Practice Boat - New Transom, Gel Coat, Seats

[Something2do]

Re: Practice Boat - New Transom, Gel Coat, Seats

Got some final sanding done tonight in preparation for my full length layup. I am glad this is my practice boat. I now realize that I could never do a full size boat in my garage. The dust and constant cleanup on the small boat is overwhelming. I would definitely seek an outdoor covered area or rent a shop before trying to do a full size bass boat.

Also, I would get a different sander and a full face respirator. My DA sander blows dust right into my face and eyes. I will do the remainder of my major sanding outside as the weather warms.

Here are pics of my progress. It is hard to see, but I now have the horizontal lines with the PB mostly smooth so the CSM will hopefully layup over them without issues.

And here is a picture of the rail that used to be missing that I re-made with some CSM using some blue tape and wax paper as a mold. Looks pretty good I think.

I have been wondering what used to go over this rail. I am assuming some kind of rubber or metal rub rail material. Any ideas on where I could find something good for this boat?

Also, I am confused about the order of the glass layup. I still have to put in the new seat and I was thinking that I should do my full layup of CSM and 1708, then install the seat on top of the 1708 and tab and glass it in with CSM. Anyone think this is a good order? Looking forward to cutting all the material and getting some major glass work done soon!

 

[Something2do]

Re: Practice Boat - New Transom, Gel Coat, Seats

I have a question for WOG. I read your "Painting your boat for under $100.00" thread. I have been talking about Gel coat for the boat since i started, but not everyone on the forums use gel on their boats. Since this is my practice boat and not a classic or something I may keep forever, do I need to use gel? Do I need the gel for waterproofing if I sand some of the cracked spots on the bottom down to glass?

I would be happy to save the $ on paint and not go the Gel route if there is a "just as good" option for the little boat.

Also, there will be many low spots on the hull after sanding out all the stress cracks. What is the formula for a good sand-able filler material to fill these spots on the bottom?

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Practice Boat - New Transom, Gel Coat, Seats

I'd paint it. Gel coat is NOT very user friendly, especially for a beginner. Poly resin and Glass bubbles mixed to the consistency of mayonaise is the filler you want to use. Any thin spots you should sand to "Dish Out" the area and then lay 2-3 layers of CSM to fill it back in and then use the fairing material to fill. Then sand and feather till its smooth. Then follow the painting details. Glass layup is CSM, 1708 CSM etc.. Finish with a layer of CSM if you don't want to see the texture from the 1708 Cloth.

 

[Something2do]

Re: Practice Boat - New Transom, Gel Coat, Seats

Got the CSM cut and in today. My first experience with a big layup and it was a little crazy with so much resin mixed up at once. I think I will prep smaller batches next time so I don't have to rush. I got the transom and a little over half the boat done before my better half came home and cut me off for the night.

Photos coming soon

 

[Something2do]

Re: Practice Boat - New Transom, Gel Coat, Seats

Overall, it went pretty well for my first time. I will finish the CSM tomorrow with what I have left. (I don't have enough to get all the way to the front) Then, I will lay on the back half of the 1708.

Is the prep the same when putting glass over glass? Rough up with sand paper and acetone wipe down?

 

[Something2do]

Re: Practice Boat - New Transom, Gel Coat, Seats

I almost forgot, anyone have a good lead on where to get the right trim/rubber/etc for the rail on this boat? And, how do I handle the bow where the trim comes together? Do I make a plate/cap of some kind to cover it?

 

[Something2do]

Re: Practice Boat - New Transom, Gel Coat, Seats

Laid all the 1708 I could on Saturday. I am out of CSM and I am waiting for my shipment of CSM and another 3 gallons of Resin from US Composites. I need the CSM so I can finish the front layout and then go over it with the 1708.

Here is the 1708 Layout I did on Saturday. The 1708 is awesome to work with for cutting and laying out, but it is dang more work to wet out. Any tips here are appreciated. I worked for hours just getting all the air bubbles rolled out. I was thinking maybe the temperature that morning (low 60's) may have been working against me.

...and you can see where I had to call it quits on account of low resin and no CSM for the base layer all the way to the front. I was presently surprised at how incredibly strong the 1708 was after it was cured. I could push the sides of the boat in before, and now I can hardly flex the sides at all.

I have a spring break deadline looming for a family camping trip in about 10 days and my shipment of supplies will come in Wed or Thur of this week, so I will be busting it this weekend. Still have to put in the rear foam and seat and glass it all in, install the rear tie down bolts (what are these called?), the bow tie down, and finish sanding and painting the entire boat.

No problem

 

[Something2do]

Re: Practice Boat - New Transom, Gel Coat, Seats

I have some great news to share today. Just got back from my grandfathers (Papa Bob) and he gave me a family treasure. Take a look.

It is an older 3hp Johnson that runs like a top. New coils a few years ago and is run about twice a year to keep the gaskets good. I have fished with my grandfather a few times with this motor and it make me very proud to have it in my care now. I am going to think about the possibility of doing a cosmetic restore on it next. I want to keep everything original. Does anyone know if you can still find these decals anywhere online so I can restore the factory look?

I am going to just fill in the few dents, sand and paint. I am also going to change out the lower oil just in case it needs it. Does anyone have a recommendation on the type of paint I should use?

