I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

[tpenfield]

Having done quite a bit of fiberglassing recently, I tend to go with the longer (wider) piece on the first layer and then progressively narrower pieces on top, when doing open lay-up (i.e. not vacuum infused).

The reason being is that going short -> long yields air pockets in the areas within the laminate where the wider pieces transition over the shorter pieces.


.

 

[Pmt133]

I've seen it reccomended both ways is why I asked. I know FAA is small to large but they're typically bagging if memory serves (and as you said).

Honestly I don't know that any of us are stressing the materials enough to have it actually matter all that much... as I think back to my boat with minimal structure in the tabbing and no caps.

 

[redneck joe]

can you not use the VE stuff or PB i see yall talk about to feather the possible voids?

 

[Pmt133]

It wouldn't be as strong as a continuous laminate... and the slight angle of the layup at the overlap is "weaker" as the glass is only strong in it's plane.

 

[flashback]

Hey @tpenfield How is it going, have you faired in the pod? I find myself looking forward to your project more and more.

 

[tpenfield]

Hey @tpenfield How is it going, have you faired in the pod? I find myself looking forward to your project more and more.

It's going . . .

The bottom seam is all filled in and glassed, and the entire pod is sanded in preparation for fairing compound (VE fairing compound).
.

.

.
I'll be doing the fairing compound today and perhaps sanding it smooth on Friday (6/5/2026)

 

[tpenfield]

An afternoon of fairing compound. . . this is the vinyl ester fairing compound that I got from a supplier in CT. It is good for below the water line, etc.
.

.
I have not done much fairing compound in my days, and it is times like this that I wish I made a mold instead of a one-off . . .

Anyway, Some more to go and then it will probably need a second pass to get any imperfections/low spots, etc.

I have DuraTec VE primer (1794-006) to go on before the gelcoat, and then I also have the DuraTec gloss additive.

 

[alldodge]

I'm seeing a change not in previous rendering. Is the angle piece going to cause some spray after water leaves trim tabs?

 

[Scott Danforth]

I have not done much fairing compound in my days,

just like muddin' drywall

 

[Jmunk]

What is your current projection for getting the engines rigged and the boat splashed? You’ve done so much work that I hope you get a few months of use this year.

 

[tpenfield]

What is your current projection for getting the engines rigged and the boat splashed? You’ve done so much work that I hope you get a few months of use this year.

I'm hoping to have the boat over to the re-power shop next week. I'm not sure what the turn-around will be to get the engines rigged, but I hope to be in the water about Mid-July.

 

[tpenfield]

I'm seeing a change not in previous rendering. Is the angle piece going to cause some spray after water leaves trim tabs?

No, the naval architect and I went through that. The stiffeners are not in the flow path on plane, and at his suggestion I reduced them by 1/3 just to make sure of any low speed issues.
.

 

[redneck joe]

you will have paint on by next week?

 

[aspeck]

you will have paint on by next week?

There is going to be a painting party at Ted's place ... everyone bring your rollers and paint brushes. We will get it painted in no time ... hmmm, wonder what color paint we should use? We will use oil base paint also ...

 

[Pmt133]

I'll being the beer!

 

[redneck joe]

i'll cook.