79 Viking transom glass inside the boat.

[Captaincj]

My 79 Viking was re-cored and re-floored by a previous owner. The transom however does not appear to have been touched. So far I see no signs of distress or deficiencies in the transom, but the original fiberglass work on the inside of the transom is very "dry" to me. In other words, looks like the factory was very skimpy on the wetting or resin. Forgive me, I'm NOT an expert on glassing.

Question is, can I, should I, would you... roll on a new layer of resin? Right now it feels like a dry basket weave... Resin and layer of mat? Can I do that over the original glass?

What materials specifically would the experts recommend and what procedures should I use? Thinking of possibly glassing in some knees as well.

Christopher Johnson

[nitro_rat]

You are likely correct in your observation that the original layup is "dry." These were production boats that were built in quantity and not intended to last a lifetime. In fact to racers of the time the hulls were "disposable!"

Due to the "step" design of the transom it is common for the core to be rotten and the transom to be fine as long as the original rigging job was well done and didn't allow water to enter the transom through the rigging holes.

Let's see some pics of what you're dealing with!

[rjdubiel]

Take a sander to it with 36 grit in a very small spot. If its dry you will eat through it and be to the plywood quick. You gotta take off the dry before laying on more. It may just be the last layer and you will not get to the wood that quick

[XstreamVking]

I would do some small 1/4'' drill samples 1st. Drill in slowly with a 1/4'' bit and see how much glass is over the wood.(may only be 1/8'') then drill to 1'' max and see what color wood comes out. It should be little bits and curls and somewhat hold together. If it's dry powder, wet or very crumbly it's compromised and it would be a waste to glass over it. If it passes the test, then it may be best to remove the compromised skin layer that's dry and re-glass over the wood and install knees. Putting knees over the old dry ( possibly de-laminating) glass will accomplish nothing.

[Captaincj]

All good info guys.

Thanks, I will update when I have time to look closer at it.

[Captaincj]

1st update:

Took another quick look and I don't know what I was thinking. The glass inside looks good. I must have been mis-remembering. I need to move a few things to get a better look, but I may not need to do anything.

I'll be back if I find a problem.

Christopher Johnson