Glasplyguy
Recruit
- Joined
- May 15, 2011
- Messages
- 1
Brand spank'n new to this forum. Seems like the knowledge well is deep. So I have a question.
Context- I have an old 1979 Glasply 2410 (24 footer) that was completly gutted that I am reincarnating. I knew the transom was bad and needed to be replaced when I bought it, but because the Mercruiser 302 and O/D had already been removed I decided to take it on anyway. I've just completed the first layup of the new transom and I have some decisions to make, and I'd like to ask some questions for the experts.
What I've done so far- I removed everything (glass, wood, filler, rot, etc.) up to the original 1/4" glass and gelcoat shell. Drilled a couple hundred 3/16" holes through the shell about every 3-4" (for pulling the new plywood to the shell). Everything sanded down smooth and clean (lots of acetone and vacuuming).
I glassed in with vinyl ester a complete sheet of 1703 three layer bi-axial E-cloth (approx 3/32" thick) across the inner shell face, wrapping the corners and bottom about 3". Next a wetted out a prefitted sheet of 1" marine plywood and pinned it to the transom with a couple hundred sheetrock screws. Current built up thickness is about 1-3/8". I'm going to cover this in another layer of 1703 and another layer of plywood tomorrow.
I have several additional choices of plywood thickness in my shop (1/2", 3/4", 1") and enough E-cloth for three more layers. This brings me to my first questions:
How thick should my transom be? How thick is too thick?
My next questions will likely have a great bearing on the first questions:
Since I am cutting a new hole in the transom and I can make it any configuration I want, what do I want?
My plan is to find a suitable host boat that I can take for a test drive to ensure everything works well, buy it, and cannibalize the 350/351 out of it for my Glasply. So, what powerplant makes the most sense for my saltwater fishing machine, Mercruiser or Volvo and why?
Looking forward to some great feedback and opinions.
Thanks, in advance.
Glasplyguy
Context- I have an old 1979 Glasply 2410 (24 footer) that was completly gutted that I am reincarnating. I knew the transom was bad and needed to be replaced when I bought it, but because the Mercruiser 302 and O/D had already been removed I decided to take it on anyway. I've just completed the first layup of the new transom and I have some decisions to make, and I'd like to ask some questions for the experts.
What I've done so far- I removed everything (glass, wood, filler, rot, etc.) up to the original 1/4" glass and gelcoat shell. Drilled a couple hundred 3/16" holes through the shell about every 3-4" (for pulling the new plywood to the shell). Everything sanded down smooth and clean (lots of acetone and vacuuming).
I glassed in with vinyl ester a complete sheet of 1703 three layer bi-axial E-cloth (approx 3/32" thick) across the inner shell face, wrapping the corners and bottom about 3". Next a wetted out a prefitted sheet of 1" marine plywood and pinned it to the transom with a couple hundred sheetrock screws. Current built up thickness is about 1-3/8". I'm going to cover this in another layer of 1703 and another layer of plywood tomorrow.
I have several additional choices of plywood thickness in my shop (1/2", 3/4", 1") and enough E-cloth for three more layers. This brings me to my first questions:
How thick should my transom be? How thick is too thick?
My next questions will likely have a great bearing on the first questions:
Since I am cutting a new hole in the transom and I can make it any configuration I want, what do I want?
My plan is to find a suitable host boat that I can take for a test drive to ensure everything works well, buy it, and cannibalize the 350/351 out of it for my Glasply. So, what powerplant makes the most sense for my saltwater fishing machine, Mercruiser or Volvo and why?
Looking forward to some great feedback and opinions.
Thanks, in advance.
Glasplyguy
