Pre-laminating transom core?

gw204 · #1 04-06-2004, 10:14 PM

Guys, I figured I could save myself some time on the transom project this fall by going ahead and laminating the core (whether it be Coosa or marine ply) over the summer. Then when the time comes, just make a quick template and cut the whole thing to size and glass it in. Being the inexperienced glassman that I am, I figured this would allow me to take my time (figuratively speaking) and decrease the risk of poor lamination. I wouldn't have to worry about hopping in and out of the boat, I could drill all the necessary holes to thru-bolt ahead of time, etc., etc.

Is this a definite no-no?

PipeDreamsMarine · #2 04-07-2004, 08:20 AM

Brian... Put the tools down and step back from the boat.... [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] .. You may want to talk to Don at Hermco, he may have some input for you on this. I'd wait till your ready to do the job and then work the filler pieces as you go... Still on the back order list.. soon I hope..

pogden · #3 04-07-2004, 08:55 AM

Speaking from no personel experience, only from what I've heard here, it's best to do the job all at one time. But any areas that are not fresh(already dry) can be roughed up with a grinder to promote adhesion.
I was thinking of doing the same thing, I just not sure if it is a good idea or not. [img]/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

(Edit)
Come to think of it you can get some of the composite cores pre-laminated (with 18oz.glass), so I'm sure it would be alright.

gw204 · #4 04-07-2004, 09:47 AM

Don't worry Don, this is still just rumbliing around in my head. I haven't done anything to the boat yet. I'll give the other Don a call for some more information when I get a chance. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Ed · #5 04-07-2004, 11:49 AM

Hey Brian-

I would wait. Here is why...

The bond between the inner surface of the transom and the first new piece of transom core is very important. If the first piece of core is already laminated to the second piece of core, you'll have a much harder time of pulling the new core tight against the inner surface of the transom.

Bare plywood will bend to match the inner surface of teh transom when you temporarily screw and clamp it in place while you're waiting for the resin/glass to cure. If the plywood is already laminated with glass and another layer of plywood, I think it would be very, very difficult to get it to snug up tight against the inner transom surface.

Hope this makes sense.

Ed

Dave Hirshberg · #6 04-07-2004, 01:38 PM

You're ok laminating the core material together then cutting to the transom shape, but the outsides of this core need to be raw to adhere well to the boat itself. As far as pulling the laminated core against the transom skin, do yourself a favor and borrow big transom clamps from someone. Oh, and don't bother drilling any thru bolt holes because no matter how well you measure they will be off when its all said and done.
just my 02

gw204 · #7 04-07-2004, 02:13 PM

My plan was just to laminate the surfaces between the sheets of ply or composite, thus leaving the surface that contacts the outer skin of the transon untouched.

After removing the old core, I would cut the new core to size and dry fit it into the boat. At that time, I would bore the holes for the bolts so they should have no trouble lining up later. But, knowing my luck, they would somehow not line up... [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]