Search found 421 matches

by atomvoyager
Tue Sep 28, 2021 9:12 am
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Painting Formica
Replies: 4
Views: 1183

Re: Painting Formica

Single part paint or primer doesn't stick well to formica because it's scratch resistant and has a non-porous plastic resin surface. It helps to send it well with 80 or 120 grit instead of something smoother. After cleaning with alcohol I use a two-part primer like Epoxy Primecoat, sand it and then ...
by atomvoyager
Mon Sep 27, 2021 7:49 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Allied Seawind 30 Integral Water Tank Build
Replies: 27
Views: 3331

Re: Allied Seawind 30 Integral Water Tank Build

Looks good. I don't see any benefit to adding trim. If the trim is trying to hide a rough fiberglass joint I'd prefer to use fairing compound and sand it smooth. If you varnish the trim then you'll keep varnishing since it gets wear underfoot and traps dirt at the edges. But all that is just persona...
by atomvoyager
Sun Sep 26, 2021 7:45 am
Forum: Boat Photos
Topic: A small bit o' Plastic: Thunderbird 8 dinghy
Replies: 4
Views: 1117

Re: A small bit o' Plastic: Thunderbird 8 dinghy

That is impressive weight for a 10' dinghy hull. He claims a 25% weight reduction from plywood, even though he used a plywood transom so that's good to know. The 34 lb hull weight will double or triple once all the rest is added but still is light. I learned more from the comments than the video and...
by atomvoyager
Fri Sep 17, 2021 9:01 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Allied Seawind 30 Integral Water Tank Build
Replies: 27
Views: 3331

Re: Allied Seawind 30 Integral Water Tank Build

West Marine has a Plastic Mushroom Head Thru-Hull Connection, Barbed for $12. I get them wholesale for $5. I guess it would be much cheaper to use the copper tube you have on hand and glass a piece in horizontally near the bottom of the tank. I assumed you'll use a Whale foot pump but if using some ...
by atomvoyager
Wed Sep 15, 2021 8:22 am
Forum: Materials, Sources, and Innovations
Topic: Heavy duty Stern anchor bag
Replies: 2
Views: 1420

Re: Heavy duty Stern anchor bag

I'd also be interested to hear what others have come up with. In the past I've made my own out of various synthetic heavy canvas with webbing around it and a drawstring at the end. A mesh material like Phifertex® Standard Vinyl Mesh Grey 54" Fabric is better to allow the wet rode to dry. People...
by atomvoyager
Wed Sep 15, 2021 8:09 am
Forum: Materials, Sources, and Innovations
Topic: Divinycell
Replies: 3
Views: 1445

Re: Divinycell

Yes H-80 is sufficient. I haven't actually built a dinghy from Divinycell yet but would do that next time to prevent rot, increase flooded buoyancy and hopefully save a little weight. You'll have to work out the construction method and lightest way to use fiberglass to stiffen it up without overdoin...
by atomvoyager
Wed Sep 15, 2021 7:54 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Allied Seawind 30 Integral Water Tank Build
Replies: 27
Views: 3331

Re: Allied Seawind 30 Integral Water Tank Build

That will work. You may have noticed in my tank videos that I use a 1/2" mushroom outlet when, as in your case, the lower end of the tank is accessible. I've been using Multicaulk but silicone can work. Otherwise I epoxy in from the top a 1/2" OD copper pickup tube that reaches the bottom.
by atomvoyager
Mon Sep 13, 2021 10:32 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Allied Seawind 30 Integral Water Tank Build
Replies: 27
Views: 3331

Re: Allied Seawind 30 Integral Water Tank Build

That jig solution is clever and will work but is more elaborate than what's needed to temporarily hold the baffles in place. I just make a cardboard pattern of the baffles using a string as a guide for the height with about 1/8" gap between baffle and tank top and then cut out the baffle. Once ...
by atomvoyager
Sat Sep 11, 2021 8:19 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Allied Seawind 30 Integral Water Tank Build
Replies: 27
Views: 3331

Re: Allied Seawind 30 Integral Water Tank Build

It may be a photo illusion, but the white color in your new fiberglass in the bilge looks like it may have insufficient resin, or what's called a dry layup. Usually the glass is more transparent when properly wetted out. Not possible to fix it easily in this situation other than adding another thinn...
by atomvoyager
Sat Sep 11, 2021 8:13 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Allied Seawind 30 Integral Water Tank Build
Replies: 27
Views: 3331

