23' seacraft

[McGillicuddy]

Greenwood xl panels are basically decent quality doug fir ply with plys that are pressure treated w/(chromated copper arsenate-oxide) & pressed with waterproof exterior glues. It is made in Oregon and has a lifetime warranty but I have found it impossible to find in So. California. If your lucky some boat builders near your community may be willing to part with some but otherwise, good luck getting it for a reasonable price. I actually got referred to a group that sells it to Smokercraft - their neighbor

As far as epoxy goes, here's the stuff I'm using also at about $45/gal
http://www.jgreer.com/index.htm
Owner John answers the phone and is very helpful and doesn't rape you on shipping...

[chrisvazquez1]

i was warned against certain types of plywood though because the laminate will not last. douglas fir is a cheaper source for a trustable transom im assuming? or what would anyone recommend if i did decide to go with the plywood core? and also i was told i should consider a 2" transom if i plan on drastically increasing the hp. has anyone ever heard of a 2" transom before ? backk to the greenwood product, i take it there hasnt been much experimentation due to the prices?

[bigeasy1]

I used marine fir plywood for my transom,and have no regrets.I used two 4x8 sheets of marine fir glued together with thickened epoxy resin.No way it will ever come apart.

By the way,as for thickness,my transom now measures 2-3/16" thick including the core,and inner and outer glass skins.(it's an I/O).
The original was much thinner,around 1-3/4".I laid up two layers of 1708 on the inner side of the outside transom skin,before i put in the core.
If you use high quality materials,resins, plywood,etc,and do it properly with good craftsmanship it should outlast you,or at least until your too old to ride in a boat.

Ok,
now all of you can throw rotten tomatoes,and tin cans at me,because,may I dare say that I used,oh my god,Polyester Resin.
I know,I know, epoxy is a stronger resin,and does make a stronger secondary bond,but in every glass boat that I've owned(10)it was never the resin system that failed.
It was usually poor workmanship,like resin starved glass,or uncoated wood,no drain or limber holes,and just plain sloppiness,and that included a couple high end brands.

I work for a friend in the glass and resin business,and could have bought epoxy from him at a very good price,but i decided to stay with a high grade polyester.Yes it smells,and it may be not as strong as epoxy in a secondary bond,but it wets out material better,and for me it is just easier,as I am very comfortable working with it.


Whichever one you use,make sure you use a high quality resin.be wary of some of the cheap stuff no matter if it's epoxy or polyester.
Remember quality is remembered long after cost is forgotten.

Here's a couple pictures of the transom glued together,and a piece showing the glue joint.

[76Red18]

Make sure the fir plywood you use is not structural grade concrete form ply. Its treated with release oil and resin will not bond to it. Thats what they will try to sell you at the home centers.

[Islandtrader]

3rdday

Where did you find your resin so cheap

Fiberglass Services
Sarasota 941-923-8112
I pay around $45/gal