Quote:
Originally Posted by bibijawa
I've cut out the new 1 1/2" coosa transom core. I keep grinding here and there to get it to lay as close to the outside skin as possible but when I look down the top I can still see from 1/8" to 1/4" gaps in some places and I can't get it any closer. Is this normal or is it supposed to lay completely flat. I'm thinking when I apply a thick layer of thickened epoxy and clamp it all down all voids will be filled. Any suggestions or opinions on how to continue? I'm sorry I haven't posted any pictures but I just can't figure out how.
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One thing that I learned the hard way years ago doing a little skiff is make sure you get the back of the boat straight with an straight edge when bonding it all in. Take a two by four turned up on the short edge or something similar and clamp it across the back of the transom. This will help get any curve or bow out of it. With a transom mounted outboard it is not as big of a deal but if you do a bracket or wide swim platform you will go to mount it and have 1/2 gaps on the outside edges and realize there is a outwards bow in it. You cant see the curve until you lay something straight up against it. When the skin is left with the core out it will not stay truly straight so make sure you pull it back true and straight. If you get a straight edge on it and pull it flat you should not have any gaps when you lay the core in it for fit, the gaps you have now may be from this. Also drilling holes will help get the air out but no always necessary if you put the core in place you will have to place the bottom in first and slowly roll it toward the transom skin from the bottom up pushing all the air out the top as you roll it to the skin. If you use epoxy the extra layers of glass is not necessary and will help trap air unless wetted out first. When you thicken it to trowel resin on it will be so thick it will not absorb in to 1708 well. If using ve or poly at a thinner viscosity you may need to add csm matt between it to hold the resin in place while you set the core. If you skin is thin you may need the 1708 to build up bulk and thickness but I would lay it in first wet it out with thinner resin, roll the air out of it then spread the thicker resin on top of it then lay the core in that way you know the cloth gets fully wetted out and all the air is out of it.
