New tank coffin cover

[Brendanpd28]

Figured I'd make separate posts for these questions.

 I also need to make a new fuel coffin cover because I feel like the old one is too far gone to re-core.  Any advise about going about this. I figured I'd just cut a new one out of plywood and epoxy the ever livin out of it!! (With 1708)  But I also need the top to have a nice smooth surface to paint / apply non skid.

Thanks!!

[RickK]

Hi Brendan, I would think again about refinishing the existing - it is already the right size, has edges on it, can be recored and the top filled and faired.  You'll get a much better result than new build from plywood.  Unless half the hatch is missing, that is 

[wingtime]

As long as you have the top layer of fiberglass there is no reason you can't recore your tank lid.  My lid was down to just a "shoebox" lid.  Recored it and put a new layer of glass on the bottom.. was better than new.

[Brendanpd28]

Ya i've taken a better look at it and the top layer really just needs some filling and fairing so I will definitely go with a recore.  Your lid came out great!! Mind if I ask what sequence of layers you went with? And what paint you went with?  I have been going back and forth on paints for ever. I've always been an interlux fan so im thinking about brightsides on everything. Deck, gunnels, caps etc...

Thanks!

[Capt. Bob]

Tank cover rebuild.

http://classicaquasport.com/smf/index.php?topic=6907.0

The rest of Wing's rebuild.

http://classicaquasport.com/smf/index.php?topic=4360.msg27958#msg27958

Good luck.

[Brendanpd28]

Got the old core out today. I was wondering if I need to go all the way down to fiberglass or I can leave  The bottom layer of wood that's there as long as it's dry and sanded with a good heavy grit?  I was also wondering if anybody's ever sanded off the molded nonskid? I want to sand my entire deck down smooth and go over it easypoxy and sections of kiwi grip.

Thanks!!

[RickK]

You need to get the old wood off the lid.  Get a 40grit flap sanding wheel for your angle grinder - it'll make quick business of it.
You need to make sure that you are laying this on a flat surface.  Then you can use a couple layers of 3/4 oz mat to get a little more glass on it and then maybe a layer of 17 or 1808 for strength. Not sure the latter is really needed but can't hurt.

[Brendanpd28]

Wow Rick you weren't' kidding!! 10 minutes and done. Best $15 I've ever spent lol.not a fan of harbor freight usually but it worked the nuts!!

Thanks!

[wingtime]

Wow that looks familiar! Looking good.

No need for anything that heavy on the inside of the lid.  Just something to take up that gaps and make for a even bond with the new core material. So a few ounces of mat with a filler will do.  The strength needs to be what you put on top of the core material that will become the bottom of the lid.  Keep in mind that portion of the lid will be placed in tension when a load is placed on top of the lid.

Progress is looking good so far.   I sanded my non-skid down a bit.  I painted my decks with Petit easypoxy with some non skid added to it where I wanted nonskid.  Held up well while I had the boat.

[Levi]

As a pipefitter who uses a tigerpaw REGULARLY to bevel pipe I can attest to how well they work for ANYTHING where a aggressive material removal is required and I've Gotten pretty fond of most of harbor freight's tools for the money and the warranty they're hard to beat. I know their old stuff was garbage but my experiences lately particularly with their sawzall has been STELLAR.

[Brendanpd28]

Wow that looks familiar! Looking good.

No need for anything that heavy on the inside of the lid.  Just something to take up that gaps and make for a even bond with the new core material. So a few ounces of mat with a filler will do.  The strength needs to be what you put on top of the core material that will become the bottom of the lid.  Keep in mind that portion of the lid will be placed in tension when a load is placed on top of the lid.

Progress is looking good so far.   I sanded my non-skid down a bit.  I painted my decks with Petit easypoxy with some non skid added to it where I wanted nonskid.  Held up well while I had the boat.

  OK I guess Ill have to pick up some Mat then.  I have some 1708 coming from U.S. composites on Wednesday but no mat. For the areas where you wanted a smooth glossy deck did you need to sand down the molded non skid all the way or did the easypoxy fill in the voids?  I did a little test sanding today with some 60 grit and takes quite a bit of time to get all those molded bumps out.

   Thanks

[wingtime]

My nonskid was pretty worn. I just hit it with a da. I didn't  really worry about getting it totally smooth. I think some of it showed thru but it looked ok. The easypoxy is pretty thin so it won't cover much. Look into Durabak nonskid as an option.