Yet Another Transom Job in the Works - ?ions

[WhiskeyRiver]

FishJack, The # that C E Carter gave you for James is no longer in service, try 228-861-3427
He just did my top, his welds almost look machined

[Fishjack]

Thanks WhiskyRiver - I met with Jim Allen in Vancleave Tuesday (really nice guy) he is working on my new tank as we speak.

Great price and as mentioned above he will have it ready ASAP.

He was working on another customers tank when I went to his shop and it was some really nice looking work.

Thanks again
Jack

[c_e_carter]

Hey Matt,
Thanks for updating the # for me. On your top are there steps to get to the crows nest or are you just limber. I couldn't see my fat A** crawling up there in some slop..

Jack, When you get your tank back please post some pics. I am always interested in seeing others work. Especialy quality for cheap..

Chris..

[WhiskeyRiver]

I was going to add one more piece of pipe in the center, but once the curtians are on you wouldnt be able to step on it. It looks harder than it is.

BTW if you cant get up there you have just been elected to drive while I fish

[strick]

Where did you find the plastic strips for the tank support? I have been looking around and cannot seem to find any.

Fish Jack-

Tap's Plastics. Be careful when putting the plastic strips in. You have limited space between the top of the fuel tank and bottom of the fuel hatch. I used 3/4 ply to core the fuel hatch and 3/4 ply for the fuel tank support base and when I put in the plastic stripes under the tank the fittings on the top of the tank were too close to the bottom of the hatch. I ended up scrubbing the plastic strip idea and tore them out. I ended up coating the tank with coal tar epoxy and I glued the tank down to the base with 5200. Not what I originally intended to do but the tank is secure and water can still get around it to drain into the bilge. Hopfully 5200 does not have carbon in it but then again the tank is coated with coal tar epoxy so that should protect it.

I also keep my batteries in the CC like you and when I tore out those battery boxes I did not replace them. They are not part of the stringer system and do not need to be replaced. I just did not want any rotton wet wood left in the boat. Keep the pics coming

strick

[Fishjack]

Strick -
I opted to go with an 11.5 inch high tank vs. the stock 12 to add some extra room for the plastic strips fuel fills etc. I won't loose that much capacity for convience.

BTW - I made this decision after reading one of your old post about having to remove your plastic strips. Live "read" and learn.. thanks

I figured if I am having a new tank built to spec I would make room for some sort of support/drain etc. & make it eaiser to connect the fill and vent hoses under the console.

Speaking of fuel tank coating - I just had my old transom bracket powder coated and I am debating on powder coating my new tank vs. epoxy coating vs. coal tar. I can get it powder coated for $3/sq ft. Pretty good price. BUT I am WAY over budget now on this "replace the wood in the transom project"

I take it Tap's Plastic is an online source? I have looked at Home Depot and Lowe's cannot find anything suitable other than some extra thick blind material.


Here are a few pics -

New fuel tank support plywood ready to coat -



The old "stock??" transducer - (mentioned earlier in this thread) was almost under the tank...????





Removal of the old transducer -





Powder coated transom bracket - D&D Marine - Originally installed about 7 years ago...


The filler originally used to bond the deck with the stringers on the port side had broken loose.. I used epoxy/filler to replace it... The starboard side has a hairline crack and I will probably replace it as well... The old stock filler easily popped out with a chisel??? Just goes to show the possible weakness of a polyester/polyester bond...




FWIW - This is my 1st time using epoxy resin and it is GREAT stuff.. Working on these small projects has helped me learn the cure time / filler mixing proceedure etc. etc. before the transom goes in.

Very easy to work with but the FAST hardner is truly FAST...
My 1st batch with filler hardened b4 I got it out of the pot...

[c_e_carter]

Matt, Never said I couldn't get up there but I had the mental picture of a Walrus doing the Worm on the T-top. That didn't sound like the photo op I was looking for.

Jack, Sorry to hijack you thread. Everything is looking great. You are obviously busy in you time off. Keep the pics coming.

Chris..

[Fishjack]

Decided - to save weight in the stearn I would use some high tech foam board -



Just kidding but I wanted to try this R-max for a template and it cuts easy - is stiff and light. Worked pretty good.

Rough cut the marine ply and bonded - using just about every clamp I had - and some water for weight.

[warthog5]

Looking Good Jack. I see you used the milk jug cap's.

[Fishjack]

Yep - Bobby they worked great... I opted for the foam insulation board instead of the luan for the rough cut pattern.
Seems to work pretty good.