Refitting a 1976 F-32 Journal

[BradZ]

Fiberglassed the cockpit floor yesterday. Next is gelcoat and non skid. No pictures yesterday but it turned out really good. Still need to sand the bottom and recoat but I'm getting close to putting her in the water

[Captrichc]

Nice job. How many layers of glass did you do?

[BradZ]

Two layer of 1.5 oz CSM over the flat deck and three layers around the perimeter for extra strength. I gave the ply a good sanding with 80 grit, coated it with vinylester resin liberally. After that set up I laid on the fiberglass with more vinylester resin. At least I have all the wood protected well till we get some good weather again. Going up to the boat on Thursday to finish installing the cabin roof gutter and then putting the canvas cover over the cockpit area so I can work even if the weather isn't perfect.

[Captrichc]

Why vinylester resin and not polyester resin? Poly is better with CSM. Its easier to absorb i to the CSM. Plus poly is a laminating resin. It stays tacky and you dont have to sand in between layers.

[BradZ]

Vinylester is a cross breed between epoxy and polyester resin. Its still a polyester resin and has the same working attributes as polyester. Vinylester resin has better adhesion to wood versus polyester that's why I choose to use it. Its also a we bit stronger. Just an added benefit for just a few extra dollars per gallon.

[Captrichc]

Nice brad. Thanks for the info

[BradZ]

Just finished covering the cockpit combing panels. At least I think that's what they are called. Also I have the new sliding doors for the galley and head ready to install into the new tracks I put in last weekend. This week is bottom paint and gel coating the cockpit deck if the weather holds that is.

[Captrichc]

Really nice. Im going to do my kick boards out of 1/4 luan with frp board.

[BradZ]

How are you going to finish the edges of the luan? That's where all the moisture is going to get absorbed. After using contact adhesive and wrapping the edge with the vinyl covering I'm confident they will last another 40 years

[Captrichc]

How are you going to finish the edges of the luan? That's where all the moisture is going to get absorbed. After using contact adhesive and wrapping the edge with the vinyl covering I'm confident they will last another 40 years

Im going to resin the luan like i did with the rest of the deck. Also going to use a frp cap molding to help isolate the wood from water.

[BradZ]

OK I had a good window of weather finally so I got the first coat of gelcoat down on the cockpit deck and cleaned up the bottom and gave her another fresh coat. I think a soda blasting is in her future though. I'm hoping to get the nonskid down next weekend and reinstall the bridge ladder so I can drop her in the water on Monday next week.

[prowlersfish]

Nice work your doing

[Captrichc]

Really really nice. I want to soda blast the bottom next spring. Looks really really clean.

[BradZ]

Thanks Guys... We will be in the water on Monday!!!

[WayWeGo]

It looks like your boat is supported by hollow core cinder blocks. I have heard of them crumbling and would not use them myself. Wood blocks are much safer.