Hard Top Plans

[ChampionShip]

Yeah, I'm not sure why he wanted the balsa but I'm still thinking foam would be better. What dimensions do you think should be cut down? I want it to hang over the side windshields about 3" each side so it drains overboard.

[ChampionShip]

What should I use in the corners to create a rounded edge??

[McGillicuddy]

Quit baggin' on the balsa bro's. My 72 Seafari fore deck is cored with balsa and you can square dance on that triangle... Balsa is strong, lightweight, and properly sealed easily lasts 40 years (hopefully +) as coring. Not sayin' composites ain't better, but cheesus - it sounds like the Champ is a class aimed at teaching techniques, not necessarily using the latest, greatest available materials. Learning and discerning... How is it done, what is affordable, and finding a happy medium. We can't all work with Messr Borelli's budget, can we?

Looing forward to seeing the project, and maybe placing an old school order for the Seafari. Surely the lad deserves a stipend...

Carry on.,
Mayor McCheese

[Islandtrader]

Originally Posted by McGillicuddy

Quit baggin' on the balsa bro's. My 72 Seafari fore deck is cored with balsa and you can square dance on that triangle... Balsa is strong, lightweight, and properly sealed easily lasts 40 years (hopefully +) as coring. Not sayin' composites ain't better, but cheesus - it sounds like the Champ is a class aimed at teaching techniques, not necessarily using the latest, greatest available materials. Learning and discerning... How is it done, what is affordable, and finding a happy medium. We can't all work with Messr Borelli's budget, can we?

Looing forward to seeing the project, and maybe placing an old school order for the Seafari. Surely the lad deserves a stipend...

Carry on.,
Mayor McCheese

This is wear I tend to differ with Gilly...I do agree it is a class and they are teaching techniques. However when I got my 21 the deck was shot...the balsa core was soaked and rotten. Everyone says it will work as good as...blah blah blah. As long as it is sealed. What everyone forgets is that once some one drills that first hole and does not over drill and epoxy, you start down a long slippery path.

Plascore is not that much more than balsa. Do once and do it right.

Sorry Gilly

[fg1]

The last hard top we made was 2 layers of 17.08 on top, laminated off-axis, and 1 layer of 17.08 on the bottom. No csm, too heavy, requires too much resin. That top was for a 65 foot sporty and was more than adequate. No matter what core you use, you're going to have to make compression sleeves for every bolt and penetration.

[Entourage]

I wish i could be of help here about the layers used, but mine was built in a mold with a chop gun and sprayed in resin. So im not sure about thickness. I can take some photos of the flange.

[Entourage]

Here is a photo of the base and the thickness of one of the window cutouts. Hope this helps

[strick]

Originally Posted by fg1

The last hard top we made was 2 layers of 17.08 on top, laminated off-axis, and 1 layer of 17.08 on the bottom. No matter what core you use, you're going to have to make compression sleeves for every bolt and penetration.

With only 1 layer of glass then sleeving would be a must. The top I pictured earlier weigh's less then 120# The bases of the piping are 3.5 inches diameter and there are 3/4 " diameter washers on the top. No dimples anywhere in the glass. If one decided to use balsa then I probably would agree that sleeving to prevent water intrusion would be a good idea. I dont think Balsa is a good idea on a roof especially when there are so many other good products out there....just saying...

strick

[Caymanboy]

Here's a little tip for you:
When mounting ant's, mast, rigger bases, etc. Drill and tap through the top, core and all, tighten down the bolts, then put your washer and backing nut on. Properly bedded of course! Get much better holding power that way, never seen one pull out or compress.
Strick is God! :-)

[Entourage]

Sorry i thought this was going to be a pilothouse, sounds like its going fiberglass top with the aluminum pipes supporting.