planning a transom job

[ScottinAZ]

Im planning to redo the transom on my 1982 Imperial, and would like advice on what mat and cloth to use on the inside. I will be most likely using locally sourced resin, so that if I run low, I can get more FAST (i have a 2 week limit on the job, due to school vacation). I need advice on approximately how many layers and of what type to use. I have some experience with glass, but not with a transom.

 

[Friscoboater]

Re: planning a transom job

Do a quick search in this forum and you will see tons of them and exactly what they used. I took about three or four and came up with my own. I can promise you that the next post will say the same thing.

I did a quick search and this popped right up.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=359426

Search is your friend.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: planning a transom job

Most of the strength comes from the thickness of the plywood. You can do the entire project without any fiberglass or epoxy (it will have a very short life) but many people (99.99%) seal the wood up properly using fiberglass or epoxy.

CSM chopped strand mat makes a fantastic initial layer followed by a layer of fiberglass cloth (which is the same stuff you see in many auto parts stores)

The most difficult part is making sure you get the air bubbles out before it cures. The goal is sealing it up.

 

[ScottinAZ]

Re: planning a transom job

Most of the strength comes from the thickness of the plywood. You can do the entire project without any fiberglass or epoxy (it will have a very short life) but many people (99.99%) seal the wood up properly using fiberglass or epoxy.

CSM chopped strand mat makes a fantastic initial layer followed by a layer of fiberglass cloth (which is the same stuff you see in many auto parts stores)

The most difficult part is making sure you get the air bubbles out before it cures. The goal is sealing it up.

As it sits now, It doesnt have a full layer of fiberglass over it. I planned on most likely doing 2 layers on it when I redo it. Judging by the other posts, I should use 1708 biax in at least 2 layers. I will most likely do just this, and add another layer for good measure where the motor mounts go (extra protection against overtorquing the bolts and cracking the glass) and also some extra around where the swim platform mounts ( I use through bolts and fender washers to spread the load of my fat rear end). Looks like its time to go shopping