Comp Vector thread

**LakeFever** · 01-26-2023, 07:16 AM

When doing my homework on the cradle many of the builds had mentioned hook or twist in the hull. Apparently common from resin therm curing issues back in production as well as distortion from bad trailer support over the years. I used a self levelling cross line laser i broadcast over the hull. I put 12” lengthwise marks with post it notes and measured down each side using this to level all the strakes and pad out as close to perfect as possible. I used taper shims to get it all true. When i was satisfied i lifted the hull straight up and laid kitty hair over all the cradle and put parchment paper over then sat it back down until cured. The cradle was then a perfect fit. I used 3/4” ply, 2x6 and 2x8 and boxed/braced it every which way possible because i rolled mine in and out a few times. I did the same laser thing when i flipped it to fare and blueprint the running surface. Theres pics of this in my build thread if you cant make sense of that. Hope it’s of some help

**XstreamVking** · 01-27-2023, 08:56 AM

Biggest thing is same side to side shape. That's what makes them run true with less china wok.

**LakeFever** · 01-27-2023, 03:45 PM

Forgot to mention i made a transom brace from 3/4 and two 2x6 bolted to the cradle so i could clamp the hull in its place and to aid in bonding the transom core

**JoshP1** · 02-25-2023, 07:49 PM

Well, I looked into a place to purchase composites from for the transom, core, stringers, etc. They, apparently, do not ship to Louisiana. I need a place that will either be local to the Baton Rouge area or will ship to my house. I am going to rebuild my boat with all composites instead of wood so I never have to worry about it rotting away again. Any help would be greatly appreciated and thanks in advance!

**tnelsmn** · 02-25-2023, 11:28 PM

I bought everything from these guys. They are local to me but I believe they ship as well.
https://www.expresscomposites.com/

**rgsauger** · 02-26-2023, 11:50 PM

Check boatbuildercentral.com

**JoshP1** · 02-27-2023, 11:11 AM

T, I'll check them out now. RG, I was looking at buying my stuff from them, but they don't ship to me. Thanks y'all.

**rgsauger** · 02-28-2023, 12:50 AM

Well shucks. Call the composite company and ask them for a distributor in your area.

**JoshP1** · 02-28-2023, 05:24 PM

RG, I got on the Coosa website and found a distributor in the New Orleans area. Plenty close enough for me to drive there without much issue, even pulling a trailer. On a side note, I finally started building the cradle. So far, the hardest thing to do was move the boat back on the trailer to accurately mark cut lines on my first cross member. I should be able to finish the bulk of the cradle this weekend as I have 3 days off every other weekend. I'm so ready to go fast again, but there is absolutely no way I want to rush this restoration. As always, thanks for the help!

**LakeFever** · 03-01-2023, 07:02 AM

I coosa’d everything aside from the core. After doing this a discussion popped up here about coosa transoms being excessive nvh and how manufacturers got away from coosa transoms and back to wood because of this. I havent run mine yet so i cant say how harsh it is but figured id mention it. Another plus is wood is stronger too. I think id do my transom in Okume wood if i could start over.

**VkingMike** · 03-01-2023, 08:05 AM

My transom is Coosa and it does transfer quite a bit of vibration. Then again, I run solid engine mounts. But I don't have much to compare it too, since my wood transom was a soggy mess that likely soaked up most of it previously lol

**rgsauger** · 03-02-2023, 01:59 AM

I used Hydrotech marine ply and epoxy resin for my whole resto of transom and everything else. Cap off build. Was totally pleased with Hydrotech product.

**XstreamVking** · 03-02-2023, 07:33 AM

Coosa structure and divinnycell core on mine. Was redone by me many years ago. Vinyl resin and 1708 glass. The boat hull is a very light, tight unit with no flex or cracks. You can use wood for a more quiet ride. I just like working with the foams and core board better. Running a 250 optimax (505#'s) , no concerns with the trans or hull after a lot of miles. Including ruff salt water.