Question? Refitting first boat and need opinions

#1Pacific · Oct-21-2009, 11:49 AM

Hey everyone! I am new to BD and just looking around for ideas. I just bought my first offshore boat and I am completely refitting the boat. It is a 27' 1980 Sportcraft fisherman w/ a new 350 HP Cummins that I am making into a dive/grouper boat. I will put some pics up later to show the progress. I am a woodworker by trade so I have learned a lot about fiberglass and gelcoat over the past few weeks. I am regelcoating the boat from the keel to the bridge. I have stripped her down and nothing is left but the engine and hull. I think that I have everything figured out pretty well, I just need some opinions on a few things. I am thinking about building my swim/dive platform out of composite decking. Has anyone else tried this?
Also, I am looking to replace all the hatch covers. What is the best material to use as a substrate for fiberglass. I would like to get away with plywood/foam for the ice boxes and just plywood for the access hatches. Is there a better alterative besides the $100/sheet honeycomb board? And the last thing I want to do is build tackle stations for the capt. chairs to sit on instead of just a pole. Can I get away with plywood and FG here also? Does the plywood need to be treated even though it will be covered in FG? Does anyone know of any good websites for FB tips?
Thanks in advance.
Kenny/ FL

Phat Matt · Oct-21-2009, 05:40 PM

Check this post out..I think it will help you out.

Matty

http://www.bloodydecks.com/forums/ch...storation.html (22.5ft Complete restoration...)

sitkaboater · Oct-21-2009, 06:36 PM

look into Coosa Board. Its great stuff and hold screws well and supposed to be stronger than Plywood. I'd stay away from treated plywood some treated material doesn't bond well with resins.

Good Luck look forward to your progress.

Mike F.

#1Pacific · Oct-21-2009, 08:23 PM

I saw that one the other day Matt. Have you seen anymore like that on here? I am not doing quite as an extensive rebuild as that guy. My boat is in good shape it just needs some updating.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phat Matt

Check this post out..I think it will help you out.

Matty

http://www.bloodydecks.com/forums/ch...storation.html (22.5ft Complete restoration...)

fishnazzi · Oct-21-2009, 08:31 PM

Try this link I bet it will help.

Boat plans, boat building kits for amateur boat builders

pescaloco · Oct-22-2009, 08:46 AM

Ply wood is fine it is used through out the marine industy
treated ply wood is used by some, Greenwood Industries xl boat panels, but like it was said there is concern about how well it can be bonded.

composite panels are ofcourese lighter and rot proof(or resistant)

If you cant swing the cost of epoxy (that would be recommended with wood)
Atleast upgrade your resin to vinylester, it has better bonding properties and works much better where there is a secondary bond, like when you glass this stuff to the existing substarte