Been a while since I've any much work but I'm trying to get back in the swing of things. Lot's of rain in NE Florida and now the 100 degree weather is upon us. Also distractions from friends wanting to fish. This is fishing the St. Augustine ledge last weekend. In my opinion some of the best bluewater fishing in the state if you want to run 50+ miles offshore.
I was finally prepared to install the new foam in the stringers. I used an 8.0 pound, closed cell structural foam. I checked with my QA people at work and understand that closed cell foam will not absorb water. Since you have to mix it and it expands, it is hard to get it to stop at the right elevation and has to be trimmed. As stated, cutting it does not jeopardize the integrity since it's "closed cell".
You'll notice in the picture that the center drain is no longer in the bottom. I had formed up the rear portion as if I were forming and placing concrete and had my first "bad" experience since I started this project. The directions on the foam were to mix in equal parts, mix for 10 to 20 seconds and pour immediately. I did all of this but the foam came out much thinner than anticipated. Anyway, the water like liquid found a small seam in my formwork, flowed through it and into the center drain. The foam proceeded to expand and filled the drain solid. I had to cut it out and will replace as can be seen a few pictures ahead.
Glassed the new foam to tie into the transom.
I did my final demo by removing some coring that was in the side walls of the hull. It was end grained balsa but will be replaced with Divinycell H-80.
Glassed the top of the stringers.
I've decided to raise the new deck approcximately 2" from the top of the stringers. I plan on accomplishing this by using to layers of 3/4" Coosa and a 1/2" core when I laminate the new deck. This is the layout and cutting of the Coosa.
This is just to check the fit. I will probably use epoxy thickened with Cabosil to set in place to lock down. You can also see the new drain for the forward compartment. I went with a 3" PVC that I cut instead of the 4" that was used originally. With what I think is a good idea that Billy the Kid gave me, I plan on only have one forward compartment instead of two and felt the larger size was overkill.
That's all for now!!!