tabbing deck back to hull

[Kirbyvv]

I'm getting close to putting the X-18 back together. What type of glass is best for tabbing the hull to the deck? It looks like a coarse roving was used originally, maybe 24 oz?.

[realbold]

I would use 17 08 (I think thats what its refered to) biax. Non woven with epoxy-compatible mat backing.

[mrfixxall]

should have been 18oz woven roven..but could get away with 1708 or 1808..

http://www.uscomposites.com/specialty.html

[gcarter]

There's really a MUCH better way to do it.

[Kirk]

Please Explain.....thanks

[gcarter]

Tabs are the very cheapest, probably least effective method there is to hold the cockpit in place. Donzi (and I'm sure other mfgrs also) used tabs because, Hey, it's a glass shop! We're talking about scrap!
One of the biggest problems for more than a decade has been that Classics cockpits weren't adequately supported.
The deck is a trampoline and is constantly working up and down when in use and the only thing to moderate the motion is a few thin glass tabs.
As a result, cockpit floors crack and tear. The bigger the Classic, the bigger the problem.
On the Minx, I b olted some 2" X 2" X 1/4" angles to the outside of the stringers and bolted the cockpit floor directly to the angles. I finished it off by having some SST washers machined. Unfortunately I never took any pictures of the washers.
I installed some 2" wide strips cut from some 4" exhaust hose inbetween the angles and the cockpit bottom.

[RickSE]

George, that's awesome, wish I had that setup on mine since I have a nice localized hairline point in my floor. I thought Kirbyvv was referring to tabbing the hull & deck joint inside the hull, at the rub rail??

[gcarter]

I just re-read it....maybe he was.
Oh well!

[Kirbyvv]

No I was referring to the tabs George was discussing. I'm using a combo of methods to support the cockpit and tab the ski locker, etc. to the hull. More to follow. Hope to put the tank in this weekend. I have all George's posts on tank installation printed out as my bible. Thanks