So after a 2 year hiatus, living in 3 different states, being neglected, and finally moving into my garage…my boat is finally seeing some work done to it again. I spent some time sanding the starboard tank, and then put a layer of 6 oz S-glass with the tows aligned 0, 90 covering the top and side of the tank. Given that I’m more concerned with structure than absolute lightest build, I decided to reinforce the seating portion of the tank, as well as the floor. To do this I place more 6 oz. S-Glass at a 45 degree angle across the tanks, to the floor, and up to the centerboard trunk. This “U” shape should serve to reinforce all three areas, and while the uneven floor made for a few tricky spots, a little extra epoxy down there certainly won’t hurt anything. Next step is to repeat the 45 degree reinforcement on the port tank which already has the 0,90 layup over its entire length. Here’s a few photos what this all looks like:
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- 0,90 6oz S-Glass draped on the tank, ready for Epoxy
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- From the bow, boat is suspended from the ceiling
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- First coat of epoxy is on, heat lamps to keep it curing
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- First 45 degree draped
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- First 45 degree epoxied in, second section draped.
This is a very interesting project! I saw your post on the U.S. 505 section. I had a wood-decked boat from the mid 60s build by Simonds.