Joining T-plus ABS hulls?

[FrankW]

Okay, I did a couple searches and couldn't find any good info on this. Anyways... I got this new T-plus kit (just the plastics, doesn't come with instructions) and I was wondering, how should I join the hull halves? Epoxy, CA, something else? Thank you. Also, the hull halves don't seem to join togather perfectly, some spots it's loose, some it's tight, and some are virtually imposible. Any responce or advice on this? Thank you.

-Frank

[toyboy4145]

Start at the transom and fit the deck to the hull, by sanding the hull half to fit the deck. Work your way around to the bow and when you have it all fitting well, set it on a flat surface. With the deck fitted onto yhe hull, tape the deck to the hull, making sure not to put any twists into it. Use about one strip of tape every 6 inches to secure it. After you are satisfied with the fit and look of it, flip it over and join a small area beside each piece of tape, working from the transom forward. Try not to twist the hull when doing this. I have only used CA to join hulls, so this is what I would recommend. After the Ca has cured, remove the tape and sit the hull on a flat surface to check that it is straight. After that turn the hull upside down and run down the rest of the joint, filling it with CA. Try not to use too much(saves weight), and try not to use accelerator, unless you need to. When you finish with the CA, do a tub test to check for leaks. Pretty long-winded I know. It's a whole lot easier to do than describe. Have fun and take your time.

[FrankW]

What thinkness of CA should I use? Thin, medium, thick? Thank you.

-Frank

[Drobie]

Another tip on the T-Plus. You may want to rethink the location of the batteries and motor before you join the hull.

We built a couple up here, left off most of the ABS motor compartment sides and relocated the batteries along the sides of the motor.

Also, a Dave Brown fibreglass pushrod, laid laterally across the very front of the hull will help stiffen it.

Finally, the kit comes with quite a bit of plastic for the interior. Think about how much of this you could leave out without sacrificing structural reinforcement. Quite a bit I think.

[FrankW]

With my experiance putting togather the American Dream, I decided to make a few mods on my own. Weight isn't too much of a concern to me, as this is just a sport boat.

The fiberglass rod idea, I was planning on it, except I was gonna use carbon fiber.

The ABS motor compartment will be replaced by a plywood doubler. All the other ABS support pieces will also be replaced with plywood (I like working with plywood). I however will use ABS for the ride pads, but I may look into aluminum.

-Frank