14' trihull floor replacement

Discussion in 'Fiberglass and Composite Boat Building' started by Cleanriver, Jun 4, 2025.

  1. gonzo
    Joined: Aug 2002
    Posts: 17,656
    Likes: 2,115, Points: 123, Legacy Rep: 2031
    Location: Milwaukee, WI

    gonzo Senior Member

    It looks like it is glassed from the inside too. I guess it was probably to strengthen the area with most stress. If the rest of the deck/hull joint is coming apart and that is the only area, there are different options. Cutting the edge of the glass under would be the easiest if you can pry the back end of the engine well off. The core is plywood, which is cheap and easy to repair/replace later. A cutting wheel is fairly fast for the bulk of cutting. An oscillating tool and chisels can break the plywood the rest of the way. Those vertical reinforcements are also easy to repair/replace later. I have made my life harder than necessary many times trying to save parts that would have been easier and cheaper to replace later.
     
  2. Cleanriver
    Joined: Jun 2025
    Posts: 9
    Likes: 0, Points: 1
    Location: Virginia

    Cleanriver Junior Member

    OK, motor off. Revealed that the area between the motor well liner and transom is packed full of thickened epoxy. I don't think I am going to be able to get in there to separate it. So, I am thinking of cutting along the line marked in blue tape. Does that sound reasonable?
    With a cutting wheel, is it best to cut from above?
    Not familiar with fiberglass repairs (yet). To facilitate the repair, would you cut along the sharp bends in the fiberglass, or back further in a flat spot?
    Thanks.
    John
     

    Attached Files:


  3. fallguy
    Joined: Dec 2016
    Posts: 8,228
    Likes: 1,884, Points: 123, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: usa

    fallguy Boat Builder

    What makes you so gung ho to remove the upper liner?

    That cannot be thickened epoxy putty because it would catch fire.

    Take a breath and consider the actual needs; this particular part of the boat looks solid as a rock.
     
Loading...
Forum posts represent the experience, opinion, and view of individual users. Boat Design Net does not necessarily endorse nor share the view of each individual post.
When making potentially dangerous or financial decisions, always employ and consult appropriate professionals. Your circumstances or experience may be different.