fiberglassing in a new pump intake for insert style berkeley

[boatermike]

no fears and no experience...... I hear that the floor in a jet boat needs to be stronger but the transom isn't as important.

[boatermike]

im installing a Berkeley je and a mercruiser 260 in a four winns fling

[GIL_CV21]

Hulls are usually molded for a JE pump, a JC or a JG would be much easier to install . The transom doesn't transmit force for a JC, JG but it does for a JE . Heres a link to berkeley pump, you'll see what i mean by the differences in the pumps . The JC,JG are mounted to the bottom of the hull and a JE is mounted to the outside bottom of the transom .

http://www.berkeleyjet.com/

[boatermike]

I have a je and that's what im gonna use

[boatermike]

ok, I am nearing the point where I need to fiberglass the extension box. I have some wood framework in place to support the fiberglass and I will grind out all the gelcoat where the new glass will merge with the old. im wondering how wide my bonding area's should be. also wondering if the walmart supplies are ok to use. and I have many more questions but I will hold back and see if this yields anything useful

[XstreamVking]

I never used any walmart glass... I doubt they sell much..I would get some fresh stuff from a glass supplier. Mek and resin goes bad from sitting. Grind back from the edge at least 8-10'' all the way around the repair. Taper the ground area from the cut edge back 8'' or so. Start with some mat. 1.5 oz weight. 2-3 layers. Then lay some 1708 biaxial glass to build up to the thickness you want. 2-3-4 layers? Cover it all with some more matt to smooth it over some. Then gell...

[boatermike]

I appreciate your advise. Many of these bonding points are close to corners......I worry about getting the right supplies. Stale stuff that don't harden would really be a bummer. where could I get good supplies without breaking the bank? Really have no clue as to the amount of supplies I will need. Probably 4-5 square feet total area with about 10 feet of bonding area. The thicker areas of the boat are about 1/4" thick with many areas around 1/8".

[boatermike]

I was thinking grinding back one inch was good.........................fuelish

[roadkill636]

I got a bunch of 1708 left over . Idk how big it is. Probly at least 50sf

[boatermike]

hey roadkill, how much do you want fot that stuff?

[boatermike]

cant seem to find a local place with a roll or 2 of some good stuff and still considering walmart supplies

[boatermike]

I would love some of that 1708 stuff it looks strong

[XstreamVking]

1708 is the read deal when it comes to fiberglass. Works real easy and is very strong. I would strongly suggest you use it and some good fresh resin. Just order some on-line.

[boatermike]

yep I think your right.

where do you get yours supplies?

[XstreamVking]

I'm lucky that I can buy local here in Fla. Search for fiberglass supplies in michigan and see what happens.