any tips as to composite layup for my fishboard? currently the blank is 13’6" x 48" wide x 6" thick. The blank is of 1lb density (eps). The stringer is made from 3 layers of 1/4" marine plywood.
I was thinking of sealing the finished blank with epoxy, then laminating with a single layer of 10oz. E-glass, then using 3mm divinycell high density foam, then another single layer of 10oz. e-glass. I’m in need of professional advise regarding a strong and durable layup. I’ll include pictures of my shaping room and this beast of a board.
My name is Jon, we met surfing in waikiki…“pops” and at “paradise”. The board will have a 9hp yamaha two stroke motor. This is my second fishboard, I templated Bill Barnsfield’s fishboard. Bill has made some wonderful fishboards in the past. I use this board for diving and fishing…and to get to un-touched secret surf spots
aloha Jon, I thought your picture looked familiar.
I’ve never built a fishboard, dont’ you need to add some plywood or (perhaps carbon) motor mounts? A 9 horse outboard is going to push that thing pretty good. Maybe Bert has a few suggestions here since he built those river boards?
I’ll leave it to the EPS experts to recommend the glassing schedule, especially if you’re using 1lb stuff…
My template came from Bill Barnsfield, he has made many awesome fishboards in the past. The boards I have been on had transoms made out of solid mahagony (2 and 1/2 inchs thick). each transom is custom cut to the height of the outboard motor. Also cut at an angle of 12 to 15 degrees. My friend uses 9hp yamaha two stroke. anything larger will be to heavy. I’ll post more pictures, I’ll be cutting in the transom area this long weekend. Also, Dennis (uncleD) and I will be sandwiching the high density foam on the deck and bottom. More to come.
Nice pictures! Who is that handsome soon to be father flashing the shaka sign? I am excited and stoked about the whole process of sandwich construction with epoxy. I look forward to working with you this weekend. I’ll start cleaning up my blank too. I guess old dogs can learn new tricks.
Looks like you are on the right track, especially using a “Barnfield” template. Ha! Ha!
I really don’t have much to add regarding your laminations. Since you are going to sandwich the skin, I think it will come out plenty strong. It is probably almost too obvious to mention again but never forget how big these things are and how much time and attention they take to get right. Be cautious of getting voids or areas that missed getting proper attention.
I don’t recall how heavy the ones I made came out. They were pretty light. But with a sandwich skin you might be able to make them lighter and stronger. I don’t know how light is practical really. It will be easier to transport but might get a bit fluttery in the water. Of course you can easily add weight later to balance it out.
Make sure you install plenty of inserts for tiedowns and stuff. They are cheap and you will never reget having them there later, should the need arise.
I’d take a shot at double 6 oz over the D-Cell both sides. That would be a minimum I would think. The D-Cell will make it plenty strong but in my experience projects like this need impact strength because their own weight can cause damage to a light lamination. Extra Glass doesn’t weigh all that much, especially when the resin is epoxy so I wouldn’t be afraid of loading it up a bit.
Just purchased my high density foam from Fiberglass Hawaii. 1/8" thick corecell. Divinycell was out-of-stock.
I did noticed a difference between Corecell and Divinycell…both at 1/8" thick, Corecell is much more flexible. Therefore, I should have no problems with the rails, hopefully? Nice thing happen while I was shopping at Fiberglass Hawaii. While I was in the warehouse of Fiberglass Hawaii (checking out the different HD foams), I noticed an area with lots of cut/broken/scraps of HD foam…I asked if they were going to sell them? the employee said no. So, I went back into the shop to pay for my Corecell…while loading my 4x8 sheets, the same employee came from the back warehouse and loaded 4x4 sheet of 1/8" Divinycell (for FREE!!!). Name not mentioned…just in case any management member following this thread. That’s $35 bucks for free, and who says “nothing is free” I’ll let that employee use my board anytime!
Mahalo to everyone! I’ll keep you all posted.
“swaylocks is an awesome way to express…keep the faith”
I have an account with Fiberglass HI. I paid $41.45 for each 1/8" 4x8. Can you get a better price? if not give me a call. I can buy the stuff for you. I should be working on my board this long weekend, if you want to join us (uncleD and I) please come on by. I live in manoa…hence my swaylock user name. my cell # 389-5060
Transom completed and glued in (epoxy mix), Pictures included. All the circles on the deck…thats where all my leash cups will be glassed in (36 total). Transom area has Divinycell high density foam (brown in color).
Where can I find a picture of a finished fishboard? Perhaps one in use with all the gear on it. I don’t think anyone here has even seen one.
Out of curiosity - why would you use a fishboard instead of a small panga or something similar? (i’m thinking good for stretches of coast where hard to launch regular craft) what type of fishing do you do - bottom, casting, trolling, livebait? What about stability?
What kinda speed you get out of a small o/b engine 8-10 hp?
thank you for your support! yes…I’m getting much closer to the end. I have built two fishing-boards to date. The first did not have enough nose rocker. This board has plus 15 inches (tons of nose rocker). Lots of nose rocker is a must when “following sea”. I’ll keep the pictures coming.
Yes you are correct…these fishing-boards are much easier to launch (any where). Maintenance is much easier than a boat. Storage is real easy, compared to a boat. These boards can carry up to 3 adults…yes 3, if not more. Why fishing-boards compared to small boats? you can’t sink a surfboard, small boats have a chance to sink. You do get wet with a fishing-board, but thats part of the fun. I’ll do it all with these boards, fishing, trolling, free-diving, whipping, anything you can think of. Real fast with a two stroke 9Hp motor.
Stability is great, I take some pictures as soon as I get the beast into the ocean.
Mahalo,
jon
p.s. Also these boards are great to get to unsurfed secret spots