 

[Something2do]

Re: Practice Boat - New Transom, Gel Coat, Seats

...and, I also got a chance to take some photos of my next project. It will not be popular on iboats as it contains zero fiberglass. See below:

It is an older 15-16ft Penn Yann wood and canvas canoe. It is also being passed down to me as soon as I can make room for it. Papa Bob has never had it in the water and I know Zero about wood and canvas boats. (WOG, I hope you have some guidance here) ..and NO, I will not cover this boat in 3 layers of fiberglass!

I want to restore this to as original as I can get it and pair it up with the old 3hp Johnson. Man, I love boats!

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Practice Boat - New Transom, Gel Coat, Seats

contact these guys...
www.aomci.org

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Practice Boat - New Transom, Gel Coat, Seats

And this guy:
Antique and Classic Outboard Motor Paint & Decals

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Practice Boat - New Transom, Gel Coat, Seats

Your Gold Decals are fairly RARE!!! I did an extensive search last nite and came up with ZILCH. JBC's post is a Newer set and the wrong color. I did find some Early gold ones but did not match your model. Do you have the model# and year?

 

[Something2do]

Re: Practice Boat - New Transom, Gel Coat, Seats

Thank you both for your links. I found the decals here:

1955 Johnson 3 HP JW 11 Sea Horse Outboard Reproduction 9 Piece Vinyl Decals | eBay

They look exactly like the ones on the motor now. I really need to get moving on the boat if I am going to get it in the water by Spring Break. I am going down to TPWD today to get it Registered. Any boat with a motor (even a trolling motor) has to be registered in Texas. Another Tax from our friendly government leaders. Wish me Luck!

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Practice Boat - New Transom, Gel Coat, Seats

Good luck

 

[Something2do]

Re: Practice Boat - New Transom, Gel Coat, Seats

Well, $86.00 later, I now have a title for the boat and motor and have both registered. Once I have the letters on the side, I will be fully legal on the water. That is much better than the $250 ticket I could get with no registration.

I got home today, no resin and CSM on the front door steps, but I was able to get the rear seat installed with what I have left. I mixed up a quart of PB with CSM fibers, Cabosil, and resin. I almost invited Murphy to the party and started applying the PB when I suddenly realized I FORGOT THE MEKP! I almost did a lot of work for nothing.

I laid out everything, made my marks where needed as a guide, and then began my prep. I roughed everything up with 40 grit, wiped the boat areas and seat pieces with Acetone, then made some additional guide marks with a black marker.

I cut a length of PVC in half and PB'd it in first so that I would have a channel that water could pass through and not sit against the seat. I then laid down some more PB along my marked lines and gently set in the back side of the seat.

I then added the pink foam that I had pre-cut into the middle of the new seat and added the other side using the same marker and PB process as before.

I had some pretty good sized gaps on the sides between the front of the seat and the boat sides. I filled these in with PB and will glass over them with CSM later when I add a layer to the setup.

Next, I laid down a good thick layer of PB on the seat supports and put on the top of the seat. I used the rest of the PB to fill in all the gaps between the seat wood pieces and the fiberglass boat itself. I also filled in the gap along the underside of the seat top where it meets the seat sides. I followed WOG's advice to bed everything in the PB and not let the wood have too much direct contact with the fiberglass on the boat.

I am very happy with the results so far. This boat is going to be very strong.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Practice Boat - New Transom, Gel Coat, Seats

You're glassing skills continue to improve. You only need about a 1/4" gap between any wood and the hull or hull sides. Really saves on PB. Make sure when you get your new resin and glass that you tab the seats to the hull and sides. It's really starting to look GOOD!!!

 

[Something2do]

Re: Practice Boat - New Transom, Gel Coat, Seats

Well, I didn't make the spring break deadline. The weather turned wet and we had to much to do to really take the time and make the boat look good. We took the Iboats advice and added some trolling motor power to the kayaks.

You can see the motor hanging off the sides. Caught some nice fish before my father in law managed to flip us over into 60 degree water!

Man I need a bigger boat.

 

[Something2do]

Re: Practice Boat - New Transom, Gel Coat, Seats

I finished the tabbing of the new rear seat to the hull with 4 tabs on each side of 1708. They are hard to see in the photos.

I also ran a small strip of CSM along the seam where the seat top meets the sides just to further seal up the joint and add some strength. Hard to see in the picture below.

I also finished my first complete sand on the bottom of the hull with the 40grit and my DA sander. There were so many stress cracks I began to think the boat had a previous trip over a spillway in its former life. It took a lot longer than I expected to get all the stress cracks out, but I finally finished.

Now I have more questions:

I did not add any wax in my last layer of glass on the inside of the boat. Do I need to do anything else, or will the paint job do a good enough job of sealing the work against water and moisture?

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Practice Boat - New Transom, Gel Coat, Seats

You might want to consider coating the inside with Gelcoat and adding some wax to it. It would be a very durable surface and hard as nails. Costs would not be that much more. You could roll it on and get a good looking finish.

 

[Something2do]

Re: Practice Boat - New Transom, Gel Coat, Seats

Thanks WOG. When you say "...adding some wax to it (Gel)." above, do you mean adding wax to the Gel coat before its painted on? Will the Gel not seal without wax in it?

Thank you for the tip.