TOPIC: Help with re connecting top to bottom of hull

I split the Playmaster, I have been looking for a thread that re connects the two. I do not want to fiberglass on outside of seam because that will change dimensions for trim. I have been thinking about adding a backer to hull that would guide and hold top. Than screwing, gluing and than glassing inside seam. Any direction would be appreciated. Thanks Dave

How were they joined originally? Just glassed together? A photo would probably help!

on my 600 the top fit the bottom like a lid on a shoe box
a bead of 5200 and a box and a half of rivets and she was in peice again

All three of my Starcrafts were also done shoebox style. I used a backer board and stainless steel screws going through both layers of glass into the backer board (1/2 inch plywood). I used 5200 in the seam between the top and bottom lips.

My Power Cat was a shoe box design as well. The inside seam was glassed with one layer of mat from the factory 50 years ago. When I rebuilt it (hmm, maybe 4 years ago?), I triple glassed the inside seam. I.e. I first layed on a 3" strip, then a 4.5", then a 6". That gives the boar substantial rigidity, even more so then it first had. I would guess the plywood backer thing would do about the same.

You can see pics of my restoration project here: www.powercatboat.com/Group/FA_14t/FA_14t01.html

Good luck.

Frank

No shoe box here. Nice Powercat!! The top and bottom were flush at seam. Inside had multiple layers over seam. Dave

Thanks, it's sure a fun boat, and handles great on the water.

I can't imagine why yours would be any different. Once you get it where you want, go to it. I did mine section by section, would wet the 1st narrowest piece, apply it, then overlay it immediately with the next wider piece, then the final widest one. It didn't take long to do, but ya gotta be prepared!

Good luck!

Frank