Project: Underskinning and other Mods

[DSwatloski]

I picked up the 5052 .063" Aluminum today. I had two 5'X10' sheets sheered to fit the distance between the X members. Most of the boat X members were on 16" centers, 2" wide. I have two 50"x60" panels, one 66"X60" panel then two panels 30"X43-3/8" that I will cut to fit around the transom. I have two 20' lengths for 2"X2"X1/8" Angle Irons (aluminum) to run down the sides along the pontoon brackets. 200 - No.10 X 3/4" Stainless Steel self-tapping screws and 200 Neoprene backed Stainless Steel Washer, and a large container of Permatex Blue. My tap and dye set has been located for the last X member, taps around the front of the transom and perhaps the angle irons. I may drill the angle irons and use the tapping as I mount these to the pontoon brackets. This will cover about 17' 3" from the stern forward. It leaves about 4' at the bow open. No sheeting is need there anyway.

I cut the starboard side transom panel this afternoon and test fit it. It fits well. I measured several times and cut once.

I will probably not do much this weekend. It's full of grandkids, church and some other visits. I'll pick it up Tues, Wed next week.

Pictures will be taken in process...




Dave

[DSwatloski]

Well the underskin is done. Turned out pretty good. 17' covered. Smacked my head a bunch under there. Sore from the body position working the material. One of my Sons-in-Law helped me with the 66" sheet. The rest I put in using some 2"X3" T's that I used as jacks to hold the edges up. What works very well in holding the sheets up in place is duct tape. C-Clamps are good for the angle Iron. (Don't mind the grung on the pontoons... my Marina, left the boat in the water for a while after I asked them to pull it and store it for the Winter. Powerwash is up next.)

Need some advice on how to post picture too. Mine are huge...

[justrfb]

Looks like a job well done! I am inspired to take this task on too as I look forward to a smoother, quieter ride. Please let us know your "results" when you splash this season. Safe boating...

Sincerely,
Rich

[DSwatloski]

Looks like a job well done! I am inspired to take this task on too as I look forward to a smoother, quieter ride. Please let us know your "results" when you splash this season. Safe boating...

Sincerely,
Rich

Thanks Rich. Will do. It will be on this thread as I continue to make the mods to my boat.

[DSwatloski]

OK here's the BEFORE measurement 22 MPH, actually being more precise, 22.4 MPH measured by GPS. AFTER: I made some performance runs today and loaded the boat up with all my gear, some water in ice chests to simulate more weight from people and tried to get it close to the weight for the 22.4 MPH BEFORE run. I made GPS runs back and forth on the same GPS track to take out any wind or current variations. With the wind 25.0 MPH into the wind 24.4 MPH, average is 24.6 MPH. Now I think I'm about an adult and a half shy in terms of weight (300 lbs), but still at least 1.5 MPH maybe 2 MPH increase, accounting for less weight on the boat. As far as ride ,that is where it shines. Quiter, no surging over wakes... I also noticed I have a blast of water come out the back of the boat... probably because the sheeting is allowing it to flow back easier. I might put a GOPRO in the front and see if I can observe anything.