Re: Allied Seawind 30 Integral Water Tank Build

3/4" ply is thicker than what's needed because it will have at least one layer of glass on each side. For these small baffles 3/8" is sufficient or 1/2" max. I just made an integral water tank using all Divinycell foam board for sides, top and baffles to save some weight and stop any ...
by atomvoyager
Wed Aug 11, 2021 8:03 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Rot before modification??
Replies: 5
Views: 1281

Re: Rot before modification??

To cut the motor well slot in the hull and transom I first trace the pattern inside and drill each corner of the slot with something like a 1/8" drill bit. I drill a few connecting holes with a 1/4" bit until I can get a sawzall blade in and cut with either the best blade you can get becau...
by atomvoyager
Fri Aug 06, 2021 8:24 am
Forum: Pearson Triton Specifics
Topic: false keel
Replies: 52
Views: 401962

Re: false keel

Bevels are only required when holes are large or you have limited area to add fiberglass over them but in your case are not needed because you are adding a large area of glass and resin plug inside. There will be no difference in strength in this case how you treat the small holes or even if you don...
by atomvoyager
Thu Aug 05, 2021 9:23 am
Forum: Pearson Triton Specifics
Topic: false keel
Replies: 52
Views: 401962

Re: false keel

I don't see why you can't do your repair of the holes from inside by either drilling out the wood plugs and filling the holes or leaving them in place and glassing over them. You didn't mention why you can't do that so I must be missing something here. To finish off the repair from the bottom you sh...
by atomvoyager
Sat Jul 31, 2021 7:36 am
Forum: Pearson Triton Specifics
Topic: false keel
Replies: 52
Views: 401962

Re: false keel

It does sound sufficient but if you want to add more strength against shocks from say hard groundings in waves then once you add the roving you can also add an inch or so of thickened polyester resin and then more glass on top using whatever resin you prefer. Overall thickness gives more strength th...
by atomvoyager
Wed Jul 28, 2021 8:52 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Introducing Katie-J
Replies: 369
Views: 175568

Re: Introducing Katie-J

I've used Divinycell which is a PVC foam and Core-cell which is a SAN polymer. I just completed an integral water tank using Divinycell. Either one will work fine but Diniycell is lower cost here. When wanting a denser core I've used Coosa Board, which is high density polyurethane foam with reinforc...
by atomvoyager
Tue Jul 20, 2021 3:16 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Grinding to hole ratio
Replies: 2
Views: 867

Re: Grinding to hole ratio

Grinding a very wide bevel outside increases the work and makes fairing more difficult. I grind a bevel about 4" back all around and don't bevel the inside. On the inside I add several layers of cloth about 12" square and that strengthens the outside patch so that you don't need to go to a...
by atomvoyager
Fri Jul 09, 2021 8:44 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Rot before modification??
Replies: 5
Views: 1281

Re: Rot before modification??

I cut out the motor hatch lid first because it gave better access for repairs and hardware removal.
by atomvoyager
Tue Jul 06, 2021 9:54 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Redesigning cockpit sole for Alberg 30
Replies: 3
Views: 893

Re: Redesigning cockpit sole for Alberg 30

I've thought about doing this on my Triton and Alberg 30s I've worked on but haven't yet mainly because of concerns over losing headroom when standing under the bimini or boom. Depending on your height and how much headroom you're willing to sacrifice, it seems like a good way to eliminate two seaco...
by atomvoyager
Mon Jun 28, 2021 8:11 am
Forum: Pearson Triton Specifics
Topic: false keel
Replies: 52
Views: 401962

Re: false keel

By the way, if you have an early Triton with a false keel, how did you fit an integral tank into the aft bilge since it was so shallow compared to my later model boat with internal ballast and deep bilge? I guess it was a different shape and location from mine?
by atomvoyager
Mon Jun 28, 2021 8:05 am
Forum: Pearson Triton Specifics
Topic: false keel
Replies: 52
Views: 401962

