Transom build using PL adhesive

[inovativethkr]

I am currently in the midst of rebuilding my transom using PT plywood. I was wandering if anybody has used the PL premium adhesive to bond the two pieces of plywood together and how well did it work. I know the traditional method is to use either expoxy or polyresin to bond these pieces. Also can
I use wax polyresin to bond the transom to the hull or at least fiberglass the
transom and bond it to the hull with PL premium adhesive.

 

[drewpster]

Re: Transom build using PL adhesive

The risk of using the PL between the layers is voids. The beads of glue may not spread evenly and completely leaving a slight void. Over time these voids can collect water due to temperature changes and condensation inside the void. (Micro-climate is the term I heard) In time the trapped water will cause rot.
You can still get voids using resin and glass to bond the layers but it is less likely. It is easier to bed the layers completely (no voids) because of the even layer of resin.
Pl works well under smaller bonding surfaces because a single thick bead can be used.
Some folks do use PL to do what you described and it probably works fine. It may take many years for any water condesation to cause a problem, who knows. But using resin between the layers will help to insure it never happens at all.

 

[ljc1957]

Re: Transom build using PL adhesive

INOV, I used PL Premium to sandwich my two pieces of 3/4" plywood. I also screwed them together then coated the piece together with resin. Once that was done, I used Pl premium to glue the transom to the glass hull. Anyway, it seems really solid to me. Oh yeah, my boat is 14' with a 50 hp outboard. Hope that helps.

 

[SunTime]

Re: Transom build using PL adhesive

I am currently in the midst of rebuilding my transom using PT plywood. I was wandering if anybody has used the PL premium adhesive to bond the two pieces of plywood together and how well did it work. I know the traditional method is to use either expoxy or polyresin to bond these pieces. Also can
I use wax polyresin to bond the transom to the hull or at least fiberglass the
transom and bond it to the hull with PL premium adhesive.

While do-able it's not all that easy to spread due to it's consitency thus some of the issues mentioned already.

I'm 70% complete with a TOTAL deck off restoration of a 185 Checkmate pulse bow Rider and while I did use the PL stuff setting the knees to the stringers and other small jobs you'd be MUCh better off with this stuff from Mertons. It's a ployester based hull and deck putty and it's VERY easy to work with spreads veryeasy and would work for any of your needs including setting the transom to the skin of the hull. I used it for setting stringers and floor and also as a filler in the gaps.

http://www.mertons.com/Epoxy/polyester_Resins/putty.html

Joe at Mertons is a super guy and gets it sent out the same day unless he's extremly swamped and is probably the most helpful guy I've ever come across in letting me know what works and what won't in a restoration project such as mine. He will have everything you could possibly need for any type of restoration project and is very reasonable in pricing. I HIGHLY reccomend him and his products. That hull and deck putty is the only way to go IMO bonding your plywood together and bonding it all to the transom. Just make sure you use a good bi-axel knit glass as well when glassing your new transom in to the hull and you'll have a super solid transom. Good luck and call Joe, he's a enormous help with a lot of useful tips.

 

[109jb]

Re: Transom build using PL adhesive

In my experience PL spreads fine using a notched trowel. I personally would have no reservation laminating 2 pieces of wood by spreading the PL with the notched trowel and then screwing the pieces together starting from the middle and working toward the edges. However, on my boat I opted for epoxy with a layer of fiberglass clothe between the plywood. My only reason for doing it this was because I already had the epoxy and fiberglass cloth. I have done plywood laminating on other projects using PL and it worked fine. When I do it I orient the plywood so that one piece curls one way and the other curls the other way so that they touch in the middle and not at the edges.

 

[jonesg]

Re: Transom build using PL adhesive

Thats it, notched trowel or a glue comb, they use em for laying glue for tiles.
I have a freind who parked his truck on the layup , 4 alignment screws to make sure it didn't slide and a steel plate to spread the load.

Don't use waxed resin unless you love sanding.
Save it until it gels in the can then throw it out.
You can use it for final layups I guess.