Quote:
Originally Posted by abl1111
Here's the aft shot. I agree with your synopsis. Thx.
Where would you recommend that I have either pipe or aluminum plate welded ? Is that something that is an easy retrofit for a qualified pipe welder ?
I also like the idea of using balsa core under the gunnel - great idea. I've re-cored all my hatches this way, but with standard resin and not upside down. I assume the layup would be glass/balsa/glass ( do you recommend the first layer to be thickened to hold the balsa in place ? )
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Suggest you send Don (PipeDreamsMarine) a PM about installing braces, as I believe he builds towers and is probably quite familiar with your type of problem! Some bolted or clamp on braces would be a good way to quickly determine if that will solve your problem without getting into glass work. In general the braces would like to intersect the vertical and horizontal tubes at about a 45 degree angle.
It's a good idea to use some thickened resin when installing any sort of core to insure a good bond. This is a good application for the vacuum bagging technique, although maybe not a large enough project to justify the added expense. The plywood pads will be ok if you encapsulate them with glass and drill the bolt holes oversize, refill with cabosil and then redrill. That way, when the bedding compound around the mounting bolt holes fails (it always does, eventually!), water still won't be able to contact the wood.