TwoKs

I'm replacing fuel tank. Would like to know what type and weight fiberglass cloth and tabbing should I use on new floor? I removed the complete cockpit floor and will be glassing back on to sides of hull.I was thinking of using 3/4" balsa deckolite cause I have 4 new sheets laying around but think I will use 3/4 plywood which was in there. Thanks for any info.

phragle

iTrader: (3)

I would feel much more comfortable bolting seats to a plywood core than a balsa core....

When I did my floor, I cut the 3/4 marine ply then put a layer of 1708 on each side and the edges, layed it in, tabbed it, added 1 more layer of 1708 then another layer of tabbing.

TwoKs

Thanks for info phragle.I think your right about the decolite . Would have to thru-bolt it which would mean a access plate.Thanks again

vintage chromoly

iTrader: (3)

I used 1708 tabbing (comes in a roll 6" or 12" wide) and 1708 cloth with vinylester resin.
I have pedestal seating, so I doubled up the 3/4" plywood under the seat mounting area.

There are detailed pics in my restoration thread in the pantera forum, if you want to see what I did.

tommymonza

You could do a balsa cored floor with a extra layer of 1708 under the pedestals.

Than epoxy your bases to the 1708 .

Some thickened epoxy slathered on a sandblasted aluminum base is far stronger than any pedestal base that I have sheared off in the past when landing all Wonky off some boat wake .

The chemical epoxy bond spreads the load much broader than a mechanical fastener.

The secret to a balsa core is minimal penetrations , kind of what I looked for in my 1st wife.

2jz

I just redid my cockpit floor to replace gas tank. I used 1/2 marine plywood, two layer of fiberglass mat, vynil ester resin for strength and total watertight seal. I also bolted 6"x24" aluminum plates to underside of floor to screw down bolster seats too.

TwoKs

old floor out Just bought 2 4x8 x3/4 marine ply any body have any idea about how many gallons of resin I will need going with 2 layers of 1708 on a 7'x7' area.Thanks for any info.

bor

iTrader: (1)

i would check whit the builder to see what resin the boat is made of because if it s build out of vinylester you cant get good bonding if using polyester resin

2jz

Give uscomposites.com a call they have best prices and great tech support.

What i was told both polyester/vinyl ester resins will bond but will not to epoxy resin. The vinyl ester resin is a hybrid of polyester and expoxy. I use almost 5 gallons of vinyl to laminate and seal floor. I would say you would need about 8-10 gallons of vinyl to laminate using 1708 fiberglass

outonsafari

iTrader: (4)

at 1 quart resin per 1 yard 1708..
7 x 7 = 7056 sqaure inches divided by 1296 (which is 1 sqaure yard) = 5.444
so 5 quarts and 6 ounces for 1 layer of 1708
plus that size area ply would probably suck up another quart in the hot coat.


12 yards 1708
25 yard roll, 75' of 6 inch 1708 tape
5 gallons ve resin
5 qts cabosil
10 packages of 10 pack whizz maximus rollers from lowes.
4-5-6 inch squee gees (25 in total)
2 packs of 50 mixing sticks
sleeve of 100 graduated mixing cups (1 quart)
sleeve of 1 ounce graduated measuring cups for mekp.
2 boxes of 50 pair black heavy duty nitrile gloves
(the kind that don't tear when your slamming to get a fresh set on over sweaty hands
and you have to change out rollers and sqee gees, acetone wipe the roller handles and mix more resin )
a watch with a second hand so you mix each batch for the recommended time
really good scissors and a pizza cutter.
all of the above from u.s. composites.

problem is and i'm no pro, you should give a shout out to glass dave,
but a 7x7 area and 5 quarts is an awful lot at one shot ( in a boat on your knees, w/o a helper who knows whats going on and who can set the pace
to keep you in just mixed resin, fresh rollers gloves etc. etc. and you rolling and sqee gee ing your ass off. or it will blow up on you.

i would do it in 3 pieces, port - starboard - tank.

the above list scares me, i think i need another day off my project.