Re: false keel

I'm sure it will be strong enough but just to make sure you can grind the area outside all around within a foot or so of the shoe down to glass and add a few layers of fiberglass cloth before installing the shoe. If the shoe is already built and it's a snug fit as is and won't allow more glass under...
by atomvoyager
Sat Jun 26, 2021 7:45 am
Forum: Boat Photos
Topic: A small bit o' Plastic: Thunderbird 8 dinghy
Replies: 4
Views: 1117

Re: A small bit o' Plastic: Thunderbird 8 dinghy

The new Divinycell cored dinghy will be interesting to follow. Maybe you can document the steps of the build here. I've wanted to build a foam cored dinghy for years but haven't got around to it. Not sure of the optimal core thickness and glass type and amount to keep the weight down while still sti...
by atomvoyager
Sat Jun 19, 2021 7:48 am
Forum: Pearson Triton Specifics
Topic: false keel
Replies: 52
Views: 401962

Re: false keel

Maybe someone else can give you an idea but meanwhile you could drill a hole inside and outside in likely spots and if it doesn't drip out fast enough drill more holes in other spots. Maybe try compressed air for the outside hole or a vacuum on the inside one. You could also try a moderate amount of...
by atomvoyager
Fri Jun 18, 2021 8:06 am
Forum: Pearson Triton Specifics
Topic: false keel
Replies: 52
Views: 401962

Re: false keel

If that glob of thickened resin is truly in the way and you can't just layup fiberglass over it then if a chisel is too short to reach you could take a long bolt or piece of rebar and grind a chisel point in one end and go at it with a hammer. The other option might be to apply thickened epoxy on th...
by atomvoyager
Wed Jun 16, 2021 7:47 am
Forum: Pearson Triton Specifics
Topic: false keel
Replies: 52
Views: 401962

Re: false keel

What we know about the construction history of these newer boats with internal ballast plus your own observations on the exterior confirm you don't have a false keel situation so that disappearance of the woven roving in the photo could be thickened resin on top of the roving. If concerned you could...
by atomvoyager
Mon Jun 14, 2021 7:58 am
Forum: Pearson Triton Specifics
Topic: false keel
Replies: 52
Views: 401962

Re: false keel

If it was my boat I'd cut out the remaining false bilge bottom, apply fiberglass and thickened resin as needed to support and seal the rudder shoe area and paint it all with white epoxy barrier coat Interprotect 2000e. The reason I use that in bilge, cockpit lockers and chain locker instead of a sin...
by atomvoyager
Sun Jun 13, 2021 7:58 am
Forum: Pearson Triton Specifics
Topic: false keel
Replies: 52
Views: 401962

Re: false keel

From an earlier thread on Triton keels someone explained the false keel that is supposedly only found on pre hull #382 external ballast Tritons so yours must be internal with no false keel. If yours is internal ballast, either the factory or a previous owner must have added the foam and some glass a...
by atomvoyager
Sat Jun 12, 2021 7:05 am
Forum: Pearson Triton Specifics
Topic: false keel
Replies: 52
Views: 401962

Re: false keel

On my Triton and the one I refit recently there is no false keel with foam or if there is it is small because I have about 28 inches from cabin sole to bottom of bilge. Apparently you have a shallow bilge version with a large foam fill area. Both of these are 1963 east coast Tritons with hull number...
by atomvoyager
Fri Jun 11, 2021 7:47 am
Forum: Pearson Triton Specifics
Topic: false keel
Replies: 52
Views: 401962

Re: false keel

I haven't done this job myself yet but I'd agree that poly resin is best here and I'd want to add some fiberglass inside where you cut away the keel for the shoe. Where did you source the bronze shoe? I'd like to do that on my boat and thought I might need to build a shoe from a stainless pipe welde...
by atomvoyager
Fri Jun 04, 2021 7:40 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Introducing Katie-J
Replies: 369
Views: 175568

Re: Introducing Katie-J

I mentioned in my post to you on May 6 that bronze may not be affordable if you can't find old scrap like prop shafts to have machined to size. In that case I suggested galvanized steel. I don't have much experience sealing and protecting steel and iron so you probably have a better idea than myself...
by atomvoyager
Thu May 06, 2021 3:01 pm
Forum: Projects
Topic: Introducing Katie-J
Replies: 369
Views: 175568

