1992 Stratos 2250 here we go again

[kcassells]

No way 5 to 1. Whats the point of that? Thats a fast setting epoxy. Typo. This 4 to 1. You are in a controlled space with temps.
4 to 1 FAST Epoxy Hardener
Our fast epoxy hardener is great for cold weather conditions or for those who prefer fast curing times at normal temperatures. It is good for fiberglass and composite layup as well as a fast cure bonding applications. The faster cure of this particular hardener will also result in a more rigid laminate.

 

[Arawak]

No way 5 to 1. Whats the point of that? Thats a fast setting epoxy.

Depends on the brand. West System 105 with slow hardener is 5:1. The intermediate hardener I normally use with E.A.S.T. System is too.

 

[Woodonglass]

Here's a tip I learned from a PRO using epoxy. He always uses the Medium mix and he always has a pot of hot water in the shop. He pours his resin in a plastic cup then sets it in the pot of hot water to warm it up and make it more viscous. After a few minutes he takes it out wipes the outside dry and then adds the hardener. He claims it kind of fools the resin into thinking the temps are a bit warmer than they actually are. Kinda like us Poly guys do with ICE when it gets hot . You might give it a try. NOTE: I AM NOT an Epoxy GURU so you should take all of this with the Proverbial "Grain of Salt"

 

[Arawak]

He always uses the Medium mix and he always has a pot of hot water in the shop. He pours his resin in a plastic cup then sets it in the pot of hot water to warm it up and make it more viscous. After a few minutes he takes it out wipes the outside dry and then adds the hardener. He claims it kind of fools the resin into thinking the temps are a bit warmer than they actually are.

That makes sense to me.

Another trick I've heard is to warm the surface it's going on to lower the viscosity for easier wet out.

 

[Woodonglass]

Come to think of it, He did use InfraRed Heat Lamps on the substrate as well. Thanks for reminding me!!! He Taped and Draped the Fabric over the area to allow the heat to relax the cloth and make it more pliable. He would also apply a coat of resin to the substrate first and then lay the fabric and then use a bubble buster to force the resin up thru the fabric from the back side before applying more resin on the topside to get the final wet out. He said it ensured the best bond. Again just passing on HIS techniques, NOT personal experience.

 

[ahmincha]

Wow lots of good info here thanks guy's I appreciate all your thoughts on this . Just trying to make a well informed decision.

I truly believe ve and also poly would be sufficient but with the investment this one is going to be I figure i'll be keeping it for a long while plus I also figure with the 4 strokes weighing more I might as well over build now

 

[sphelps]

Wow Minch this is quite a project ! From the first pics under the deck it looked to be in pretty good shape .. I guess looks can be deceiving .. I would love to have the lift in the garage . That would come in most handy ..Makes me want to get a bigger boat .... Well maybe ...
Tagging along for the ride ! :joyous:

 

[ahmincha]

Welcome aboard being a state owned boat in the back of my mind I new it would be rotten to some extent. I figured if they didn't own it why care. So I kinda had a plan and lucky for me so far it worked out.
Yes the lift has made it alot easier
On another note what you have done for Lisa and Kelly is truly a wonderful thing and I take my hat off to you .

 

[ahmincha]

pics of all the under plumbing Electric power fuel primer made emptying the tank easier Tank is out

 

[ahmincha]

And I found the foam The wet foam

 

[Corjen1]

Mincha, you are a machine!!!!! Great work as usual!!

 

[jc55]

That is quick work. I like how forward the tank seems to be. I think that's going to help the center of gravity if you choose a 4 stroke.

 

[ahmincha]

Thanks guys Tank is 96 gal I plan on replacing it. I plan on making it 3" narrower so that I could remove it in case of a issue

 

[sphelps]

What did they have the tank sitting on ? Looks like strips of rubber hose ....

 

[ahmincha]

Yes sphelps rubber or neoprene hose bottom both sides and 1 end. Then it was lagged into stringers thru 2x4 pressure treated. There was also water under tank and no way for it to get out Will have to work on that

 

[ahmincha]

I rechecked the hose looking things under the tank and it harder then rubber or neoprene more plastic like but not extremely hard but also not real soft either. Not sure if it just got hard over the years.
No boat work today was busy fixing cars (pays for the boat work) but I did figure out amount of foam in boat and there is only 16 cubic feet little disappointing

 

[jc55]

I snooped a little and see that you extended the transom supports on your jig. It's pretty spiffy being able to roll that thing outside.

 

[ahmincha]

Yeah you would think so but this thing is heavy LOL

 

[ahmincha]

Ok finally a little progress And I am trying something new cleaning up as I go

 

[Corjen1]

Holy Crap Minch.......Im glad I dont have to do all that glassing!!! How much do you think all those boxes will take? Great work as usual!!!!