1996 Cajun (Fishmaster) 2400 Bay Boat

Questions about boat repairs with our resins and fiberglass: hull patches, transoms and stringers, foam, rot etc.
The_Bean
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1996 Cajun (Fishmaster) 2400 Bay Boat

Post by The_Bean »

Hello all,

I am reluctant to post yet, but think it is necessary to begin logging this process and asking questions about my issues on this rebuild.

First, as far as I know and according to the paperwork this boat is a 1996 Cajun 2400 bay boat. I understand that this thing is a POS and no argument from me there, but I rather like the lines and style of hull. For the most part the hull is a flat bottom with about a 4" tall tunnel that runs the length of the boat. I have torn this thing apart from the get go and only purchased this boat for the hull. I have scrapped the trailer, motor and essentially everything else. However, I am holding on to the console and cooler-sit-in style seat for the console. Unknown if I will use either, but don't want to fabricate new if I can utilize these.

Below are the pictures of the process I've been through since about the end of December 2020 until now. I will begin to work up the questions I have, but wanted to post some pics for general commentary as of thus far. Thanks and I am looking forward to finally completing a rebuild project as I have been down this road before... No Judgement...
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Thanks

Bean

Fuzz
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Re: 1996 Cajun (Fishmaster) 2400 Bay Boat

Post by Fuzz »

First of all welcome to the fun Bean :wink:
Second it does not matter if others think the hull is a POS if you like it. Seems like you know what you have got yourself into. Looks like you have made a good start cleaning up the inside. It might not have been the best from the factory but it will be much better when rebuilt with good materials and workmanship.
I hope you have to hull well supported so it does not lose shape before you get the interior structure back into it.

fallguy1000
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Re: 1996 Cajun (Fishmaster) 2400 Bay Boat

Post by fallguy1000 »

Looks like you got it cleaned up nice. As long as the shape is held up, all is well.
My boat build is here -------->

viewtopic.php?f=12&t=62495

The_Bean
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Re: 1996 Cajun (Fishmaster) 2400 Bay Boat

Post by The_Bean »

Fuzz,

Thanks and yes, it is braced pretty well on top of stacked landscape block and doubled up 2x6s. There are 2x4s standing upright along the sides braced under the gunwales, keeping the walls from flexing out. Feels pretty secure with no wiggle, a little beer canning/flex while walking on the tunnel though. Will brace that up with a 4x4 so when I begin laminating I have no flex and no air building under the glass.

As for now I believe I have about 10 more grinding sessions before I am ready to start mocking up the new transom, knees, and stringer layout.


Bean

Fuzz
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Re: 1996 Cajun (Fishmaster) 2400 Bay Boat

Post by Fuzz »

A little late but if you need to remove a lot of glass in a hurry you need these. https://www.amazon.com/4-5-Grit-ZEC-Dis ... 1298&psc=1
Just be really, really careful as this is truly a weapon of mass destruction :help:

Jeff
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Re: 1996 Cajun (Fishmaster) 2400 Bay Boat

Post by Jeff »

Welcome to our Builders Forum!!! Really good start on your project!!! Jeff

piperdown
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Re: 1996 Cajun (Fishmaster) 2400 Bay Boat

Post by piperdown »

Welcome!

Looks like you have it well in hand right now. At least with this build you won't be needing to have endless fairing days on the hull! :D
Eric (aka, piperdown)

"Give an Irishman lager for a month and he's a dead man. An Irishman's stomach is lined with copper, and the beer corrodes it. But whiskey polishes the copper and is the saving of him." --> Mark Twain

The_Bean
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Re: 1996 Cajun (Fishmaster) 2400 Bay Boat

Post by The_Bean »

Appreciate the motivational welcome from all and I will take a look at those grinding disks. Been using 40grit flapper disks, get about a 4' x 2' section out of one before it gets loaded with the goop. Hoping to knock out a couple good grinding sessions over the next two weeks.

I will be ordering my first batch of epoxy in an effort to start amassing supplies. I have decided on the silver tip epoxy with okoume ply. I will be ordering my epoxy and glass here, but have a shop in Houston I can get 18mm okoume from for $200 a sheet.

Planning to rebuild the transom to a 3" thickness with four sheets of that 18mm. Priced out coosa to begin with, but decided to only get quality epoxy to laminate the marine ply in an effort to keep cost down. Really hoping the silver tip wets out well and is forgiving for a newer rebuilder.

I will post some pics/sketches of the transom and knees designs I am thinking about. Would like to hear thoughts on laminate thickness and positioning of knees.

Thanks

Bean

Fuzz
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Re: 1996 Cajun (Fishmaster) 2400 Bay Boat

Post by Fuzz »

Will you be building in both knees and a splash well? Also how much HP are you planning on? I ask because 3 inches of plywood feels like a little overkill to me. As for using System3 epoxy I feel like you will be using a top of the line product.

fallguy1000
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Re: 1996 Cajun (Fishmaster) 2400 Bay Boat

Post by fallguy1000 »

2nd Fuzz

4 sheet is a bit much unless you are planning doubles or triples or say 400hp ob..

3x18 is 54mm or 2.126" plus 3 layers 1708 each side is and overwraps is about 0.300", or if db1700 overtops, you get 6 layers and about say 0.24"...to nearly 2.5" thick..
My boat build is here -------->

viewtopic.php?f=12&t=62495

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