouble figuring out the amount of materials I will need to complete my resto. It is an 18' deep V.

I am using coosa bluewater 26 composite for stringers(3/4" laminated to 1 1/2"), transom 1 1/2", and floor 1/2".
-4 stringers, 2@14' long and 2@8' long.
- total length of fillets incl transom is about 100'
- tabbing in the floor has about 45' of perimeter
- deck for gas tank in front

I think I will need:
- 165 feet of biax tape for stringers and tabbing the floor, and gas deck.
- 6 yds of 60" E type 4 or 6 oz cloth for the floor.
- 4 yds of 50" 12 oz double bias cloth or similar for inside of transom.
- 2 yds of 50" 12 oz double bias cloth for motor mounts(likely too much?)

I am going to use system 3 epoxy. Is 7.5 gallons of resin and hardener enough or should I get the 15 gallon unit?
How much thixotropic powder, microballons and milled fiber should I get?
Also how many rollers squeegees, brushes, mixing and measuring cups am I likely to use?

I know it is hard to tell but those that have been there before may help.

 

[mtnrat]

Re: Materials estimate

Anybody hazard a guess?

 

[SuzukiChopper]

Re: Materials estimate

I don't know if budget is a huge issue for you in your build but I know from when I re-did my boat (stringers, added ribs, transom, floor, customized rear deck, etc) I got more then I thought I needed. I found it REALLY hard to estimate materials, especially the resin (epoxy in your case) because you don't want to run out in the middle of a task. The wood is definitely the easiest (if in doubt draw out a scale model on some chart paper and measure).

If you can find somewhere local that carries the epoxy and fiberglass supplies your best bet is to break down your build into different sections. Break it down into transom, then stringers, then floor, then etc, etc. That way you can get your wood and such ready, measure what you need for glass and over estimate on the epoxy (more is always better) and just do one section at a time.

If you're stuck ordering online then I'm afraid I can't help much with the estimations because I was lucky enough (and oddly enough) to find someone local that had what I needed to get the job done and could go to him whenever I needed more supplies.

Hope someone else can give you more insight but myself personally found it quite a challenge when it came to estimating materials, the plan and work was the easy part.

 

[reka12]

Re: Materials estimate

I agree with Suzuki: Find a good supplier close by if you can. Unless you are experienced with working in glass, order what you think you need and be prepared to go back for more. Check quantity pricing and check to see if you can return or get credit for remants.

 

[mtnrat]

Re: Materials estimate

Thanks guys. I called up the supplier I was ordering from and went through what I was doing. He was able to give amounts that I need. I then added 15% or so. I am prepared to go back for more if need be.

 

[mtnrat]

Re: Materials estimate

On another thought, for those who may think that restoring a boat (transom srtringers, floor), is inexpensive.
Abrasives, about $150
2 grinders about $150
Bunny suites $40
Epoxy, fibreglass & supplies $1500
Coosa composites $1800 (wood would be far cheaper, but still close to $400)
And I have not started thinking about the paint etc.
Cheers,
Sean

 

[SuzukiChopper]

Re: Materials estimate

On another thought, for those who may think that restoring a boat (transom srtringers, floor), is inexpensive.
Abrasives, about $150
2 grinders about $150
Bunny suites $40
Epoxy, fibreglass & supplies $1500
Coosa composites $1800 (wood would be far cheaper, but still close to $400)
And I have not started thinking about the paint etc.
Cheers,
Sean

There are quite a few ways you can cost some of that cost. In Canada the grinders and abrasives can be had for cheap at Princess Auto. In the US you can order from Harbor Freight. Not high quality grinders but they will work long enough to get the job done and can usually be had for about $29. Packs of 50 or so grinding disks (soft ones, not solid) can usually be had for about $10 a pop.

The bunny suits/coveralls are definitely worth the investment (ones that have an elastic band around the wrists, ankles and neck are the best).

Vynil Ester resin is a good alternative to epoxy (this is what I used) and paid about $600 for a big drum of it, enough hardner for it, and all the glass I could ever need (still have a lot left over). Still have resin left over as well.

It definitely isn't cheap by any means, but the satisfaction of doing something yourself and knowing what kind of craftsmenship went into the construction of your boat is always good. Doing a rebuild also gives you the opportunity to customize your boat for your needs. You can build in extra storage, customize the electrical system, move things around, etc. For example with mine I removed the full width angled splash well at the back of my boat and built a rear deck with storage and only a splash well in the middle. Still thinking of opening up the front of the boat too for a casting deck.

Good luck with your build mtnrat!! Make sure you take a lot of pictures!

 

[mtnrat]

Re: Materials estimate

Yep the best thing is knowing it is done right. I have been taking plenty of pics and will put together a project journal.