Mike's 77 22-2 Rebuild

[Tampa Bay Mike]

I used poly to glass the floor panels and I used poly to wrap the PVC stringer tops. I did use epoxy to tab the stringer tops down but it was only on the sides so I shouldn't have a bonding issue either way on the tops. As for the sides, I still haven't worked that all the way out. I have some 6 and 10 in tabbing glass and was planning to add a layer or two over the seam as well. The putty would just save me from having to mix up a separate batch to make the fillet, and I figured it may be a touch stronger as well.

[RickK]

I see where you're going now - since you used poly then you'll be fine. I think you could cut down some of the tape to 3" and 6" for tabbing the floor to hullsides - less to fill and fair but plenty strong.

[Tampa Bay Mike]

Good deal. I picked up two gallons at fgci today along with a few other things and the guy there said the same thing. Now to sand the heck out of it all so it can get a good bite.

[RickK]

80 grit is fine - a light scruff as long as everything is flat.

[Tampa Bay Mike]

Install floor - Check 

Two gallons was just enough to spread it on heavy and do the seams. Went back today and ran a strip of 1700 down the sides. Feels nice and solid now too.

[RickK]

  Looks good Mike.  A huge milestone. 

[Marcel4t]

   This is awesome!  I am jealous of your persistence!  I am slacking big time!  Thanks for inspiration!

[Tampa Bay Mike]

  This is awesome!  I am jealous of your persistence!  I am slacking big time!  Thanks for inspiration!

I've been wondering about you. Get back to it, you've got the hardest parts done!

[theFunsmith]

You just passed me. Looking good.

[Tampa Bay Mike]

Finished up Operation Ugly Duckling tonight. (My loving nickname for my first attempt at part molding) A lot of fairing and sanding later and it looks like a leaning post.



Got the starboard access door bolted on as well.



I have a cushion on the way for it and rod holders ready to bolt in soon.

I also cut the center console and installed the large access door while I was at it. Man it was nerve wracking cutting into a brand new console! Measure five times, cut once.



I stole this idea from someone on here I believe. I wish I could remember who so I could give them credit for the idea but I just grabbed a screenshot of it and didn't copy the link. Whoever it was, thank you.

I am pretty happy with how both of them turned out.

[MikeHall]

Man, your not going to put a bigger door on that leaning post to use it for more storage? That thing is huge, think of all the tackle you could store in it.    I am torn on building a live well leaning post and just putting a live well on the transom. I will have added flotation with the bracket I am going to build and I plan on moving my fuel tank as far forward as possible so a transom mount live well may be just fine. I am still in the planning stages for the leaning post and console so who knows how many times I will change my mind. I guess it depends on if I can find a good deal on an aluminum leaning post or not. 

[Tampa Bay Mike]

I may add some tilt out tackle trays to the sides. I haven't decided if I want to try and build some with the leftover starboard or just buy them. I also want to add some grab bars to it so I need to consider the placement for those too.

I understand changing your mind. I originally planned to put the livewell in the transom but I needed access to the thru hulls and I didn't have a leaning post yet so this just made more sense.

[Tampa Bay Mike]

Still plugging away little by little. Wanted to share a small update so y'all don't think I gave up.

I've spent a lot of my spare time finishing up the leaning post. I picked up a cushion for it and cut and installed an acrylic lid. I also got a slam latch and four ss rod holders that I still need to install, and then plumb a drain for them.

My oak trees finally decided that they were done exploding pollen so I started the second layer of glass on the deck this week too. Spent a little time with some 80 grit to clean it up and then laid the glass longways since the first layer went across. I'm not sure if it makes that much of a difference but it does feel very strong now either way.







Next up is the second layer on the casting deck and hatches and then I can trim it all up and start on the cap.

[RickK]

Coming along nicely.

[Tampa Bay Mike]

Question about building the cap. The plan right now is to do something similar to what Shine did on his flatback where I build a jig of some sort to rest the core on, glass the top, remove it and glass the bottom and then glass it in place. I was planning to use either 5/8" or 3/4" honeycomb and 1700 and/or 1708.

Question is, will it keep its shape with just the glass on the top, or should I plan to put a layer of melamine on the jig first so I can lay the first layer of glass before placing the core and lay it all up at once?