sport c restoration help

[carolinashaker]

I know this is mostly a hydro forum and all, but maybe some one could chime in ! my son and i are in the process of restoring a mirage tom cat , when we got it it looked perfect no stress marks or hull damage what so ever ! we put it in water to check for any leaks that may need any attention before rigging it. we found no leaks but it was really flexing just getting it off trailer . further inspection with a flash light threw the rigging holes showed the tail, all the stringers and bracing in the sponsons where rotten ! being we already had the boat and he liked it, rather than finding another boat we decided to just rebuild this one. i want to go back all composite on bracing and stingers to save weight to help be closer to the new boats! i mean it want get there the hull is built like a tank its not thin at all but every little bit helps . The question is whats the best composite that's strong but can save weight? what thickness glass should go over the stringers and sponson braces? Can i epoxy them down? I'm asking because its a small boat and i have read up on bigger boats but i don't think it needs 24 mat laid over them any suggestions will be appreciated anything to save weight but be safe and a nice boat thanks frank.

[carolinashaker]

[carolinashaker]

would like to go all composite like this

[Shane_B]

You could use composite panel to cut out new frames (orange panel, etc. - honeycombed composite panel usually about 10mm thick) and then use Hysol to glue in and use glass tape-carbon fiber tape to reinforce attachment points. Composite panel is extremely strong and lightweight - but expensive, used out here in the aerospace industry. John Peeters (Guido on this site) uses it extensively in his builds - you can query him as to use, cost, where to purchase. Best of luck.

[ZUL8TR]

Suggest you also pose your question at:

http://www.boatracingfacts.com/forum...270e7686b64659

there are several categories there that discuss hull restoration