I've been rebuilding a gameboat for nearly 6 years. I would do things very differently if I was doing it again and am happy to pass on anything I've learnt if I can see somebody going down the same roads I did or was.
I'll put up some photos in a month or so once the tub approaches completion.
You've taken on a big job, and you're getting right into it so good stuff. There are many ways to skin a cat and no one way is the right way. I reckon now that you have your cut outs you should kick on with the bottom and let the guys take a look and work out the best way from here. You'll be happy to take a break on it and brainstorm on it.
No need to rush!
By the way: check out www.bertram31.com (building tips) lots of helpful hints here
and
www.fishcrazy.net (cresta project) for some very early pics of my gameboat rebuild project.
Bad weather has given a bit of inside time for firecat.
Transom,Cab and Hull have all got some attention to which I'm very pleased.
A discussion today on 'windows' has discounted 'alloy' frames from the re-build with moulded glass and in-fills being the proposed option. (all glassed into rebates as part of the 'cabin super structure' and flush sealed with 'Sika')
Transom has had a 'lick of glass' around outer edges that will be sanded back to 'true up' the edges.
Cabin corner/edges have also been the recipient of glass mat and under-fill as has the rear edge to gunnel curves.
One of my 'trailer gouges' has been filled and repaired along with the constant glassing/filling/sanding and more glassing under the hull..
All (5) windows are now cut out.
Although window glass for front are pre cut (Glass), 'perspex templates' will also be cut for moulding of 'window sills' in the 'Z' shape that so many have suggested both here and other areas.
Moulding in GRP will give that 'non corrosive' permanency that 'alloys' lack.
When placed in the 'rebate' and set in 'bog' this will give 'frame strength' in so far as the frame and cabin a all in one.
Under the Hull is still in the 'glass and grind back' stage with the 'crack and another little 'rub through' along the 'Port' planing strake also repaired.
The pictures may seem repetitive from underneath but I assure you each little bit of glass added and ground back makes for an everlasting bond.
Regards Steve.....And a big thanks to DavidDW for his input into the 'window framing'
Mayhem at Hastings with other things on so I did a bit of 'hands on' stuff with the knowledge or what I think I have to do a couple of ideas of my own.
A Radio console was going to be a shining light across the roof but after making a 'mock up' I canned it to the 'too hard,too fiddly and time consuming'
I decided when backs were turned to 'square up' one of my front window 'cut outs',grind the prep area,round and bog up the edges and stick it to the roof.
This gives a re-enforced pad to secure Radios and Cab lighting.
Also the front cab corner supports were covered with a glass lay up strip 100mm wide and layered up for a hollow space for roof wiring.
If all this don't fall apart and the apprentice don't get sacked I may doo the same down both sides above windows.
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