Who's idea was this anyway?

[ocuyler]

OK, I give...

SaltyDog and and I have been drilling out holes in the sole and filling them and prepping for paint. Today we discovered a couple of things that are pretty disturbing.

Where the leaning post and t-top were screwed to the sole, we opened up those holes only to discover the ply was wet. We went to a 5" hole saw to reveal the entire area. Still wet. Now we're cutting a 20" x 8' section of the starboard sole. The port side had only minor moisture. A major set back time wise.



Most disturbing is that upon close investigation the liner is 1" HIGHER ON THE STARBOARD SIDE in the stern and 3/8" shifted to the port at the bow. I feel like it's a lemon.

To make matters worse, I had another bad reaction to West System, waking up with my right eye swollen shut. My doctor kinda freaked and gave me prednazone (sp?). Leaving for Florida Thursday looking like a freak.

My apologies to Otterly Cool and the others regarding the Potter built quality. It's not just hardware and wiring, etc. It's even worse (on this '89) right where it hurts the most. Ideally, the liner should be removed, but due to time and budget constraints, we'll do the best we can and make sure the next one is a Potter hull...

The good news is that this boat rode great before I knew any of this and it can only be more solid when we're done. It should be good for another 20 years.

Please, no "I told ya so" comments. I'm bummed enough as it is. Encouragement will be appreciated.

Otto

[ February 11, 2003, 02:04 PM: Message edited by: Otto Cuyler ]

[Matt1121]

Otto-

Are you wearing a full face respirator when your doing your work? If you are only wearing one that cover your nose & mouth, that probably why you're eye is swelling up.

If you haven't already done so, invest in a full face shield respirator and hood (this covers your neck too), and on top of that wear a hooded TYVEK suit (about $20??), chemical gloves and booties. You'll look like a spaceman, but it should keep the dust & fumes away from your body. I use this stuff any time I am helping out my friend at his shop.

I think I also read somewhere on this site, that if you wipe baby powder on your body & hands before you begin working, it helps keep the fiberglass dust from imbedding itself in your skin if it somehow gets through all that protective gear.

One last thing, try increasing the ventilation in your work area. That should help too.

Good luck. I'll let the more experience guys answer your questions about the liner/core problems.

-Ed-

[jw]

Otto,
Try MAS epoxy, it was designed by people who had the reactions you are having. It is stronger than West system. The flag version is like west system in viscosity and the regulare is thinner to wet out parts better.
Give it a shot.
JW

[Trayder]

Otto-

Do not let differences in dimensions around your boat get you down. Seriously, its a boat and unlike most modern machinery, constants are very rare and differences in dimension are likey throughout the boat. You have no idea of the things I have come across on my restoration.

I would second JW's suggestion on MAS epoxy, after reading some completed strength testing results performed on MAS is seems to be the best out there, and as JW mentions it may help with these reactions.

DO NOT BE BUMMED OUT IT WILL ONLY GET BETTER!!!! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[Jon G]

Otto, don't let it bother you. I'm sure if you took every boat apart you would find they are all off in one way or another. Some times it pays not to look to closly. It would be a horror show to remove that liner for only a small adjustment, its been that way so I would not give it a second thought. If it ain't broke don't fix it. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[Scott]

KEEP THE FAITH OTTO !!!!!!

Just remember what you'll have in a few months [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

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