New Member with New Boat

[everybody]

Thanks. Hopefully I can get the floor in this week. It's been a big project and I hope its all down hill from here.

[Islandtrader]

friggin' aligators. How long do I let the dura tec dry before layup?

Normally the checkering appears because the dura tec was not fully cured.

On my own projects I would spray the dura tec one day and then do the lay up the next day.

I also added some reducer to let it flow better and to help it dry in the Fl. heat and humidity.

[everybody]

Thanks island trader. I thought it would bond better wet on wet, but Ican see how the dura tech kicking might cause the resin to kick premature. I'll let it set up fully next time, thanks again.

[strick]

You can usually see alligators appearing as you are laying down the skin. Another thing that I have found is that it is best to lay your duratec or gel coat in one application. If you put down a thin layer of gel or duratec and then re apply another coat later then second coat may pull on the first coat creating alligators. They make a gauge that you can use to measure the thickness of your duratec or gel coat. Too thin gel or duratec can lead to alligators as well. Make sure you sand the alligators really well before you apply fairing compound.

strick

[everybody]

I rolled on just one thin even coat of the dura tech. So to recap my mistakes I didn't let dura tech cure, applied to thin and probably was a bit light on the mold release. I should of messed around on some small stuff first. Thanks everybody for the help.

[Islandtrader]

I went through the same thing that you did the first time I tried.

My best purchase was the $15.00 touch up spray gun. First flash spray a coat of dura tec. Than lay on heavy coats to get the desired thickness.

I also use the spray gun to put the mold release on. It goes on easier and does not leave any streaking or gators

My Uncle always said "the right tool for the right job" Of course my wife thinks I have too many tools and not enough jobs....

[everybody]

I talked to customer service at us composites and I think I mixed the dura tech to hot. Problem solved? I still have a couple of hatches to go so we'll see.

[hermco]

Usually improperly mixed catalyst or not fully set before laminating. You can also use a mil gauge to help get the required thickness.

[everybody]

Been a while since I last posted. I've been trying to get the floor fair. The alligators gave me hell, but I figured it out and relize a little extra prep can save me hrs sand fixing etc.
Mold for under gunnel support

The Lay up

There will be two one for each side. These came out great and needed no fixing.

Hatch for bait well

I'mm glassing in the teak spray rails. One was really busted up and I didn't want to replace them.

I've faired the hull and will glass it, I glassed the inside face of the cap and still need to address the fish box.

[everybody]

I took the holidays off from the boat and finnaly got back to it this past week. I own a landscape company and Jan. is always slow/dead.
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