Project Update:
Removed old transom and portion of liner and gunwale caps.
Installed new the hull fittings. It was a major pain, but got it done. Used the Marelon ones. Bought some expensive hose as well and SS hose clamps. You basically need to have thin, small, tough arms and hands and fingers...and a boat load (pun intended) of patience. Glad to have that part done!
Removed fuel tank from aft position. Scrapped it. Purchased new from Patriot Marine Fabricating in NJ. Beautiful tank and good price. Came well packaged.
Ground old fuel tank area and forward compartment area with angle grinder with 40-60 grit flap disc wheels. Removed old paint. Removed old tank blocks from hull.
Removed old bulkhead between fuel tank locations.
Installed new coosa board blocks in forward compartment to match tank angle.
Installed custom aluminum angle the length of the compartment - each side - and epoxied and rivets deck to angle as well as angle to stringers. This made flat decks and secured everything well.
Laid in 1708 along stringers with West System 105 epoxy.
Installed new coosa bulkhead between compartments and used 1708 mat on both sides
Ground taper to both sides of cutout transom. Made template and began layup of 1708 mat to fill in transom cutout to make full height.
Cut 1" Coosa board to make 2 pieces. Laminated together with West System 105 and chopped strand mat.
Next phases:
- Install coosa transom into the boat.
- prime and paint fuel tank and hold areas
- Install fuel tank and secure into location
- Order flotation bracket and install
- Replace aft liner and make custom cap for top of transom.
- Rebuild deck plates (they were soft - started to remove old wood from bottom side of them).
- Redo all wiring and power panel
- New switch panel in helm
- New motor
- A million odds and ends! LOL!
some videos of progression:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qr1_ICTGxHs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ouc9tlxvgSU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQAZ6HWkwC4