Re: Introducing Katie-J

Hard to get a consensus on anything like this and to know how to filter out what's not important to your situation. And my opinion is not necessarily better than all the rest.
Yes, all thread is OK.
by atomvoyager
Thu May 06, 2021 9:50 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Introducing Katie-J
Replies: 369
Views: 175568

Re: Introducing Katie-J

As for filling with thickened epoxy. It may be OK in this application since there will be little flexing involved but thickened epoxy is brittle and may be better to use it in small amounts over fiberglass cloth for max strength.
by atomvoyager
Thu May 06, 2021 8:47 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Introducing Katie-J
Replies: 369
Views: 175568

Re: Introducing Katie-J

You had asked me earlier which keel bolt material is best. I said bronze but that may not be the most practical or affordable. You might be able to have them turned out of scrap prop shaft material. Bronze is best because it will last forever and the corrosion of the keel next to them will take fore...
by atomvoyager
Fri Apr 30, 2021 8:50 am
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Mast winch bases and seacocks
Replies: 2
Views: 1283

Re: Mast winch bases and seacocks

I was going to mention my video on seacocks. I may not have mentioned in the video but you can make your own backing blocks if you don't want to buy the overpriced Groco version, but they are labor saving. There are many boats out there with ball valves screwed on to mushroom thru-hulls but not cons...
by atomvoyager
Mon Apr 26, 2021 7:39 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: How much awlgrip for topsides?
Replies: 6
Views: 1319

Re: How much awlgrip for topsides?

For best results in roll and tip you need to work fast to keep a wet edge. Painting that outward flange will slow you down too much so you might just paint the vertical portion of the topsides and not the flange or bolts. Looks like the slightly dissimilar metals of the stainless washers, bolts and ...
by atomvoyager
Sun Apr 25, 2021 7:45 am
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Good books on wiring
Replies: 1
Views: 851

Re: Good books on wiring

I don't own a 12v electrical system book I can recommend but possibly something like Sailboat Electrics Simplified by Don Casey would be useful. It has mixed reviews and may be out of date on things like LED lighting but could be a good foundation for you to learn from. Check the Look Inside feature...
by atomvoyager
Tue Apr 20, 2021 8:22 am
Forum: Materials, Sources, and Innovations
Topic: Cheap Battery Monitor
Replies: 0
Views: 2724

Cheap Battery Monitor

Here's a link to a cheap battery monitor as an alternative to the pricey Victron monitor. He has an amazon link in the description. Price has gone up to $41 but still a good deal. I haven't used one yet but plan to try it on the next boat.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6O76Okmt08
by atomvoyager
Tue Apr 20, 2021 8:07 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: How much awlgrip for topsides?
Replies: 6
Views: 1319

Re: How much awlgrip for topsides?

Yes all paints need an addition of reducer depending on the temps, humidity, wind, direct sunlight on the paint tray, and speed of application. There is no set formula for how much reducer and how often. You get the feel of the conditions and how easy the paint is going on and if the brush is draggi...
by atomvoyager
Sun Apr 18, 2021 7:59 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: How much awlgrip for topsides?
Replies: 6
Views: 1319

Re: How much awlgrip for topsides?

I assume you're doing roll and tip rather than spraying. In my experience on your size boat you need about 1 qt of reduced paint per coat for topsides and slightly less for deck, excluding nonskid areas. 2-3 coats are needed. From the application guide linked below it shows two parts Awlgrip Topcoat...
by atomvoyager
Tue Apr 13, 2021 6:12 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Bilge Floor Crack
Replies: 4
Views: 1013

Re: Bilge Floor Crack

If you have an early model Triton pre hull #383 with external ballast you have keel bolts that might allow some water in. If you have a later model with internal ballast then you may see the tops of the eye bolts used to lower the ballast into the hull. You can gut those off with a an angle grinder ...
by atomvoyager
Mon Apr 12, 2021 5:18 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Bilge Floor Crack
Replies: 4
Views: 1013

Re: Bilge Floor Crack

Not sure if you mean it's a new and large crack between the glass on top the ballast and the hull or if it may have been there in past years and you just didn't notice it. Or is it aft of the ballast in the deepest part of the keel? It could be from freezing rain water. Depending how your cover fits...
by atomvoyager
Sun Apr 11, 2021 7:48 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Dissimilar battery banks grounding
Replies: 3
Views: 952

