Attaching the new transom core

[martin]

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.

How ever you glue it up.. Make sure you dry fit and have everything ready when you clamp it up.. Cut all your laminates up and fit everything. Have your holes ,that you are going to use to pull up the core to the skin ,already drilled and do a test run. With out the resin.and it would be nice if you have some help..a person to mix your resins for you as you need is helpful.and also to help fit the core.
Also do, drill holes in the core for excess resin to be pulled into the core.. That stuff is very Porous and the key to foam if to have as much resin soaked up into the foam...i like to do a hot shot layer of resin to help with the bond if I cannot vacuum bag it..this is with using polyester. I do a hot bond to seal the foam and then while still tacky go with a layer of csm mat In between the foam and what you are bonding. Always lay csm against the foam , not the stich mat. So on your final layer of laminate lay another csm to finish off.. So the lay up will be from the skin,
1 ,1708, mat side to hull skin.
1 -,1.5 oz mat csm next ,
Foam,the
Csm mat,
Then 1708,1708,1708 .the .08 being on the outside if you want a smoother finish
Cabosil and resin the foam with a sqeegee , get that stuff in the foam ,work it in..
Then a notched trowel after ,once done
Set your foam and clamp up. Then come back with a sqeegee and clean up the excess,
Work the resin in the voids at the bottom and sides of hull. And clean excess off the foam face so that it will be easier to lay your final layers of 1708 on top of foam. Make sure the csm mat is the first layer against the foam core. Then alternate the 1708. Finishing up with the mat of the 1708 on the last layer facing out..