What's the right way to do this?

[ShawnQ]

Here is what the bow of my boat looks like as it is, only I dont have the gel coat/webbing, I had carpet.<br /><br />

<br /><br />I am thinking of adding these side boxes to my boat:<br /><br />

<br /><br />and another view (without cushions):<br /><br />

<br /><br />and one last angle:<br /><br />

<br /><br />My current boat was purchased without this option, and I think I would prefer to have them because they offer additional storage and seating.<br /><br />How should I go about bracing these boxes, and glassing them in?<br /><br />My main concern is the fact that if I use screws on the gunnels, they will go right threw. So, I will need to support the gunnel side with nothing more then epoxy gluing and fiberglassing, with cleats glued down for support, if the need be.<br /><br />I could anchor into the vertical face of the front deck, no problem there. I could also anchor to the floor on the inside with cleats, and glass the outside with a putty fillet and a tape seam.<br /><br />What would you recommend?<br /><br />I am considering doing this while I have the interior out of the boat.<br /><br />If actual pictures of my boat (so you can see the structure) would help, let me know.<br /><br />Thanks!<br />Shawn

 

[crab bait]

Re: What's the right way to do this?

i'd epoxy two 1x1 or 1x2 P T wood strips on hull verticle .. duct tape or wood lenght brace against to other side of hull as per clamp.. <br /><br />next day,, do the other side an the two horizonal pieces.. top & floor.. <br /><br /> pt ply build an carpet.. <br /><br />i think it's a wise move to add boxes.. i love it.. good stowage in a not much used space..<br /><br />don't apply great pressure.. an squeeze all the glue out.. just hold in place.. <br /><br />remove excess squwish glue from ply skin side..

 

[pjc]

Re: What's the right way to do this?

IMO avoid pressure treated wood. Use a good fir or hardwood (oak) as suggested above and treat with CPES. CPES is a thinned penetrating epoxy that has anti fungal (rot) additives specifically for wet environments, be it boat or other application.<br /><br />my 2cents.

 

[KeltonKrew]

Re: What's the right way to do this?

wanna trade boats....I'm almost through with mine and always wanted a bluewave....just couldn't afford one

 

[ShawnQ]

Re: What's the right way to do this?

Kelton,<br /><br />I got mine very cheap...and will probably end up selling the outboard that's on it this year, and repowering with a Yamaha 150. It has a 88spl Evinrude on it, and believe it or not it pushes it about 32-35mph. That's awesome for a 90hp on a 19ft boat!<br />If your whaler was a 19', I'd consider it. I'd be an idiot for trading a 19ft boat for a 13ft, especially one that is 30yrs older I like your boat though, nice hull design!<br /><br />As for the tips:<br /><br />I am currently making a drawing with my ideas. I will post it up for you all to constructively criticize

 

[KeltonKrew]

Re: What's the right way to do this?

cool...post them<br /><br />ps...my boat is 40 years old <br /><br />just sprayed new gel-coat today.....say hi to my wife...She's in SA this weekend for a dog show!<br /><br />Later!

 

[ShawnQ]

Re: What's the right way to do this?

Kelton, <br /><br />Show pics of the Gelcoat and explain the process a little if you dont mind!!<br /><br />You can email if you want, S_Queeney@hotmail.com<br /><br />There are a few nicks/scrapes in the very bottom of the bluewave from the previous owner, and I was considering re-doing it (just because I always want something to work on, or else I'll get bored with it..)<br /><br />I Was told that it is nearly impossible to do on your own, and that you have to really put a lot of labor into buffing it to make it shine. How did yours turn out?<br /><br />I have painted several cars (worked at a bigtime autobody shop for a while painting and paint-prepping while in high school), and I am definitely not scared with a spray gun. I was told that several people use basic Base/Clear on the hullsides and it last/holds up awesome to the elements...this is what I was planning to do.<br /><br />Here's the picture. Kind of quick and very elementary, but it gets the job done. <br /><br />

<br /><br />The red is basically a 1x1 or 1x2 that would be screwed to the hull, and epoxy glued (screws only where I wont puncture the exterior).<br />These will act as bracing to support the lid and the top. On the vertical pieces, I will glue them down, then but another piece to them to form an 'L' so that I can have a surface to screw/glue the face piece to.<br /><br />In the corners, I will probably build a 'truss' or 'brace' to make it a bit more rigid. <br /><br />I will probably construct the face and top as one piece, and then put it on the braces all at once.<br /><br />I really just need to find some cheap plywood or styrofoam and make a model, maybe even cardboard. I'm not sure if I want to make them full length like on the factory ones.<br /><br />I'll let you all know what I decide to do. I will probably try to knock this out this weekend if I do end up going for it. I also want to see how much floor space I'll lose. It may be a little to cramped, and may prevent me from doing it. We'll see.<br /><br />Thanks for the help.<br /><br />Shawn

 

[KeltonKrew]

Re: What's the right way to do this?

http://www.keltonkrew.com/whaler-restore.htm<br /><br />look at the link above....I need to take photos after shooting the gel.<br /><br />It wasn't hard...granted I will have some wet-sanding to do but this stuff is much tougher than paint....<br /><br />I will start sanding tomorrow....the prep work is the same for paint/gel. the work after for the gel is more labor intensive, but will hold up much better.<br /><br />I sprayed 3 coats of gel (1.5 gallons) for my 13' whaler. in the link above, i put a link to the gun that I used. I wetsanded a 1 x 1 foot section and polished tonight.....looks better than an auto finish!<br /><br />It is not impossible to do on your own if you have the guts to attempt it....you might try the gel paste instead of the whole hull..<br /><br />I too used to work in a major body shop, so the spraying was nothing new, although I used a gravity fed HVLP gun which i've never used before...hardly any overspray. Too bad you're 4 hours away or we could collaborate!<br /><br />email me and I'll give you my phone # (or sene me yours..I have unlimited long distace) and we can talk about it<br /><br />from my experience with paint, it scratches more easily. I sprayed a test board last night, sanded, and polished it...took a screw and tried to scratch....barely could make a mark..with paint, it would have left a nasty scratch...IMO, gel is the only way to go

 

[ShawnQ]

Re: What's the right way to do this?

keltonkrew,<br /><br />I was looking at your website earlier today, and think you've got a great scrapbook going for your project!<br /><br />I have a gun that I can use, just need to buy a larger nozzle.<br /><br />I may end up doing this in the future, and I will get ahold of you if I do.<br /><br />Going to bed, going crappie fishing (off the dock)at 5am, and then coming home to work on the boat!

 

[KeltonKrew]

Re: What's the right way to do this?

If you do, you know how to contact me...Hope your fishing went well....I'm dying to go!!!