Trojan Boat Forum

Ok, it's time to start the swim platform. Still haven't bought the resin for it. want opinions on which to use from some of y'all. Poly or Vinyl, West system is do to cost, we've est. 6 gals is going to be needed.

http://s852.beta.photobucket.com/user/t ... 20platform

6 gal ??? not replaceing core w/ new core ?

From what I read I would go with vinylester , I have never used it I have only used Polyester and epoxy . Next makor project I may use vinylester resin . Like the transom door .

[quote="hmc"]6 gal ??? not replaceing core w/ new core ?[/quote]

re-core with 3/4 fur plywood...6 gallon to wet and lay glass

I'm told the vinyl does better at fighting off blisters, but do I really need that on a platform ? Is it stronger ?

I would agree with Pauls suggestion of vinylester. But then again, it seems most around here don't like my suggestions. YMMV.

Ken Hankinson has a good book on the pros and cons of various systems and how they play with various applications and fabrics. I reccomend everyone that does their own fiberglass work to have a copy.

Thanks C.P. I'll look that up, As far as suggestions go maybe it's the delivery sometimes as I know mine isn't always the best.

I won't make any excuses for who I am Tony. Its the internet. You can always take what I say with a grain of salt. I'm still gonna be me.

Lets see some pictures of this platform project. I don't have a picture in my mind or dimensions in my head like I would if it was a Trojan or an M117.963. (Look it up)

recore with airex maybe since its your platform?

At the bottom of his post are a link to photos .

Rite. I usta kno that. Thanks Paul.

Damn, thats friggin' nasty there Tony. Good on you for digging all that out of there.

Airex + (Vinlyester + Biaxial Mat) = Lightweight & strong as hell solution.

Here's another shot of it, darn near have all the core out of it. When I'm done it'll be 12'x 56" need the room for the dink and a set of stairs I'm going to make so I can get rid of the ladder from the aft deck.

The old skin is being used mainly for the flange going to the hull. And it's thin ! The mat I'm going to use is 1708 25oz. has bi-weave and chopped combined. Ans I'm going with vinyl, O and I'm putting S/S angle in it too to 2 two due' ( inside joke ) where the dinghy will sit for added support. I'll be to update as I go....

http://s852.beta.photobucket.com/user/t ... sort=3&o=0

And C.P. always stick to your guns, just be ready to duck and defend.... nicely....

Site is all in list form so I hope this posts properly.

I like the mat product you selected. Good stuff. Pretty heavy weight for what you are doing with it.

Are you going to recore with wood or something else?

Be sure the type glass you use will work with the resin you use . I know you should not use chopped mat with epoxy . Not sure about Vinyl Ester

I agree vinylester has it's benefits. It's a better barrier against water hense it's use now as the first layer behind the gel in some new OEM construction. This is an attempt to help ward off blisters as some of it's properties help during glass layup to prevent some of the conditions that lead to blistering. Core saturation is a bonus also as it's wet out time is longer than that of polyester. Having said all that, were it me, for this particular application, polyester is really all you need. Done properly, it would also be more than acceptable.

[quote="Big D"]I agree vinylester has it's benefits. It's a better barrier against water hense it's use now as the first layer behind the gel in some new OEM construction. This is an attempt to help ward off blisters as some of it's properties help during glass layup to prevent some of the conditions that lead to blistering. Core saturation is a bonus also as it's wet out time is longer than that of polyester. Having said all that, were it me, for this particular application, polyester is really all you need. Done properly, it would also be more than acceptable.[/quote]

Care to expand ? O mighty ex-King