Newbie with questions

sogood

As a regular boardsie over on Motors but new here, I thought I would say hello and hopefully get some info. I have just bought a nice fibreglass 17 cabin cruiser, ready for the water, but crying out for a little tlc and a bit of an upgrade. It suited me perfectly as a manageable project, as I am a keen diy type, very comfortable with a toolbox and have done similar htings in the past, including a very successful camper van conversion.

Boats however, are a different kettle of fish, particularly it seems when it comes to finding "fixings" as in, nothing much to fix to!

I would like to freshen up the interior, which is very clean and smooth, but is a "bare shell" if you know what I mean. Is it possible to simply (after prepping) paint on a few coats of gel coat, to give a fresher, cleaner and brighter interior? Or what about fixing some batons, with fibreglass (something I have used extensively in the past) to which panels of whatever required type, can then be affixed, creating a cavity for insulation, routing cables etc.

Any thoughts, with of course, an eye on the additional weight, which can of course easily run away with itself. I will post some pics when I get the boat home, but work commitments at the moment are hindering this. I will also post a progress report with pics as I get things underway.

As an aside, this may be the wrong place to ask, but does anyone have a tow bar lying about for a Jaguar xj6? or any recommendations as to a decent supplier in the general midlands/Tipperary/Offaly area? Ideally something retracable.

Many thanks.

Tabnabs

If you haven't read it already, you have 21 pages of gold mine information on this epic thread

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056217528

sogood

Tabnabs wrote: »

If you haven't read it already, you have 21 pages of gold mine information on this epic thread

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056217528

Thanks for the response, and yes, by way of one of life little coincidences, I just came across that thread in the last week or so and read it in instalments. I only reached the heart rending conclusion last night and have yet to post a"commiseration". The thread does indeed provide a wealth of useful information along with a lot that I would already be familiar with, but so useful to actually see it in the flesh.

With regard to my interior, I would only have to cover/panel the upper section,and ceiling as the lower section would be covered by upright cushions/backrests. I think I may well go the lath and panel route, though a light carpet, such as I used on the camper van is an option. This proved to be very effective and attractive.

I intend to deck out the floor area, both in the cabin and on deck, using braces running across the floor, fixed in with fibreglass mat, to which the floor would be fixed. A solid floor in the cabin and a deck/slatted floor outside. Of course, there would be drain channels made into the bracing a la DNME, but done beforehand, thanks to his tutorial.

The exterior really just needs a bit of spit and polish, with some additions, just to "lift it" somewhat. The exterior finish is the original gel coat, never been painted, but a little dull and slightly bleached in parts. Would a T-Cut approach help to restore this. Its something I have done on cars in the past with favourable results.

I have sourced a possible tow bar maker not a million miles away, so we shall see how that goes. I am happy to do whatever needs to be done to make this little boat the best it can be and will use it as a winter project. I am fortunate to have one or two sheds at my home, power, light and the boat even has a full, very good condition canopy. Compared to DNME, I am totally spoiled and with only a minute fraction of the work to do.

Thanks again and any other input, thoughts, suggestions, advice is most gratefully accepted.

fergal.b

Hi sogood welcome to the forum, fiberglassing in timbers would be the right way to go for your fixing points.
For polishing compound I use G3 and it works well to remove the dull patches, here is one I did earlier. If you have anything you are not sure about just ask and we will try to help out. Post a photo of your boat when you get a chance, I like photos of boats

sogood

Thanks for the response fergal, but what is G3 and where does one get it? Is it the same principle as T-Cut, used in the same way? I'm also looking for advice on the best paint to use on the hull section and I believe antifouling paint is now banned, or soon to be? Any info? Some pics of the boat to follow. You may recognise it!
Thanks again.

whacker1982

looking forward to the pictures sogood,
if the gel coat is in good condition, a light sand and slap on some international top coat boat paint, have a look at wwwmarineparts.ie
use a sponge roller dose a fantastic job.

fergal.b

Yep it's like T-cut you should be able to get it from a good motor factors.



If the boat is going to be left in the water it will have to be anti fouled " I think you can now get ECO friendly anti foul" or copper coated but if you are going to be trailering her you can get away with just paint, I use toplac international paint on mine and it seams to be holding up well.




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