1976 22' Starcraft Islander Rebuild

[jasoutside]

Re: 1976 22' Starcraft Islander Rebuild

You guys crack me up!

OK, just did some math. I'll be way into the $200 range, maybe pushing $300ish with sheers, epoxy, glass, shipping bla, bla. Pass. I'm a bottom feeder. I have come to accept that many moons ago.

Becides, that 40 footer with twin 454's hammering me like apple here, that extra glass won't make one bit of difference.

Nuf said, game on.

 

[djpeters]

Re: 1976 22' Starcraft Islander Rebuild

What's the main reason to add mat to the epoxy? I thought the reason for using epoxy over poly for coating our decks, transoms, consoles, side panels....was that you didn't need to add mat. This adding mat to epoxy for basically "waterproofing" would seem to be way overkill. I though most would agree just the epoxy is overkill.....

 

[yooperangler]

Re: 1976 22' Starcraft Islander Rebuild

I'm certainly no expert on either but thought I would add my two cents ( or less). I for one am still debating on using the epoxy and whether or not is necessary and certainly don't plan on using glass as well. I haven't read any threads yet where someone said OMG my floor shattered but I would like to know if anyone thinks this is a real concern? if it is I'll just paint mine and redo it in a few years. After all its only plywood and a few rivets fastened over a nice shiny aluminum hull Its not like I need to worry about my stringers rotting and breaking loose

 

[yooperangler]

Re: 1976 22' Starcraft Islander Rebuild

PS Jas excellent work so far can't wait to see it all together!!!

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 1976 22' Starcraft Islander Rebuild

I thought the reason for using epoxy over poly for coating our decks, transoms, consoles, side panels....was that you didn't need to add mat. This adding mat to epoxy for basically "waterproofing" would seem to be way overkill. I though most would agree just the epoxy is overkill.....

Yah dj, your understanding is my understanding as well (I hope we are right bro). The idea of a super uber strong/stiff waterproof deck is appealing to me, bot not at that kinda cost. So I guess I'll just stick with a strong/stiff waterproof deck (sans super uber part). I am totally cool with that.

PS Jas excellent work so far can't wait to see it all together!!!

You and me both my northern friend, you and me both! My nearly 6 year old Ryan was asking me about camping out in "the big boat" yesterday. I said "you bet buddy!" Some of my favorite places are up your way, yoop

 

[fat fanny]

Re: 1976 22' Starcraft Islander Rebuild

No matter what anybody says J that 1st pic (not to be unseen) is a classic work of art and enginuity period picasso would be proud! You know what would really keep em talking is after you coat the deck with what ever is if you paint it the same color as the Partridge Family bus!!!!!!!!

 

[proshadetree]

Re: 1976 22' Starcraft Islander Rebuild

Just epoxy is better than bare plywood. Epoxy with Csm is a little better but kind of messy to do. Epoxy with even a 2oz mat will add strength and help to avoid water intrusion. I just used poly on the bottom of a 1975 Sidewinder 15 years ago. Then glassed the edges and 1 run of light mat like you get from walle world. Deck has been left out in the weather for last 12 years. When I looked at it before redoing my Bayliner it was strong as a ox. You got to weigh the cost in labor to redo. My time isnt free when working on a boat I should be using. You do not need shears or loads of special tools. Scissors and a paintbrush are the cheap way out. Ja there are many right ways to do this but only one right for you. Are you going to Glass it all over and be a bondo boater with me? Have a good week end my man.

 

[kilowatts]

Re: 1976 22' Starcraft Islander Rebuild

Hi Guys:

I hesitate to add my opinion here as Jas has done such a terrific job so far and I don't even own a tinny! But...

What's the point of adding all the waterproofing to a wood deck in a tin boat when you can't possibly stop the water from running down the sides and into the bilge? The only reason to completely waterproof the deck is for a self baling deck which does not vent to the bilge, that would be for aluminum or fiberglass construction, no? As far as I can see most of the tin boat manufacturers use a vinyl deck material stuck on the plywood deck anyway. I did just that in my boat to replace the teak grating which covered the fuel tank. I was tired of cleaning out the carp which fell into the grating and made up a vinyl covered plywood replacement with excellent results. Cheap too Jas!

What do you think?

kilowatts

 

[djpeters]

Re: 1976 22' Starcraft Islander Rebuild

I think the point is simply to keep the deck from rotting quicker. I don't believe anyone is trying to keep a watertight deck, just protect the wood so it will outlast the owner. The majority of the older tin boats had carpet right over the ply. I don't know if Starcraft or others waterproofed their decks in any way frrom the factory.

I was surprised this came up because I believe 95% of the info on here about re-doing tin boat decks and panels say poly and mat for more work, but cheap, or just epoxy with less work but more money. Seems the majority have been going epoxy only.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 1976 22' Starcraft Islander Rebuild

Are you going to Glass it all over and be a bondo boater with me?

Hey dood, if I cut up glassers and put them in big chunks out to the curb for the man who drives the big green crusher truck, does that make me a glasser guy too? Can we hang out?

Much heart PST

I hesitate to add my opinion here as Jas has done such a terrific job so far and I don't even own a tinny!

