Another Seacraft Project

Joel,
Do you ever get tired of seeing Seacraft rebuilds?
Here's mine, I picked it up this weekend, I'd like to convert it to a center console. FWIW- I already have a SF 23 that could be considered a project but it's running and totally functional and I couldn't see tearing it apart and being without a boat so I found this tsunami for short money and I'd like to rebuild it as a center console as I've seen done on a couple different rebuild threads. Can you help me get started by giving me an idea of what materials I need to rebuild the cap? I'm thinking I'll start by rebuilding the cap outer shell while it's still on the boat then removing it and flipping it to re-core it.

I'm having trouble adding images via photo bucket so here is a link to a few photos




https://s1142.photobucket.com/user/BlahBlahBlahHaHaHa/library/Seacraft%20Rebuild

Never get sick of them, wish I had time to do another one myself!

If your going to remove the cap to re-core it, then yes you could do the repairs you want first. Then brace it up, remove and flip it to re-core.

What do you think I should order for materials for the cap project? This will be my first fiberglass project so excuse my ignorance and questions. I've been watching these rebuild threads for years so I think I have a good grasp on what needs to be done but I could use some help with recommendations on what types of glass to use where. Can I build everything with 1708 or should I be looking at a different type of glass for the cap? As far as the cap core goes, I'm thinking composite and I'm open to suggestions for materials. I have a local source anything that makes sense to buy in 4x8 sheets but any smaller pieces I can order from you and I'd definitely like to buy the epoxy and cloth from you.

Thanks,
Bill

Thanks Bill. If you have a local source for core, then it probably is better to buy from them. I like to sell core, but shipping is a pain and expensive.

You can use 1708 for just about everything. I would use 2 x 1708 for the cap topsides and 1 x 1708 for the bottom. For attaching parts (tabbing) I use DB1200 biax tape mostly, it has no mat and can take much tighter corners vs. 1708. 2 layers of DB1200 tape will take less epoxy than one layer of 1708, plus its stronger and easier to wet out.

For the top of the cap, I would be looking for 3/4" coosa (or similar) because of its compression strength and it shapes easy. You can use the same material for the coaming, or, use a lighter foam to save weight.

For epoxy, I would estimate a 6 gallon kit should do it for the building of the new cap.

http://www.gulfstreamcomposites.com/product-p/raka_kit_6gallon.htm

What are your plans for the liner?

Thanks for the info Joel, I'll probably place an order online within the next week.
I really want to delete the liner. What are my options for stifling the hull sides? Are a few vertical braces sufficient? Does it make sense to core the hull sides?

If you remove the liner, then you will need a new sole/deck that would run to the sides. To stiffen the hullsides, two options are glassing in frames (transverse stiffeners), or to core the sides. Coring the sides leaves a cleaner look.

Existing deck is shot so it getting redone anyway. Let me see how the cap project goes and I'll move on from there. I placed an order for some materials a couple days ago.

RedHerring wrote:Existing deck is shot so it getting redone anyway.  Let me see how the cap project goes and I'll move on from there. I placed an order for some materials a couple days ago.

OK, then that makes it an easier decision.

Thank you for the order, it shipped out last week.

Joel

Made some progress over the weekend- lots of grinding and shaping of the mold for the cap. Got two layers of glass down on the cap yesterday.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/n1oogrejynolq4k/AAB5kJmGcslMiwsppynyJ3qMa?dl=0

RedHerring wrote:Made some progress over the weekend- lots of grinding and shaping of the mold for the cap. Got two layers of glass down on the cap yesterday.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/n1oogrejynolq4k/AAB5kJmGcslMiwsppynyJ3qMa?dl=0

I think I understand how your doing it

Joel,

I have a couple areas on the cap where I need to build up height, maybe as much as 1/4-3/8". I was thinking that I would add a few patch pieces of 1708 here and there to build up these areas and then fairing compound on top. Is this the best way to go? What makes the most sense economically for fairing material? And how much should I buy? Minimally I need enough material to fair the cap (which is my goal at the moment) but I know I will need plenty more down the road.

Thanks for your help so far, I feel like I'm making good progress considering this is a first for me and I've a had limited amount of time to work on the boat. I'm hoping to get the cap faired and re-cored before the temps drop too low here in VA.

You dont want too much fairing on the cap, or else it will compress around hardware, so yes you should use glass to get close. You will need to fair out the glass overlaps with a longboard and 36 grit to get it somewhat level before putting down fairing. You would use at least a couple bags of fairing mix for the cap.