23' SeaCraft pulpit construction

[RalphNitt]

I wasn't sure either about bonding StarBoard until I asked a personal friend that builds locally and claims it's legit. I ripped off the info from the King StarBoard site for everyone to read... I am also thru-bolting which should not weaken it.

It is preferable to mechanically fasten StarBoard but when an adhesive is necessary you can use a product called #7540-AB or 3M's Scotch-Weld DP-8005. We do not represent these products, make any claims about their abilities or except liability for them. We have however used them with success and had good response from others who have used them.

#7540-AB is sold by Adhesive Methods and Technologies, Memphis TN Phone 901-367-1335 Fax 901 367-1308. Ask for Larry Doring.

How Should StarBoard® Surfaces be Prepared?

The surfaces to be bonded should be lightly abraded with a medium grit sandpaper before cleaning the surfaces with acetone, Toluene, or alcohol.

StarBoard should then be flame-treated on the entire surface to be bonded with a propane torch. Pass the flame over the surface at a distance of approximately 1" to 2" so that the blue (oxidizing) portion of the flame is touching the surface of the StarBoard at a rate of approximately 12" per 3 seconds.

There should be no scorching or visible difference in the surface appearance when properly treated. Ideally, the surface prep should be performed within one hour of the bonding process. Make sure to flame treat in a safe well ventilated area.

[RalphNitt]

We routered the two pieces today and we will order the glue tomorrow. We will photograph the process of bonding as we do it.

[Old'sCool]

Looks good!!! Could you have hidden an aluminum plate inside for strength??

[RalphNitt]

We were discussing that this evening... what do you think about an aluminum plate sandwiched between the StarBoard?

[Old'sCool]

I think it's a good idea. I bent the SS bowrail on my previous boat trying to pull anchor in 60' and it didn't seem like too much.....

[Islandtrader]

With your router just route out an inset in the starboard and that aluminum plate should drop right in and be a clean installation.

Thanks for the starboard gluing tip. You noticed I did say novice.

[RalphNitt]

I definately learn something daily. I'm a novice myself and consider this is a great site for learning. I have spent countless hours reviewing years of posts and replys. Reading and learning about these amazing boats and what their owners have done to them - from resurrection of the dead to waxing and detailing the freshwater time capsule is very enjoyable to me. The bad part is once I cut a pattern on my router, I have no way to re-home it in the same place!

[Bushwacker]

We were discussing that this evening... what do you think about an aluminum plate sandwiched between the StarBoard?

The basic idea of beefing up the soft starboard with a metal plate is a good one, but putting it in middle of the "sandwich" will have very little effect and is very inefficient use of the metal. I believe you're looking to increase bending stiffness of the pulpit. Stiffness (moment of inertia) increases with the cube of the height of the section, which is why "I" beams are shaped the way they are to get max stiffness with min use of material. If you really want to stiffen that thing, I'd recommend SS sheets on top and bottom of the starboard sheets! If you want to PM me with your e-mail address, I can send you the basic engineering calculations for stiffness or deflection of a cantilever beam and you can run the numbers to determine the stiffness improvement.

[RalphNitt]

Dennis - thanks... I have PM'ed you