Sharpening strakes and floor coating?

[Shak-e-Vector]

So I'm done re-coring my 83 vector.....just thought I would consult, what should I coat the floor with? Gel coat? Top side paint? I don't plan on carpet. I assume if gel coat, 2 coats the final having wax added. Currently the floor is a layer 1.5 csm and 1 layer 6 oz. with sanded polyester resin. My second question is about sharpening the strakes. I have resin and cabosil already. the old gel is chipped up around the corners and some chips on the pad as well. Grind out the chips (lightly) fill them in with cabosil and sand until sharp? I have lots pics I should post them.

[texasvector]

ive used bildge coat under the floor and in bildge area....gel would be good here too....topside we use "tuff coat" a rubberized coating that ive been super pleased with....

u can get away with using marine tech on the smaller chips

take a syringe and cut a vee in the tip....great for applying thickened resin to the edges.....sand straight and sharp and youll be super pleased

[Shak-e-Vector]

Texasvector your boat is kind of what I'm going by...I questioned on FB about your paint, not to steal your color I was curious about what type of primer and paint u used. Ive painted a few cars, but the prep is little diferent with glass. I had to sand off 2 paint jobs. I think mine was "sun set" bottom black with gold flakes, top is gold and red flakes but its pretty much hosed.

[texasvector]

primer ....duretec finishing primer....think i used vinylester primer on bottom side..ppg paint and clear on top

u have to glass all the stress cracks out....they will resurface if not

we laid cloth over entire topside of one boat and its flawless after a couple of seasons

[Shak-e-Vector]

Attachment 345185

[Shak-e-Vector]

When I post pics there always upside down or side ways maybe I'll try posting some from pc instead of phone

[W2F a V-King]

'Scribed

James

[Shak-e-Vector]

Different subject but what's the general opinion on the float boxes? I cut them out for recore. Is it like everything else, 10 people 11 opinions? The hull is thin up the sides.

[W2F a V-King]

Not 100% sure, but the first year V-King 1978 (speculation based on pics I have seen) did not have the float boxes. My 79 V-King does have them and they are coming out, and not going back in. My 79 Vector does not have them, but someone else did the floor transom and core rebuild, so I can not say if it had float boxes from the factory.

So as to structural necessity...I don't believe so. But, that's just my opinion . They will add support for the sides, but is it needed? I don't believe they were added for structural integrity, but for the added flotation.

My plan for flotation in case of "problems " is to completely seal the deck back to the hull, making sure to get an air tight seal. I am pulling the deck as part of my restore, and making a few mods to the deck while off. Part of those mods is to completely fill any hole in the deck, lighting, cleat mounts, etc. When the deck goes back on, it will be sealed tight.
The idea being to trap air and keep the rig from sinking. Albeit the nose will be the only dry part, the motor will get wet, but will be rebuild-able. Some of the lakes I boat on are really deep, several hundred feet. Not sure if that will keep it from going down, but I doubt the small amount of foam in those boxes will do much either.

Also just read here somewhere in a posting that some have used a bunch of ping pong balls to fill the under floor or bilge area for flotation vs using nothing or the dreaded expanding foam...sponge. I won't have an enclosed bilge so this wont be an option for me.

Just my thoughts....

James

[XstreamVking]

Original 78 Kings had a short 3'' stringer on the floor where the float boxes later connected to the hull. I left mine in on my 83 and am confident they do give some stiffness and integrity to the whole boat. Mine were dry when I cut holes in them to inspect, so I sealed them back up and left them....Might add 20#'s to the boat total, but imo give a lot of strength for that added weight.

[Erik C]

I also have no carpet...(or floor) in my boat. i used some Interlux Bilgekote and was very happy with the way it went down. i rolled it. seams like a water tight tough paint.....but i just did it so i cant tell you if it will fade over time... personally i dont mind if it does, i just want to protect the bare glass. I
have filled chips with cabosil also.. if they are larger i would go over it with some glass just to avoid another chip. the cabosil is like thick superglue but turns brittle.

[Shak-e-Vector]

I used bilge-kote under the floor to protect the glass went down smooth. Limited colors though.