Last Minute Transom Questions

[ElBichoMalo]

This is it. I have next week off, the Florida weather is actually tollerable, and I'm picking up my Coosa on Monday AM. I'm ready for the transom (I hope).

I've read plenty of posts, don't really want to worry too much about my lay-up schedule anymore, but I plan to use 4 layers of 1708 on the outside. My question is this: for those 4 layers of 1708, to what point should I be letting them cure before laying the next layer? I always feel overwhelmed when I lay up one wet on another wet. Do you guys let each cure fully inbetween? partially? not at all? Let me know what works for you, so I can stop running this through my head over and over.

[JohnB]

Are you using glass or epoxy? If glass, at these temps, I would probably do one early in the morning, one just before sunset, while it's still a little warm. These temps will give you plenty of working time. If epoxy, I hot coat, one right on another. And would knock it out in a day.

[Bushwacker]

After you've got the Coosa installed (assume you're doing this from the outside, the ideal layup is wet-on-wet to get a good chemical bond between each layer. It's much stronger than the bond you'll get if you let each layer cure. . . and, assuming you're using epoxy (which I'd recommend for max bond strength), it'll save you from having to wash off the amine blush and sand down high spots on each layer. This is a job where it's worth recruiting a couple of folks . . one to mix the resin, and one to help handle the cloth . . so you can do it in one session.

[ElBichoMalo]

Assumption 1: Correct. I am doing this from the outside.
Assumption 2: Wrong! I'm not using epoxy. I'll be using GP Polyester Resin. I've been working up to a comfortable skill level with the polyester. Never used epoxy. I know it may be better for some things, but my whole boat is poly, so I am not worried about it.

I'm thinking of laying up a layer in the AM, then doing some other stuff, and coming back and laying one up in evening. Course, I'm working outside and will have to work with the daylight, too.

Hmmm....I'm gonna need some more beer.

[gofastsandman]

Bushwacker helped 65 Bowrider , whose dad designed the darn thing, with their transom on the top secret offshore racer 21. They did their homework with no assumptions.

Having said that, I`m an old surfer and will help you out.
Scuff the Coosa w/ 80 grit to give good tooth. Make a "flash" batch of poly. Mix up a pot of resin and mek and thin w/ acetone to the consistency of water. This allows max penetration and bond strength. Now you want to "hot coat" the lay up. Poly has to gas out in between layers. Do all 4 in a day for proper and strongest bond! Let the first layer of poly get to the point of still being tacky. Wipe with acetone to reflash the 1st coat of resin. Now make a regular batch of resin and start the layup. Allow all layers to gas out to the point of being tacky, wiping w/ acetone between each layer. Wear gloves when playing w/ mek!!!!!!! Poly + acetone + beer= wasted. Wait til your almost done for your proper reward. Been there done that.
GFS

[JohnB]

When I have tried to lay 4 layers down in a day, I got distortion and sometimes bubbling underneath, but it may of been just me. I have had some luck hot coating 2 layers of poly, but I am not sure I would try 4. Milage may vary.....

[gofastsandman]

Pop the bubbles in many places w/ a nail and roll out the voids.
GFS

[ElBichoMalo]

Talked to the guy at FGCI (my other expert resource). He said to lay-up all four hot. Not sure if I actually will. Sometimes what the experts say I should do and what my abilities let me do are not the same.

Anyway, I finally signed up for photo bucket, so here are my first pics:

This is my outboard on the stand I built from scrap (read free) wood that I got from work. Had the help of two great friends and their engine hoist to make the pick.



I call this one "the point of no return"



And here is the damage



And since I haven't posted a boat shot yet, here she is "pre-op"

[ElBichoMalo]

If anyone is interested in some 1-1/2" Coosa, I have enough left over for another transom. I put an ad in the sale section.

I think this pic tells the story of classic seacraft/mako/aquasport/whatever. I'm sure it's a scene we all know.

[eggsuckindog]

Cool another Tampa guy, let me know when your ready to splash and will meet up at Anclote for the maiden voyage. Good luck on the glass work it scares the crap out of me