1988 Imperial 280sf engine swap and restoration (pics)

[zool]

Re: 1988 Imperial 280sf engine swap and restoration (pics)

Update.

I test clamped the transom in with a few braces, and tightened it down to make sure it snug up tight. I think im gonna make a few more braces, then take it apart, clean up the area, and just glue it in with thickened epoxy. Im hoping to get it all set, glued, and maybe filleted today.

 

[GWPSR]

Re: 1988 Imperial 280sf engine swap and restoration (pics)

Transom time is exciting. It's a huge, heavy piece of lumber, and a lot of epoxy, and requires a lot of coordination and planning, so when it's done, you feel like you've really accomplished something.

 

[zool]

Re: 1988 Imperial 280sf engine swap and restoration (pics)

Transom time is exciting. It's a huge, heavy piece of lumber, and a lot of epoxy, and requires a lot of coordination and planning, so when it's done, you feel like you've really accomplished something.

Yeah GW, it sure does feel good , but im beat up, I had to set the mixing table in the shade outside the boat, so i had to keep getting in and out to mix pint size batches, took 4. The volvo keyholes are huge so a big non resin area. Then in and out again to tighten it all down, but its all good now. The epoxy did weep out of all the little holes in the transom skin, so that was fun chasing them with a rag and thinner.

All clamped, screwed, and glued.




Didnt get a chance to filet it, plus the braces are in the way. I guess ill leave it clamped for a few days....

 

[zool]

Re: 1988 Imperial 280sf engine swap and restoration (pics)

I still have some grinding to do on the hull bottom, after I get the rest of that board thing that runs along the keel area. I dont know what its called, but it rotted. I hate to put wood back at the lowest gravity area, but im sure its needed. It also serves as a base to screw in the bilge pumps.



Got to get some wood for the stringers, which means progress

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1988 Imperial 280sf engine swap and restoration (pics)

It's called " That wood thing the the Bilge Pumps screw into!!!"

 

[GWPSR]

Re: 1988 Imperial 280sf engine swap and restoration (pics)

I struggled with finding a name too. Maybe "bilge sole", or "hull plate", or maybe just "TWTTTBPST"

 

[zool]

Re: 1988 Imperial 280sf engine swap and restoration (pics)

I scored some better ply for the stringers, its acx and 6 ply with no voids. Ill use the remaining bcx I have for "That wood thing the the Bilge Pumps screw into". I kept the old stringers pieces as templates and i guess ill laminate them in the boat because theres no way to get the full lengths in place if i make them in the shop. I guess I should coat them in pieces like the transom, then screw them to the existing stringers, then glue them to the hull with epoxy. Probably easier said then done..

Any preference between coated deck screws or stainless screws if i leave them in place and glass over?

 

[GWPSR]

Re: 1988 Imperial 280sf engine swap and restoration (pics)

Pssst ... cut out one of the keyholes. Really handy for sliding long stock into the hull.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1988 Imperial 280sf engine swap and restoration (pics)

Coated deck screws once encapsulated in resin and glass will be there for the grandkids!!!! Course that's just an Old Dumb Okies opinion!!!!

 

[archbuilder]

Re: 1988 Imperial 280sf engine swap and restoration (pics)

I used stainless, but if it is water tight I don't think it will matter.....but I like belts and suspenders so to speak, which explains why my projects get so expensive

 

[zool]

Re: 1988 Imperial 280sf engine swap and restoration (pics)

Pssst ... cut out one of the keyholes. Really handy for sliding long stock into the hull.

Heavens to Murgatroyd!.If I wasnt the only one building this, id consider fireing myself :facepalm:

I was gonna cut those out later, after building up the inner skin, but I way as well at least rough cut them....I may glass the keyhole edge and fair to the inner and outer skin.

 

[zool]

Re: 1988 Imperial 280sf engine swap and restoration (pics)

I used stainless, but if it is water tight I don't think it will matter.....but I like belts and suspenders so to speak, which explains why my projects get so expensive

I have stainless on hand, but a little long, i could always cut off the protruding points with a wheel.

BTW, so far so good on the lake guy, not a peep out of him since, hopefully i achieved your live and let live scenario...If you ever pass by this way. theres a key by the door. Im new to the lake thing, being i grew up on the bay, and became an ocean going salt. Wallenpaupack has dock and dine/drink and is 13 miles long, so i was attracted to that hehe. I need a destination for a cruise, never got the circle the lake thing.

 

[zool]

Re: 1988 Imperial 280sf engine swap and restoration (pics)

Coated deck screws once encapsulated in resin and glass will be there for the grandkids!!!! Course that's just an Old Dumb Okies opinion!!!!

Yeah, thats what i figured, when i took it apart, I found rusted staples for the scabs, and finish nails!...thanks Mike..gonna scrounge around for what i have.

 

[archbuilder]

Re: 1988 Imperial 280sf engine swap and restoration (pics)

I did the grind the end off trick a couple of times myself...one size fits all . That looks like a nice lake, but I see what you mean on circles. I go to Eufaula, which is about 22 times larger according to google. A lot of the lakes around here are man made and have a tendency to be large sprawled out things with lots of arms....and its a long drive to the ocean . I'm leaving for four days out there tonight, can't wait! Looking forward to your next update!

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1988 Imperial 280sf engine swap and restoration (pics)

Yeah, thats what i figured, when i took it apart, I found rusted staples for the scabs, and finish nails!...thanks Mike..gonna scrounge around for what i have.

I've torn a LOT of old decks apart and those screws that have been there for 10 + years exposed to the elements come out looking like new in some cases. Those that had been cared for just a bit with some water seal etc. DID look like new. With Resin and Glass I have NO DOUBTS they will be 100% fine. But I guess you're NOT building a Deck for a house so better not listen to me. The boat building pros will probably come along and smack me down!!!!!

 

[zool]

Re: 1988 Imperial 280sf engine swap and restoration (pics)

Update:

Today I lammed up the outer stringers long nough to go from transom to cabin wall bulkhead. Got them cut, glued, and wetted.





They will sister 46 inches of the existing stringers, and be tabbed to 2 bulkheads, and the transom.

 

[zool]

Re: 1988 Imperial 280sf engine swap and restoration (pics)

I also cut out the keyholes, to get the full length stringers in (nudge, nudge, wink, wink, say no more)



I wetted out the edges to keep moisture out for now.....

 

[Celtichawk]

Re: 1988 Imperial 280sf engine swap and restoration (pics)

Noted this build awhile ago but on board to see the rest!! Keep up the good work this inspiration for myself to re power mine in future and rebuild my transom.

 

[GWPSR]

Re: 1988 Imperial 280sf engine swap and restoration (pics)

Update:

Today I lammed up the outer stringers long nough to go from transom to cabin wall bulkhead. Got them cut, glued, and wetted.

Ooo ... smooth! Looks great.

I also cut out the keyholes, to get the full length stringers in (nudge, nudge, wink, wink, say no more)

:boink: :boink: :eyebrows: :eyebrows: :tape:

 

[zool]

Re: 1988 Imperial 280sf engine swap and restoration (pics)

Thanks Celtic, and welcome aboard

Still got a good amount of grinding to do. When they built this, they dumped in about a half inch of resin in the engine compartment, over some heavy cloth. There is alot of air pockets in it, the more i grind, the more i find. Its slow going with the 5" grinder, may have to pull out the big gun..