Gusset Deck Underside October 7, 2011 More Lamination and Sanding on Pec To take the picture at right, I stuck my camera up underneath the deck pointing aft toward the new gusset. You can see the different layers of fiberglass underneath the core … [Read more...]
Boat Repairs & Upgrades
Upgrading and repairs can be costly and time-consuming. But one thing you can always count on: Your boat will need upgrades and repairs.
Rebuilding Whale Watching Tenders Part 9
Crack Evaluation September 29, 2011 Removing Side Deck on Pec Today began a series of days on which honest evaluations of different parts of the boats resulted in their removal. Gene is looking at a little crack in the deck, but it is really not a … [Read more...]
Rebuilding Whale Watching Tenders Part 8
Chopped Glass Filling September 25, 2011 Rebuilding Side Deck of Fluke The morning began with final preparations to install the scab board underneath the side deck and replace the deck core and gusset that we removed earlier. In the picture at … [Read more...]
Rebuilding Whale Watching Tenders Part 7
Grinding Deck on Fluke September 20, 2011 More Sanding and Grinding If you want to build or rebuild fiberglass boats, you had better not mind sanding and grinding. We spent many hours doing both. On this day, Gene mostly finished grinding out the … [Read more...]
Rebuilding Whale Watching Tenders Part 6
Peeling Wax Paper August 31, 2011 More Test Laminations, Removing Gussets, More Deck Skin Removal We decided today was the day to find out more about using wax paper as a release layer under fiberglass laminations. As noted back on page 4, the … [Read more...]
Rebuilding Whaleboat Tenders Part 5: Boat Parts Shopping Day
Fuel Tanks at Marine Surplus August 30, 2011 Marine Surplus Inc, Fort Myers We left early in the morning to head down to Marine Surplus Inc in Fort Myers, FL. Our primary mission for the day is to check out fuel tanks, but we also want to scout … [Read more...]
Rebuilding Whale Watching Tenders Part 4
Grinding Console August 25, 2011 Repairing Holes in Fiberglass Consoles The consoles to these two boats have quite a few "extra" holes in them, the result of 3 sets of engines, at least a couple of different steering systems, and various other … [Read more...]
Rebuilding Whale Watching Tenders Part 3
Last Mercury August 9, 2011 Removing Bench, Deck, and Fuel Tank from Fluke The first priority for the day was to test-fire the last remaining Mercury 90 hp outboard, since a potential buyer for it was coming later in the day. It did not go well. … [Read more...]
Rebuilding Whale Watching Tenders Part 2
Discussing Aluminum Work August 1, 2011 Contracting Build of New Aluminum Top Frames After returning the pressure washer to Punta Gorda Rent All on Monday morning, Gene ran a bunch of errands, bought a gallon of West Systems epoxy, and made some … [Read more...]
Rebuilding Whale Watching Tenders Part 1
Whale Tenders Trini and Bago The last time I saw the whale watching tenders Trini and Bago was in April, when we went to the Silver Bank to swim with the Humpback Whales. These boats are 1999 Privateer Renegades, and I found a picture of one … [Read more...]
