20' Privateer roamer skiff project

[greymare89]

I found pictures of a 20' privateer project where the owner appears to have done exactly what I want to do. Here are some pictures I found off the Internet of the build, I believe they're from the hull truth. I attempted to private message the guy to ask questions but couldn't get a hold of him.

This is the original height of the 20" transom on the privateer. With the wood sole removed the guy put what appears to be tape on the outside skin and somehow layed in glass to build layers. The pictures should explain it all but for some reason I can't fully understand how to achieve that extra 5" solid fiberglass outside skin in the motor well.









This picture of the finished product even shows the factory "lip" across the top. Are there multiple methods to tackle what I'm attempting to achieve or is there really only one real way to do this. I want to do it the right way and not waste time or materials. I feel like I could get the transom skin built up the extra 5" by experimenting a little but it will most likely take multiple attempts to get it right with a lot of frustration along the way.



Also what is the best glass choice for building up the skin that extra 5"? I know 1708 will be used as inside layers once the sole is glued in but I feel like it's a bit heavy/thick to be used on the outside. Thanks once again for the support jacquesmm and Steven!

[jacquesmm]

Is the goal to raise that transom cut by 5" and get the top as in the first picture?
The nature of the insert is not that important: marine ply or high density foam but what counts are the skins. The strength is going to depend 100% on the skins.

[greymare89]

Yes the goal is to achieve what's in the first picture. The only thing I may do different is just raise up the motor well the 5" and leave the rest alone. In the pictures I found on the hull truth it appears that the guy raised up not only the motor well but the top of the tranom as well to the height of the gunwale cap. I had a feeling that the strength was very dependent on the skin which is why I reached out on this website to found out proper procedure and materials to move forth with the project. Which fiberglass mat is the best choice for building the skin?

[ncprivateer]

Hey, first time post, trolling through privateer pics on google and stumbled upon you build thread. Saw you mention you tried to get up with me unsuccessfully, sorry about that. Hopefully I can answer some questions if it's not too late.
Privateer gets that thick lip from the excess layers of fiberglass. So when the skin coat goes on, fiberglass is brought pass the anticipated core material, somewhere between 1"-2". Then the core material(wood or foam) is laid. Then another layer of glass with a excess of 2"-3". This layer covers the core entirely, and wraps over, adhering to the "lip". Then another core, then a slightly larger piece of glass wrapping that piece of core material, with the excess glass covering both cores and up the lip. Repeat till desired core strength is achieved. This creates a stronger transom, that resists cracking at the top, between the layers of core. My privateer, the one pictured here is two sheets of 3/4" and one 1/2". I think the transom is about 3" thick.

[greymare89]

Ncprivateer, thanks for the reply!!! Definitely not too late as I'm still trying to plan everything out before I tear the boat apart. It's currently my only boat so I'm going to cruise it the way it is for this summer and possibly start the project in the fall. Anyway I appreciate the insight on the transom, if you have any other pictures of the build process I would love to see them. Also if you have a schedule of materials I would love to see that too. I feel like I bought excess material on my last privateer project because it was my first rebuild and probably could have saved a bunch of money if I knew exactly what I needed. I'm looking to do exactly what you did to your privateer so as much info as I can get the better. Please email me with any further pics of the build or list of materials used if that is at all possible. Thanks again for reaching out on this website, it's greatly appreciated!
John - greymare89@aol.com