Counter tops
 

I am looking to replace the galley and head counters in my 2004 37. Looked underneath where I could see and don't see any studs are these tops glued to the fiberglass cabin molds? Anyone done this before and have any tips? Don't want to start prying and have any fiberglass crack. Thanks

It's very possible that they are glued down. I would call or email Pat to ask him. He has always gotten back to me with any questions I have had.

Thanks I will shoot him an email, he has been helpful in the past.

Talked to Pat he said they are most likely glued with 5200, this should be fun....

Which means you’ll destroy your boat getting them off.

I’ve removed two, twin outboard mounting brackets from boats I restored.

Luckily 10 yrs apart!

Both times, w/all mounting bolts removed, you could lift the hulls (both were 24’ Sonics) of their trailers w/o movement of the 5200!

And this was after cutting every seam you could get to, wedges driven between transom and bracket and still nothing!

On the last one, we got about a 2” gap on the top, chained the bow to a truck parked in front of it, come alongs hooked from transom to another truck, parked w/e-brake set while my 220 lb buddy jumped on it.
Still nothing!

We we’re actually dragging the 2nd truck across concrete w/the come alongs!

At this point I knew the glass on the transom was toast so I spent the next 2 wks driving more and bigger edges between the two parts every day until they finally separated.

It took all gel and top 2 layers of glass every where it was bonded!

I just built a Formica countertop/galley for my little project but went where there was nothing.

Can you re-laminate on top of what you have with something you like?
Done all the time if the base is solid.

Laminate is very thin and very flexible if that helps your process.
And easy to work with, w/time.

It is solid Corian so maybe it is possible I'll do some homework on it. I have heard horror stories like yours with 5200 so it sounds like my best option. Thanks for the input.

I would probably use an oscillating tool. If you are replacing the corian, then you should be able to cut holes in it and then use the oscillating tool between the corian and cabinet.

I agree with Griff. Use an oscillating cutter tool. They also have "putty blades" (my descriptor) that you put in a saws-all for removing windshields which you might be able to use.

Attachment 577297

And perhaps a windshield wire cutting tool as well:
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/20...g?v=1637794384

My guess is, 50% will be non accessible.

Great ideas though.

Corian will machine easily with a router, so you could plunge from the top down to the mating surface where you have room, and remove it to provide access to use the oscillating tool where you can't reach because of the router table

I used debond when removing my transom assemblies that were covered in 5200 when they were installed new. Debond broke the 5200 down to where it was pliable as a rubber band, which made it super easy to work with. All you need in a small crack to get to where the adhesive is and spray it down. https://www.westmarine.com/buy/marin...aner--12222295

They have 1/4" solid surface [corian] You could put that or carbon fiber over the top and edge or trim the edge with vinyl like the newer ones. I dont know how they did the 2004.

Thanks guys all good ideas. I think I will look into having it covered over with another thin solid surface material first to see if it can be done to look right. Tearing it out sounds doable but messy. I'll post some before and after pics.

Here's the cuddy being built for my 33 AT Remedy. This should give you a idea of how the corian was installed over the wood.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...16d812f227.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...4104b548e7.jpg