18 SF Minor Rennovation and misc. Improvements

[fdheld34]

I am going to recore all of my hatches this weekend.. I am going to use 1/2" plywood for the core material and poly. I have seen where others have used plywood in full sheets, as well as small squares. I am thinking small squares will be easier to work with and easier to bond as well (from a search on this site). Any other input appreciated!

-Fred

[Islandtrader]

Originally Posted by fdheld34

I am going to recore all of my hatches this weekend.. I am going to use 1/2" plywood for the core material and poly. I have seen where others have used plywood in full sheets, as well as small squares. I am thinking small squares will be easier to work with and easier to bond as well (from a search on this site). Any other input appreciated!

-Fred

You are right on all of the above...if you do not have the plywood yet then I would use 1/2 inch plascore. Not that much more than plywood and you can get it scored so it will conform to the hatch.

[fdheld34]

Terry
Darn it!
I already bought the plywood last night...will hotcoat it all etc...
Hopefully it will last another 33 years!
-Fred

[fdheld34]

After work today I was able to remove the rotten core of my fuel tank hatch. Because I do not have an air chisel..I removed all by hand...
Pics showing removal of rotten core....and the owner making sure I do a thorough job!!!
And a picture per the owner's request....

[fdheld34]

After my arms fell off and the chest pains subsided, as well as, changing the owner's outfit... because he decided to play in the water hose..I broke out my angle grinder with 80 grit and was able to remove the remaining core from the hatch without any trouble....now I know how Don Herman feels!!!

[fdheld34]

Question...
How do I deal with the large hole in the above hatch...
I was thinking of backing the hole with a piece of ply with waxed paper while I put down my first 1.5 oz mat on the inside of hatch! The smaller screw holes, I plan on backing with blue painters tape....
Any other suggestions for the large hole appreciated!
Only need to repeat the process on 3 more hatches (bow/anchor hatch, center console hatch and stern baitwell hatch!!!)
-Fred

[ct9amr]

Great progress in a short amount of time.

[fdheld34]

Thanks Glen...looking at your signature we have owned the same boats...!!!
Hard to get things done on the weekends so trying to take advantage of the longer days when I get home from work....
-Fred

[Tashmoo2]

Was your hatch completely flat? Just be sure when you put the new core in that it does not distort the original profile. You might lose the camber if you place weights on the ply wood to hold it down.

[fdheld34]

Originally Posted by Tashmoo2

Was your hatch completely flat? Just be sure when you put the new core in that it does not distort the original profile. You might lose the camber if you place weights on the ply wood to hold it down.

The hatch is completely flat..thank goodness..
I am going to place it on the garage floor when I layup the fiberglass and plywood core squares. Hopefully will get to it this weekend.
Thanks for the reminder!
-Fred