Coosa Board Question

[JustLucky]

We have a guy rebuilding the transom and doing some other work on my Dad's 1975 22-2 and we'll be using Coosa for the transom.  From reading through the site it seems like a lot of folks use a single 1 1/2" piece of the Bluewater 26.  I found a great deal on some 3/4" Bluewater 20 and was wondering if it would suffice.  We will be building in knees and using a Para-lift on the back.  

Also, if we go with the 26, is there a big difference between using a single 1 1/2" board, two 3/4" boards, or three 1/2" boards?

Thanks.  I'll be posting rebuild pics soon.

[seabob4]

JL,
We use both Bluewater 26 and 20 at Proline.  20 mainly for the weight savings.  Yes, it's not as "good" as the 26, but I think you would have to do some serious stressing to notice any difference.  If you choose to use (2) 3/4" panels, glass them together first with a layer of 3610 in between the panels, along with many 1 1/4" screws arranged in a horizontal and vertical direction.

The Para-Lift (I'm assuming Para-sail) bridle should probably be tied into the stringers, so as to allow the whole boat to absorb the forces.  JMHO, but I know what oblique forces can do to boat structures that weren't designed with them in mind...

Bob C

[JustLucky]

Thanks Bob!  In your opinion, would the (2) 3/4" panels glassed together with 3610 be comparable to (1) 1 1/2" panel in strength?  I've been debating with the builder about it.

The Para-lift is similar to the Porta-bracket in design, only a little older.  I mentioned it because of the additional stress it puts on the transom.

BTW, JL is the nickname for my 17 among my friends, so nicely done...

[seabob4]

Well, the best way to figure that one out is to do an actual pull-test on a sample panel.  But that may be out of the question, as you would actually have to procure some Bluewater 20 and do a "destruct" test on the bonded assembly.

It sounds like you have some doubt about using the 20.  As my better half says, go with your gut.  Let me see if we have some 1 1/2" 26 at the plant.  How big of a piece do you need?  I know we have 1", so I'll have to check on 1 1/2".

Bob C

[JustLucky]

I do have some doubt on the 20, as does the builder.  He was pretty adamant about the 26, but we could save quite a bit by using the 20, although strenth is the primary concern..  From the available sizes we'll need 4' x 8' for stock for the 22-2 transom.  I would greatly appreciate any input you could provide.  Thanks!

[LilRichard]

Personally I would overbuild the transom and never look back...  You may save a few hundred bucks and a few pounds, but you'll feel better knowing it's built right.

Rick

[JustLucky]

Agreed.  Do you guys know of a good source for Coosa on the west coast south of Tampa?  Coosa Composites gave me the names of 2 retailers, one in Lakeland and one in Pompano Beach.

Steve

[LilRichard]

Try Composites One - it's over in Drew park.  Used to be called something else... can't remember.

[JustLucky]

Thanks.  And it looks like we'll be going with a single 1.5" sheet of the Bluewater 26.

[LilRichard]

Good decision!

[LilRichard]

Composites One LLC

5010 N Coolidge Ave
Tampa, FL 33614-6422
(813) 207-6815?

[JustLucky]

Thanks Rick!

[kaptainkoz]

Ive also researched coosa and nidacore for a future transom and floor. In theory I favor using two layers of 3/4 using the logic that you now have one more layer running through the middle of the entire 1.5 inch, as opposed to just a top and bottom layer. personally I favor having that additional layer. When I do my floor im going to use 2 x 3/4. I figure it may also give a little more bite to whatever I am screwing in. Again, just a theory right now being I havent done it, however I have put much thought into it and have played with the samples althought I havent run any actual stress tests. To each their own. Good luck