Re: Dissimilar battery banks grounding

This video may have answered my question as to why it might be better to have an AGM battery bank with Lithium house bank:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqT27KbxRec
by atomvoyager
Sun Apr 11, 2021 7:32 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Dissimilar battery banks grounding
Replies: 3
Views: 952

Re: Dissimilar battery banks grounding

Benjamin, Welcome to the group. I don't have experience setting up lithium batteries yet but have done some research on it and expect to do so soon. I hope to avoid the dissimilar banks issues by using all lithium but my next customer may want to save money by keeping an AGM for the engine. If so, I...
by atomvoyager
Tue Mar 30, 2021 7:36 am
Forum: Sails, Rigging, and Systems
Topic: Furler problem on Alberg 30
Replies: 1
Views: 1153

Re: Furler problem on Alberg 30

You can see in the mast next to you they have a different brand furler that does not use a wrap stop and stainless plate tang. My Harken doesn't have one either so it's not essential even on a Profurl or even best practice to rely on it alone to prevent a halyard wrap since it can be forced to rotat...
by atomvoyager
Fri Mar 19, 2021 8:24 pm
Forum: Sails, Rigging, and Systems
Topic: How to Choose Correct Whiskerpole
Replies: 13
Views: 2702

Re: How to Choose Correct Whiskerpole

I saw the sticker on my whisker pole today and confirmed it says 10-18 EL-UXP. Not sure if they changed the model numbers since then but that's the type I always ordered. There are slight differences in the large inboard end and smaller outboard end which may explain the EL-UXP name rather than just...
by atomvoyager
Fri Mar 19, 2021 8:19 pm
Forum: Pearson Triton Specifics
Topic: Bimini dodger on my Triton
Replies: 1
Views: 1122

Re: Bimini dodger on my Triton

My Triton originally had a track that the boom gooseneck ran along and could be adjusted up and down if you wanted more headroom under the boom as long as the sail's head had some clearance to the masthead. I now have the boom fixed in position with the bottom of boom 35" above the deck at the ...
by atomvoyager
Mon Mar 08, 2021 8:39 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Wire Up Mast Without Dropping it
Replies: 3
Views: 1008

Re: Wire Up Mast Without Dropping it

I've used 1/8" line with a small bullet shaped lead fishing weight to drop from the top of the mast as a messenger and then pull out with a bent wire. If your mast has internal halyards it's risky to run wires inside while the mast is up in case you get a wrap around the lines that hangs up lat...
by atomvoyager
Sat Mar 06, 2021 9:36 am
Forum: Materials, Sources, and Innovations
Topic: Cabin Lights
Replies: 3
Views: 1738

Re: Cabin Lights

Yes, Alpenglow has a good reputation and I've installed a couple over the years. Mostly I've used marinebeam.com - bulkhead reading lights, dome lights, 12" touch strip lights, dimmers, bulbs to retrofit in older existing fixtures, and nav lights. The only problems I've had with them are someti...
by atomvoyager
Fri Mar 05, 2021 9:06 am
Forum: Sails, Rigging, and Systems
Topic: How to Choose Correct Whiskerpole
Replies: 13
Views: 2702

Re: How to Choose Correct Whiskerpole

Thanks for clearing that up. The UXP on both ends with external trip line is what I got on the last three poles I bought for myself and other boats even though the West Marine order form said EL-UXP. The UTR may be only for fixed poles because the internal trip line may not function on a telescoping...
by atomvoyager
Wed Mar 03, 2021 8:07 pm
Forum: Sails, Rigging, and Systems
Topic: How to Choose Correct Whiskerpole
Replies: 13
Views: 2702

Re: How to Choose Correct Whiskerpole

Yes forespar end fittings are confusing they way they list them. The UXP is the standard "latch" end with external trip line, which is what I wanted. The UTR looks similar but is called a "trigger" and has an internal trip line. UTS is a "socket". I don't know what EL i...
by atomvoyager
Tue Mar 02, 2021 9:56 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Introducing Katie-J
Replies: 369
Views: 175568

Re: Introducing Katie-J

It's an ATN Tacker for asymmetric spinnaker tack downhaul as explained here:

https://atninc.com/atn-tacker-sailing-equipment.shtml