Who's idea was this anyway?
 

OK, I give...

SaltyDog and and I have been drilling out holes in the sole and filling them and prepping for paint. Today we discovered a couple of things that are pretty disturbing.

Where the leaning post and t-top were screwed to the sole, we opened up those holes only to discover the ply was wet. We went to a 5" hole saw to reveal the entire area. Still wet. Now we're cutting a 20" x 8' section of the starboard sole. The port side had only minor moisture. A major set back time wise.

http://www.foodmachinery.com/SeaCraf...s/DSC03680.JPG

Most disturbing is that upon close investigation the liner is 1" HIGHER ON THE STARBOARD SIDE in the stern and 3/8" shifted to the port at the bow. I feel like it's a lemon.

To make matters worse, I had another bad reaction to West System, waking up with my right eye swollen shut. My doctor kinda freaked and gave me prednazone (sp?). Leaving for Florida Thursday looking like a freak.

My apologies to Otterly Cool and the others regarding the Potter built quality. It's not just hardware and wiring, etc. It's even worse (on this '89) right where it hurts the most. Ideally, the liner should be removed, but due to time and budget constraints, we'll do the best we can and make sure the next one is a Potter hull...

The good news is that this boat rode great before I knew any of this and it can only be more solid when we're done. It should be good for another 20 years.

Please, no "I told ya so" comments. I'm bummed enough as it is. Encouragement will be appreciated.

Otto

[ February 11, 2003, 02:04 PM: Message edited by: Otto Cuyler ]

Re: Who's idea was this anyway?
 

Otto-

Are you wearing a full face respirator when your doing your work? If you are only wearing one that cover your nose & mouth, that probably why you're eye is swelling up.

If you haven't already done so, invest in a full face shield respirator and hood (this covers your neck too), and on top of that wear a hooded TYVEK suit (about $20??), chemical gloves and booties. You'll look like a spaceman, but it should keep the dust & fumes away from your body. I use this stuff any time I am helping out my friend at his shop.

I think I also read somewhere on this site, that if you wipe baby powder on your body & hands before you begin working, it helps keep the fiberglass dust from imbedding itself in your skin if it somehow gets through all that protective gear.

One last thing, try increasing the ventilation in your work area. That should help too.

Good luck. I'll let the more experience guys answer your questions about the liner/core problems.

-Ed-

Re: Who's idea was this anyway?
 

Otto,
Try MAS epoxy, it was designed by people who had the reactions you are having. It is stronger than West system. The flag version is like west system in viscosity and the regulare is thinner to wet out parts better.
Give it a shot.
JW

Re: Who's idea was this anyway?
 

Otto-

Do not let differences in dimensions around your boat get you down. Seriously, its a boat and unlike most modern machinery, constants are very rare and differences in dimension are likey throughout the boat. You have no idea of the things I have come across on my restoration.

I would second JW's suggestion on MAS epoxy, after reading some completed strength testing results performed on MAS is seems to be the best out there, and as JW mentions it may help with these reactions.

DO NOT BE BUMMED OUT IT WILL ONLY GET BETTER!!!! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Re: Who's idea was this anyway?
 

Otto, don't let it bother you. I'm sure if you took every boat apart you would find they are all off in one way or another. Some times it pays not to look to closly. It would be a horror show to remove that liner for only a small adjustment, its been that way so I would not give it a second thought. If it ain't broke don't fix it. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Re: Who's idea was this anyway?
 

KEEP THE FAITH OTTO !!!!!!

Just remember what you'll have in a few months [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

Re: Who's idea was this anyway?
 

OTTO

Re: Who's idea was this anyway?
 

OTTO

Re: Who's idea was this anyway?
 

OTTO

Re: Who's idea was this anyway?
 

OTTO

Re: Who's idea was this anyway?
 

OTTO

Re: Who's idea was this anyway?
 

OTTO Hit the wrong key and some how posted unfinished message. I built a boat about 20 years ago using epoxy and the same thing hppend to my eyes. They say that the more you are exposed to it the more you react to it. I found that if you use A full face resperator and cover your body completly plus be very carefull when you take off your gloves and suit that you don't get any resin on you, that you will be OK. Also changing brands of epoxy might help. Good luck and don't be dis couradge by the promblems you found it's only work.

Re: Who's idea was this anyway?
 

Thanks guys for the replys and encouragement. I just got off the phone with "JV" at MAS Epoxies, who wouldn't let me place the order until he knew the scope of the work (that's a good thing). He also explained about the "contact dermititis" I've been experiencing. The faster the hardener the worse it is. So we went with their medium hardener, flag resin, etc. This guy was terrific. I'll give you feed back on the product later.

I ordered a full face respirator with the serious vapor filters as some of you have reccommended. It can be converted to compressed air.

While I'm waiting for "Brown" to deliver it, I'm headed to Stuart/Jupiter and maybe a little Disney action. I'll be keeping in touch.

Thanks again.

Otto

Re: Who's idea was this anyway?
 

OTTO

No apologies - we're buds.

I'm sure you're going to have a hell of a boat when you're done. And look at it this way - you're going to be in the water months before I am.

But PLEASE - be careful. I'm sure you realize how dangerous an allergic reaction (sounds like that's what it is) can be. And I don't care if Bill and Carl built it with their own hands - no boat is worth damage to your eyes.

So stay with it - CAREFULLY- and keep us informed with pics and stories.

God bless and talk to you soon.

BOB