Which book do you recommend?

[exp2000]

Hi,
This is my first post in this forum. I just became an owner of 1997 Bayliner 1700 Capri. It has 90HP Force outboard. The floor is weak and I think I'll need to replace it. Before I start this adventure, I would like to read up a bit on fiberglass boat repair. Which book would you recommend?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Which book do you recommend?

Which book would you recommend?

Ayuh,... Welcome Aboard,...

No book necessary,...
Anything,+ Everything you need to know is Right here in the iboats Restoration forum...

 

[Robert4Winns]

Re: Which book do you recommend?

You should be able to find all the information you need on this forum. Here are some links to threads that have information regarding fiberglass work. Set aside a long time to read Oops's thread. If you search you will find a lot more, but these are a few of my favorites that I think have a lot of good information.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=309700

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=234392

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=325296

Also, if you start a thread and ask questions you should get some valuable help. Of course pictures are helpful for getting people interested.

 

[exp2000]

Re: Which book do you recommend?

Thank you guys, I'll be sure to read through these. I am wondering if I should start restoration now, or wait until Feb. I don't have enough space in the garage to work in there, so it will have to be in my back yard.

 

[Robert4Winns]

Re: Which book do you recommend?

You may not want to wait too long to get started. What appears to be a simple floor replacement can turn into a stringer and transom replacement, and before you know it you won't have time to finish it before boating season. Of course how long the project takes will depend on how much time you have to put into it.
I don't see any reason you can't work outside if the weather permits it, but when you get to the point where you are laying fiberglass you will want it to be warmer. Where do you live? If it is too cold to do the fiberglass, right now you could get the demo and prep work done and then be ready to do the fiberglass as soon as it warms up. That way you will also have a chance to check out the stringers sooner rather than later.
Good luck

 

[exp2000]

Re: Which book do you recommend?

I am in Dallas, TX and this year it was raining like it is the end of the world, every two-three days we have rain. I am wondering If I take the deck off, would I unnecessary expose stringers and transom (I just learned these terms) to elements. Honestly I cannot wait to get started, hopefully it will be only floor replacement. I kinda went into this without much research (which is so not typical of me) and I hope it is not going to be my nightmare.

 

[Robert4Winns]

Re: Which book do you recommend?

I'm in Dallas as well. All that rain in September put an untimely end to my boating season. Then I discovered the rotten wood. I didn't plan on taking on a big project but I figure I have a while to get it done before summer.

The recent rain and cold has made it difficult for me to get much done lately, but this weekend should be a good one. I'm planning to do all of my cutting and grinding outside because of all of the dust. I just keep a cover on to protect things when I am not working on it.

Your boat is not as old as mine so you may not have problems with your transom or stringers. I'm sure you will be able to fix whatever you find if you just take your time and ask questions here when you need some help.

 

[archbuilder]

Re: Which book do you recommend?

You found the right place! One thing you can find on here is info on floors and transoms! I just finished up my floor and transom, if you have any questions I will be happy to give you my 2 cents worth! I'm looking forward to the warmer weather this weekend....60 on Sunday....after the 12 degrees we had up here I'm ready for it!

 

[andgott]

Re: Which book do you recommend?

One of the best books out there about Fiberglass repair is a free download on this page-

http://www.westsystem.com/ss/how-to-publications/


Scroll down to 002-550 Fiberglass Boat Repair & Maintenance, it's a free .PDF download. It focuses on the use of epoxy (namely west systems brand), but much of the info in it pertains to general fiberglass repair as well. And, you can't beat the price!!

-Andrew

 

[archbuilder]

Re: Which book do you recommend?

Make sure you understand the difference between waxed and unwaxed fiberglass resin. Unwaxed is laminating resin....it allows you to add multiple layers without grinding between layers. Waxed will require grinding between layers, and is used more as a final coat. Some places, (fiberglasssite is where I got mine) sell it without the wax in it, but ship some wax in a separate bottle if you want to add it. Most of the stuff at hardware stores in the waxed version.

 

[exp2000]

Re: Which book do you recommend?

Thank you guys again. I pulled the carpet this morning out and have started a thread at http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?p=2434660#post2434660