Top cap to 25 Sea Vee

[TODDMANCHU]

I am considering recoring half of the top cap to my 25 Sea Vee Inboard. The forward half is fine and doesn't need anything but paint. The rear half I would like to cut from the front half, remove and re core to strengthen for swivel tuna rod holders. I have never done this before. After removing the rub rail and all screws from cap it only seems tabbed with FG in several locations. Am I making a mistake thinking that I can cut the cap in half and do this job? Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[TODDMANCHU]

141 views and no opinions, wow

[FLexpat]

I don't know how the SeaVee is put together but I would go for it.
Here are a few thoughts:
Figure out exactly how you will splice it back together BEFORE you cut it and make sure that cut location will have enough room to do it.
Make sure your backing does not extend too deep down and interfere with putting the cap back on.
Make sure your hull does not 'spring' out on the sides after you pull the cap; read Stricks rebuild thread to see what I'm talking about.
Think about everything you might possibly want to do with the cap off (wiring, hoses, access hatches, etc.) and just do them.

Have fun - sounds like a neat project.

[McGillicuddy]

Post a picture. I presume you're talking about gunwale cap and the lip of the cap lays over the hull like a shoebox lid. People cut the cap on SeaCrafts and re-glass all the time when redoing transoms, stern lockers, etc. 12:1 feathering is the standard when re-connecting. Probably get away with less feathering since you're coring the underside.

Have you considered removing existing core and then reinserting new core from underneath?

Post a picture. One of these Pottery experts will chime in.

[fat2nawilly]

todd Ive done a few cap re cores on the 23' seacrafts, its a pretty easy job if you have fiberglass experience, Ive taking the caps off whole and flipped them upside down to DE core/grind and replace core and glass back together. I personally like to keep the caps in one piece if possible. just make sure you brace the hull after taking the cap off bc it will/can spread.

[Billybob]

Might be easier to keep the cap in one piece and pull the whole thing off instead of cutting it in half and having to splice it back together. Is it possible to just beef up the rodholder areas from underneath?

[TODDMANCHU]

I think Ive managed to attach some pics. Should I fiberglass the hull sides to the top cap when reinforcing gunnel? Ive got a bunch of 4" FG tape. Also what type of sealant should I put under the outside cap lip before reinstalling the rub rail?

[chriselk]

Why not just put some coosa reinforcement under (cabosil epoxy and temp screw) and later glass it in. No need to remove.

[TODDMANCHU]

I think that's what I will do.