Attaching the deck.

[cheddar24manParticipant @cheddar24man]

Pretty basic maybe but I am now almost ready to attach the deck to my 38″ MTB but how does one go about this?

My thoughts are that I will lay the deck, having sanded it for a snug fit inside the edges, on my flat build board and mark and cut out the hatch(s) locations. These will have to be down the centre, flat area (the deck slopes slightly towards each side.

However, once this is done one has to glue the whole deck to the hull, all at the same time, what is the best way to keep the deck in contact with all the hull sides and the bulkheads while the glue sets?

One cannot use clamps as the the sides of the boat are slopes at the front, nothing for clamps to grip?

[Ray Wood 3Participant @raywood3]

Hi Ched,

I’d drill say a 1/32″ hole for temporary steel panel pins , just tapped in to hold the deck down till the glue dries and gently pull them out and fill the holes , It works for me 🙂

Regards Ray

[Charles OatesParticipant @charlesoates31738]

I’ve used big elastic bands and string without a problem. Not too tight though, or the deck can deform. Then weights on the deck over the bulkhead contact areas.

Charles

 

[Dave ReedParticipant @davereed72029]

Hi,

Your other recent post suggests that you haven’t fitted the motor yet. This might be easier with better access before you fit the deck. Bear in mind the brushless motor mounts at the rear (non shaft end) not the front like the brushed one.

Dave

[cheddar24manParticipant @cheddar24man]

OK guys, many thanks again, nice suggestions and food for thought.

I’ve got a fair bit before I actually secure the deck, cutting out the hatches etc. so ab bit to do before the motor (brushless is the decision) arrives.

[Richard SimpsonParticipant @richardsimpson88330]

I go through quite a lot of Frog Tape (Masking Tape) holding things together while glue cures.  Flexible and versatile but needs a clean surface to hold to.  With a deck I might go right the way around the hull to get some tension in it.

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

Yes, masking tape is a very good way of clamping parts together gently but firmly. Particularly useful if you are inserting a deck into a grp hull in which case running a temporary wooden ‘stringer’ along the joint often helps to maintain an even pressure along the side of the hull.

Colin

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