Brad Christy

Guys,

After getting the static cleats out, it appears I have about and inch total, wood and glass/gelcoat, to cut through. Are we still suggesting the RotoZip tool? I can get 1/4" carbide end mills with plenty of length of cut to do the work, and the carbide won't wear nearly as fast as the high speed steel tool bits do.

Side note.... I also had to revise the plan a bit. It turns out the nose cleat breaches a chamber ahead of the foremost bulkhead, and there is no drainage provision in the buildup. I will be punching a hole through the hull, adding in a drain and including a drain cup to the install. It works out, though, as there is a small nick in the gelcoat in a perfectly convenient spot that I get to eliminate in the process. The other cleats are in areas where any water that gets past the retracting mechanism will drain into the bilge.

Thanks. Brad.
(937)545-8991

StingerFan

Hey Brad,
As far as the bezel is concerned, how about some butyl tape? It seals extremely well and you can carefully cut off any that squeezes out once bolted down. That’s what I used on my deck hatches. Worked like a dream. And you can’t see any of the tape once I cut it off.

I don’t have a brand name for ya, the company I work for uses it to seal up laser dust collectors that are sometimes installed outdoors. I have some partial rolls that were leftover after a couple installations.

1Zoom

Brad, I have cut many holes in boats, I tool of choice is a small trim router with carbide or diamond end mills. Being in the machining industry I am sure you have a wide variety. A variable speed router works the best and assures longer life for the bits. Chamfer all the edges of the gel to help prevent cracking.
4200 3M works well for bedding. The mills will work well in the plywood as well, just keep them clean.

Brad Christy

Guys,

Planning on starting the cutting today. I'm still a couple days out, but I'm trying to stay ahead of the acquisition curve, as far as tools and supplies. I've got the 4200 sealant on the way (Amazon), but the 3M adhesive remover can't be shipped. I have not explored any local options for the exact product. In anticipation of the potential for not being able to find any, what do y'all's use to clean this crap up with, if not the 3M stuff?

Thanks. Brad.
(937)545-8991

F-2 Speedy

Hardware stores carry that 3M stuff I got it at Westlake

Brad Christy

Five slots cut. Small finish router for the win. Dremel with a 1/8” end mill for the chamfering. First round of WestSystems epoxy in.

My arms itch….. 😖

Thanks. Brad.
(937)545-8991

Griff

I would not use 4200 on those type of cleats with purple bezels. You will never get them off without damaging gel coat if you ever need to. I had a hard enough time just getting my silicone ones off. Working with 4200 is like working with chewing gum in 90* weather. 4200 will also yellow some over time. I use it below the water line.

Brad Christy

Griff,

So, just clear silicone? Or maybe 3M 4000UV?

Thanks. Brad.
(937)545-8991

Griff

Clear silicone is what mine were sealed with from the factory and that is what I used again when I installed new cleat bezels.

Brad Christy

Griff,

Any preference on brand?

Thanks. Brad.
(937)545-8891