Heck no, stop by anytime and chip in KW! It's all for the greater good of the iboats community, eh!

What's the point of adding all the waterproofing to a wood deck in a tin boat when you can't possibly stop the water from running down the sides and into the bilge?

Actually, that is exactly what will happen. Any water on deck will run right over the sides of the deck, make it's way into the bilge, and pumped over the side.

The plywood is completely sealed in epoxy, on all sides, so no water should touch it (at least for a very, very long time).

I don't know if Starcraft or others waterproofed their decks in any way frrom the factory.

Agreed. I am nearly certain that there was zero effort in sealing up any of the wood on this Islander and it lasted 35 years. So, how long will it last now? I think it's safe to say at least that long. Probably waaaaaayyyyy longer if I don't park in under a tree and let it sit uncovered for years on end.

------------------------------------------------------

Well, this glassen decks is a good chat to be sure for all of us backyard boat builders. But, for this Islander, it's not to be. I just laid down the first coat on the full deck. I'll shoot up some photos tomorrow, I am wiped.

Cheers guys

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1976 22' Starcraft Islander Rebuild

This decision is clearly keeping you up at night

 

[proshadetree]

Re: 1976 22' Starcraft Islander Rebuild

Even if you just glassed the deck and still have the aluminum sides you are a glasser. So even though you have sinned yep we can hang out. Do you think you will own the boat 25 years from now? Most don't so you possibly made the best financial decision. Cant wait for some progress pics. I am sure glad you didnt bring up band camp. Have a great weekend man.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 1976 22' Starcraft Islander Rebuild

This decision is clearly keeping you up at night

No doubt! Posting past 9 again! I should go back and read over what I wrote, probably garbage.

Even if you just glassed the deck and still have the aluminum sides you are a glasser. So even though you have sinned yep we can hang out. Do you think you will own the boat 25 years from now? Most don't so you possibly made the best financial decision. Cant wait for some progress pics. I am sure glad you didnt bring up band camp. Have a great weekend man.

Yah, I plan on having this boat for a good length of time.

I'll have to see if I have that video from band camp, should be here somewhere...

Man, I still can't believe you, uh....:facepalm:

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 1976 22' Starcraft Islander Rebuild

Ok, so just a little progress...

Here is that bow most seat box/cabin wall piece I laminated a few days ago. I trimmed it to accommodate the fuel lines and such. Here is a dry fit...

That will get PB epoxy on the bottom edge to laminate to the deck and bolted into the bow hatch boxes.

When I laminated the two 1/2" pieces I trimmed one short by a 1/2" making for a rabbit...

When that piece is butted up with the bow hatch boxes it actually creates a dado which will be used to receive the cabin walls. Should be bomber.

I sanded everything down, rounded the edges and laid a few coats of epoxy on all sides...

My plan is to laminate everything to everything else.

Seat boxes to cabin walls, side panels to the cabin walls and transom, seat boxes to side panels, cabin walls to bow hatches, and everything to the deck. Should make for one solid piece of structure.

It took me about 4 series of fill/sand/feather to have those seams on the deck to where I was feeling pretty good, nice and smooth. So last night I sanded everything one more time, vacuumed and cleaned with acetone, then down went the first full coat of epoxy on the deck topside...

That first coat drew in a lot of epoxy, good stuff. Those poles/paddles are there to keep the boat cover from falling into my freshly laid epoxy. After that shot I threw on the boat cover and fired up the wood burner for bake mode.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 1976 22' Starcraft Islander Rebuild

Side note...

I know there was talk of epoxy cracking/breaking up the way there ^^^^.

So I have been doing a bunch of epoxy work in my basement and now I have epoxy all over the floor. There were a few big chunks from some PB epoxy that stuck to the concrete floor. I got tired of tripping on them so I too my 4 lb. hammer to em. The epoxy didn't break, but the concrete did. I'd say that is pretty strong.

 

[djpeters]

Re: 1976 22' Starcraft Islander Rebuild

Good work, I will be starting on my deck next week.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: 1976 22' Starcraft Islander Rebuild

I think just the epoxy will handle a few anchors or downrigger balls being dropped on it. I had no idea my deck was gonna end up as strong as it is with just the resin. Tough stuff for sure.

Looking great Jason, keep up the good work.

 

[proshadetree]

Re: 1976 22' Starcraft Islander Rebuild

I can help they made me ride in a tinny at band camp and I liked it. Please dont show the vid. Great looking deck. I might have to steal that joint ideal on my next project.

 

[Golden Arrow II]

Re: 1976 22' Starcraft Islander Rebuild

Looking good Jay, its a great day and feeling to finally get the floor down and epoxied. Its nice to be able to walk around in the boat instead of having to step over and around stuff all the time. The rest of the construction should go quick for you. Now getting the motor and wiring in is going to be a different learning curve. lol. Hopefully when school gets out you can spend a little bit more time on her and get it wraped up and enjoy it.

 

[Triton II]

Re: 1976 22' Starcraft Islander Rebuild

Wow, nice solid looking deck Jason. Won't be long before you and the kids are overnighting on the lake in the big girl!

TII