Some questions before I get started on my 23 CC...

[KenB]

Hey Fellas,

I bought a 23 CC last year, and had a few questions before I start making sawdust.

1) What do I re-core panels and top cap/gunnels with? Can I use 1/2 ply?
I am planning to redo the transom and decks with Lowe's 3/4 arauco ply. Used this stuff on my Tolman and am very happy with it. I know the original coring was balsa, is using 1/2 ply going to be too heavy?

2) Do I redo the trailer or buy a new one?
The boat is currently sitting on a 1973 duelly float-on, but probably needs some work on hubs, axels, etc. Definitely needs new brakes installed. It was redone recently with new stainless hardware, winch, etc. I guess my real question is; it is worth the $500 for a disk brake kit and new bearings? Or do I just sell it and buy a new trailer?

3) Do I buy a new fuel tank or recondition the old one? How do I know if the gas tank is too far gone to use again?

4) Does this glassing schedule sound right?
I use progressive no blush epoxy (the NH guys)
- 3 layers of 10oz to replace inside skin of transom.
- 3 layers of 10oz over 3/4 ply on stringers (and tabs on side) to raise deck.
- 1708 on stringer to transom joints, transom to sides and bottom joints (over fillet).
- 2 layers of 10 oz on inside of top cap, panels, deck, bulkhead, etc.
- 2 layers of 6 oz over 1/4 luan for doghouse, 10oz over fillet and edges, with 3/4 arauco braces

5) Does anyone want to buy Billybob's 1991 OMC225? Engine is in great shape, can be delivered, has with controls, teleflex steering, newer lower unit, and a wheel.

6) Should the live well go under the leaning post on in the rear bulkhead?

7) Ok, way way way ahead of myself, but has anyone done a tuna door on a 23?


OK, thanks for a great website. I will keep plowing through the archives. If there are any good threads I should look at, feel free to post them here. Bonefish, Strick, BigShrimp and even NatChaukley are way out of my league...

--
best,
KenB

[thehermit]

2) Do I redo the trailer or buy a new one?
The boat is currently sitting on a 1973 duelly float-on, but probably needs some work on hubs, axels, etc. Definitely needs new brakes installed. It was redone recently with new stainless hardware, winch, etc. I guess my real question is; it is worth the $500 for a disk brake kit and new bearings? Or do I just sell it and buy a new trailer?

Hi Ken,

Whats the rating on that trailer? Does it say? Just curious.

Nice project. 10oz cloth is pretty good for finishing cloth. Nicer than that 6oz stuff. Do your self a favor and order up some biax (1708 or 1808) or roving for transom and stringer work.

Just an FYI my 23 transom inner skin was only one layer of mat (1.5oz?) and one layer of roving (18oz?) from the factory. I dont think that was a lot but it was a twin I/O model so... More glass is going back in.

Nice Boat!

[3rdday]

Yes what he said, get some 1700 biax cloth (no Matt) & 1708(with Matt). You don't need to bulk with matt in all areas. In joints and structural areas just layers of cloth. The cloth with matt is a RESIN HOG. Ex. Top of deck 1 layer 1708 and 1 layer cloth/ underside 1-2 layers cloth(no reason to bulk underneath). I made 2 additional layers with 1200 glass tape on the underside of my deck in a grid pattern only where the deck will rest on stringers, ribs, bulkheads.Make sure the cloth is compatible with the epoxy, some of the cloths that are used with polyester and vinylester are not with epoxy.If the people you get your materal dont know, take samples of cloth, wet them out and look for cloudiness or milkiness ?SP? If its not clear it MAY not compatible.
Stay with the epoxy, especially the non blushing- I used non blushing epoxy- it is slower, but not in large masses, in large masses it will kick and exotherm fast! If you don't already know, you must catalyze at the exact recommended ratio, no under or over catalyzing, also double check if it's by weight or by volume. I used all composite coring it was only 10-15 bucks a sheet more than the appropriate marine ply. Good Luck ! Have fun

[KenB]

Hi Ken,

Whats the rating on that trailer? Does it say? Just curious.

Nice project. 10oz cloth is pretty good for finishing cloth. Nicer than that 6oz stuff. Do your self a favor and order up some biax (1708 or 1808) or roving for transom and stringer work.

Just an FYI my 23 transom inner skin was only one layer of mat (1.5oz?) and one layer of roving (18oz?) from the factory. I dont think that was a lot but it was a twin I/O model so... More glass is going back in.

Nice Boat!

I think the rating on the trailer itself is 6500, does that sound right? I have a non-actuator hitch on there now, which is rated to 5000. Had to add the new hitch because the hitch the trailer came with was a commercial 10,000 lb 2 1/2" (?) ball. (And I couldn't get either the ball or the towing extension off of my truck).

Nat suggested new hubs, so I will take a look at the suspension and then make the call. Feeling better about it though. A new trailer would be great, just not sure if it is a high priority right now.


For the roving question... I did a 3x 10 oz schedule on a tolman skiff, and was happy with the results. I will definitely use 1708 or 1700 for the joints.