1989 Australian Flightcraft 18XLT Deck/Stringers/Upholstery Resto

[vincentkm]

Re: 1989 Australian Flightcraft 18XLT Deck/Stringers/Upholstery Resto

Here is what the cut looks like from inside the boat.

Woodonglass- I do plan on patching also from inside. The hull is still really thin from what I ground out. I think I just decided to do epoxy for the rest of my repairs. I want to get a big order into US composites today. Looking at starting off with 5 gallons epoxy and 10 yards of 1708. Sound reasonable? I am doing stringers, motor mounts and the deck from transom up to dashboard Also patching that cut on the inside with epoxy. Since I can't use CSM with epoxy, what do I use? Just 1708?

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1989 Australian Flightcraft 18XLT Deck/Stringers/Upholstery Resto

Really no need for epoxy the Poly is just fine. Your outside repair is ok as long as you do the inside with a layer of CSM and two of 1708. You can sand and fair the outside to make it blend. If you do go with epoxy then you only use cloth 17 oz and 6 oz.

 

[vincentkm]

Re: 1989 Australian Flightcraft 18XLT Deck/Stringers/Upholstery Resto

I am gonna do epoxy. On US composites, 1708 biaxial is listed as being suitable for epoxy layups.. I would like to reinforce the entire hull with some epoxy/1708. Also redo transom tabing the same way. Then tab the new stringers and motor mounts. Again, same epoxy and 1708. Can someone explain where I need to use cloth? I was plannng on only using it on the bottoms of the decks.

So maybe I could interpret you this way: We can't use CSM with epoxy. so substitute 8oz or 17oz cloth where you would normally use csm with poly. Is that what you mean?

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: 1989 Australian Flightcraft 18XLT Deck/Stringers/Upholstery Resto

If US Comps says their DBM1708 Biax is compatible w epoxy it likely is. But their DB170 Biax w/out mat is cheaper by the yard, and likely weighs less per yard. Less weigh means less shipping (sometimes) and although the 50" wide DB170 is 'only' @$0.65/yard cheaper, at 10+yds, it is $6.50 cheaper. Use the DBM1708, but it will also take more resin to wet it out then 170, and that will also add cost & weight.

I'd suggest you call US Comps & discuss w/ them what & how you intend to do your rehab & ask them to advise you on cloth vs biax, strength, cost, weight and benefits to working w/ epoxy & the fiberglass materials they recommend.

I'm not sure if this will help any, but it's free fiberglass info, and it covers epoxy & poly, cloth & biax.

 

[vincentkm]

Re: 1989 Australian Flightcraft 18XLT Deck/Stringers/Upholstery Resto

Interesting info, jbcurt. I hear what you are saying about the cost and resin savings, but I am not sure that is my number one concern. I think strength and ease of use are more important to me.

I think I am leaning towards 1708 because it seems nice to work with according to the videos I have seen from friscoboater. The DB170 will probably be the same or easier to work with, but doesn't the mat provide some strength and bonding as well?

For example, if I use the same layup schedule, which will be better? 2 layers of 1708 or 2 layers of DB170? The $7 dollars saved over $10 yards is no concern to me, and I am already planning on purchasing quite a bit more resin than I expect to use.

I really value all of your input. So if anyone has experience using 1708 with epoxy I am interested to hear. Also, jbcurt00 - besides cost and resin consumption, do you foresee any other issues with using 1708 (problems getting wet out, anything like that)?

Vinnie

 

[vincentkm]

Re: 1989 Australian Flightcraft 18XLT Deck/Stringers/Upholstery Resto

Also:

I plan on using PL Premium to bed the stringers, and epoxy for filleting, laminating and fairing the deck surface. Is this sound?

 

[cofooter]

Re: 1989 Australian Flightcraft 18XLT Deck/Stringers/Upholstery Resto

Also:

I plan on using PL Premium to bed the stringers, and epoxy for filleting, laminating and fairing the deck surface. Is this sound?

Vinnie, was planning to do the same thing with my Flightcraft. At the point where I need to get going. Would like to hear the experts thoughts on this technique. Good luck with your build.