[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ NMS WWWBoard Version 1.4 ] [ FAQ ]
Posted by Gene Bernstein (67.153.121.195) on 16:11:35 27/09/05
In Reply to: flybridge deck sagging posted by ted
Ted: I can only speak for the '73 36-aft cabin. The flybridge deck is multi-layered. From the top: fiberglass, thin plywood (1/8"), ribs (fiberglass encapsulted wood) running beam to beam to give the deck an arch, fiberglass, fiberglass encapsulated foam in an "egg crate" pattern for strength, 3/4 plywood, thin insurlation and finally, interior headliner.
From experience, water can seep through the screws holding the seats and rot both the thin plywood and the ribs. I had to rip off the top fiberglass and replace the thin plywood and portions of the ribs. The spaces between the ribs was filled with styrofoam. Then recoated the plywood with epoxy resin and glass mat. Used a sand grit exterior latex pain for the surface.
Problem two: the interior encapsulated foam which is supposed to supply structural integrety, cracks in the corners. Due to the extreme width of the overhead without any support, it then sags. You will need to remove the headliner (that's the easy part - it is usually stapled along the edges. Once you drop the front edge, you will see where it is pulled back on itself, usually with a cardboard stiffener, as it buts the second section. There were some "buttons" holding the back edge up.) Then remove the plywood (it is screwed to the foam). You will then need to brace the overhead deck with 2x4 or 2x6 to restore it to the original height and then epoxy the cracks. Don't just use resin, but also fiberglass mat or roving for strength.
It is a winter project.
If you want to discuss it further, send me an e-mail: Comogene@yahoo.com.
Gene
[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ NMS WWWBoard Version 1.4 ] [ FAQ ]