Yet Another Transom Job in the Works - ?ions

[Fishjack]

My new fuel tank should be ready in a couple of days ..
reading back on previous posts there are a variety of methods to coat the new tank -

Coal Tar Epoxy
POR-15 Paint
Line-X Bedliner
2 Part Epoxy Paint

My question is can I coat the tank with some of the RAKA epoxy that I have? I was going to clean the tank - rough it up with some 80 grit and roll on the 2 part epoxy.
Is this a good or bad idea? The reason for wanting to use the epoxy is because I have it on hand ready to go.

My other option is to have it powder coated with a mil spec powder coat but that will cost me about $3/sq ft AND it might take a while to have done.

thanks
Jack

[Fishjack]

Another question maybe someone can answer -

How are most of you routing your hydraulic steering hoses thru the transom?

Are you using the SeaStar bulkhead adapters OR
Running the steering hoses thru the transom in the same hole with the rest of the engine cables?

[warthog5]

If you have a motor that has the large rubber plug, that the rigging hose connect's to. Then it would be hard to run the hyd steering hose's thru and keep it watertite.

The bulkhead fitting's make for a musch cleaner setup.

Here you see the bulkhead fitting's being used and 2 short [3ft] Teleflex hose's attached to the bulkhead fitting's and then to the steering ram.

[Fishjack]

Thanks Bobby –

I thought I remember you using the bulkhead adapters on your boat – could not remember.

I will go that route.

Another question –
I noticed you installed your bait tank drain really low in the transom (almost at the bottom of the hull). I am planning on installing a bait tank drain thru the transom – Is there an advantage to having it lower –closer to the bottom of the boat?

[Fishjack]

OK - slowly making progress -

I have shaped and test fitted my transom core -
(how about that old belt sander - what a workout must weight about 12#)


New fuel tank deck glassed in and ready for the tank -
Boy it was fun glassing under the center console. Did not even need beer that day


Finished a template for the new deck area and hatch - Trying to lay everything out and have it ready to go...


Now a couple more questions about the SeaStar steering system -

I am going to use the SeaStar bulkhead adapters - with my 3ft bracket I assume the 3ft hose kit will be too short (not allow the front mount cylinder to move side to side) and I will need to get the 4ft?

Opinions on the "Pro Kit" vs. the "Standard Kit" on the SeaStar system? Is it worth the extra $$$ for the "Pro" kit?

[warthog5]

Is there an advantage to having it lower –closer to the bottom of the boat?

No It's just where I put it, but remember it can't interfeer with where the bracket mount's. This was the real reason for putting it where it is.

On the hatch you choose for the deck. I sure wouldn't have choose that model.
You want it watertite and the one to pick would be a Armstrong 10X20 recessed in.
here's the deck on Ringleader's with the recess. that make's a Armstrong to be a non toe stubber.
Now is the time to make the change.

[Fishjack]

Wart - thanks for the advise on the hatch - I e-mailed armstrong for a price on their 10x20.

I guess armstrong direct is the only place to source their deckplates?

Thanks again

[warthog5]

Yes.

EDIT: I may have a connection to get you one. It's brand new, never been installed. I will check.

[thedink9]

Bobby

If fishjack doesn't take the 10 x 20 Armstrong, I'm interested. PM me if it's available. Dink

[warthog5]

10-4 Let's see what happen's in another week. The hatch doesn't belong to me.
It belong's to Jimmy O'Leary aka Hammertime. He live's in Gulf Breeze, Fl.
I will relay the message.