268DA and Weekenders

After reading your post again, my advice would be to leave the tank alone. The padding is going to be compressed really well and that tank will be in there solid. I would not pull it unless you absolutely have to. There is some cutting and hacking to get it out and not worth the efforts just to check the padding. If you had a leak, that would be a different story.

Good luck! Shoot some more pics. I love those 268's!
 
We have done a few more steps in the swim platform project.First we put a new piece of luan on our table for a flat smooth surface then covered it with Mylar. First we decided on the new width (36") created a form with 2x4s to hold the old sides square in position. Then we cut 6 degree edges on the side pieces and screwed them in place an lapped the Mylar over them.
Setup1.jpg
Setup2.jpg
Next we cut three layers of Fiberglass mesh each one progressively 2" wider and dry fitted them.
FitCloth1.jpg
FitCloth2.jpg
Next we finally mixed the resin and started wetting the mesh in position. We let that dry overnight. We were amazed at how smooth the top came out. Can't even hardly feel the transition accept in one spot where we got a air bubble. That will be an easy fix when we clean up the top layer.
NewTopGlassed2.jpg
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This morning we traced out the new inside board, then cut it out 1/2" smaller on all sides for the inside fit.
NewBoard1.jpg
Next we transferred the dimensions for the vent holes and cut them out. We also drilled 6 air escape holes to help air pockets escape when bonding it in the shell.
NewBoard2.jpg
NewBoard3.jpg
We then applied 6 quarts of Resin evenly over the inside of the top and inserted the New Board. Weights and clamps were placed everywhere to assure good adhesion. My camera battery died then so now picture of that... We are using a kerosene jet heater with an attached thermostat to keep the temp in the garage above 60 deg.That’s where we are. We look in on it later. Maybe tomorrow we can glass over the bottom to seal it up.
 
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We will have some soon. Just had our first real test using them yesterday. Really happy with how they came out. Now there is enough room for a cooler on the back and you can still use the plaform as well.

We do not have ladders yet. We pourchased a telesoping model that will be very nice under the platform. But we have to have them modified a bit to allow them to work with the lip of the platform. We did not want to cut into the lip as that would take away from the orignial look of the platform.

We enededd up using "Raptor Coat" on the deck surface. It is a Truck Bed spray on liner matrial that can be colored to specification. Came out great.

We will have some soon. Just had our first real test using them yesterday. Really happy with how they came out. Now there is enough room for a cooler on the back and you can still use the platform as well.

We do not have ladders yet. We purchased a telescoping model that will be very nice under the platform. But we have to have them modified a bit to allow them to work with the lip of the platform. We did not want to cut into the lip as that would take away from the original look of the platform.

We ended up using "Raptor Coat" on the deck surface. It is a Truck Bed spray on liner material that can be colored to specification. Came out great.

We will be looking to sell the third one we did if anyone is interested.

Daddubo said:
CT1 Do you have any pic's of the finished product?
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I would REALLY like to see the finished product on these swim platforms, hows it coming?
 
Currently working on a Bow repair with my 268 where I have found a weak point in the deck. First noticed it when someone walked across this spot and it bowed bad. You can actually see a dip in the bow from the helms seat, and wondering if anyone else has noticed this before. I will attach a photo of the exact area of the weak spot. If I even just put my foot in this area it dips down. Anyone else notice this?

DSCN1281.JPG
 
Never noticed it BBY. I walk across that spot all the time and I'm pushing 200lbs. I've never noticed flexing in that area.
 
Never noticed it on my 1988' 268DA.

I have heard that walking in that area causes the side window frames to bend as they are weight bearing and not particularly good at it.

This distortion of the side window frames allows water to leak in.

Not sure if that has any relationship to your problem.
 
BlewByYou88 said:
Currently working on a Bow repair with my 268 where I have found a weak point in the deck. First noticed it when someone walked across this spot and it bowed bad. You can actually see a dip in the bow from the helms seat, and wondering if anyone else has noticed this before. I will attach a photo of the exact area of the weak spot. If I even just put my foot in this area it dips down. Anyone else notice this?

View attachment 27516
Click to expand...
Check this area where the beam support goes across

weaksopt_zpscdba7d93.jpg
 
I have a project 268 going on, hope to be done by next spring to get it on the water. I have a great hull with no motor or drive, and need some minor interior work. Nothing too outlandish, I plan on doing all the work myself with help from family and friends. Spent the last few weeks compounding/sealing the hull. After that the next step is to start removing the engine and outdrive from the donor boat. Going to some cold work days this winter, but I have keep the project moving. The kids have allready picked out the dock where it is going to be next year!
 
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There is a thread over in the gelcoat restoration area about this same issue. Are you the same poster? If not head on over there, as he is keeping the thread going on all the work he is doing to fix this issue.
 
Any of my Fellow 268'ers have some pics of their deck carpet. Looking into it, and wanted to see how ya'll laid yours out and what colors ya'll used.
 
I don't have any pics but I can get some for you if you want.

My carpet is a large L shaped burgundy piece that snaps over the entire back deck and up the isle way. The carpet stops at the edge of the steps that go down into the cabin.

I also have a piece that snaps in at the helm and covers the whole floor in front of the bench seat.

Mine is a factory piece. If I was to make a new one myself, I would cut out the the engine hatch area and make that a separate snap on piece. This way you could access the engine(s) without remove the entire carpet piece.

When the carpet is in, the engine noise is greatly reduced.

My boat looks really sharp with the carpet down. Plus, I'm not constantly wiping the deck from dirty foot smudges.
 
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Yea, the engine hatch was my concern, because I would like to be able to get into it in a hurry if need be, plus I have the hole in the center for the table. I'm thinking I want something other than blue carpet though. Which is why I was hoping some pics would come along.

I want carpet more than anything because people keep dropping heavey items on my deck, and there are a few gouged spots. and 2, because this last season I think 3 people ate $h!t on the "NON-Skid"
 
Here are some pics BBY:

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Thanks Getaway....Your Helmseat is looking as rough as mine...:smt009
 
Yeah, it went quick too. It was like new when I bought the boat 3 years ago, after putting lots of ass-hours in it, she's starting to show her age...lol.
 
Do you still have the parts boat? I have been looking for a bow rail. No idea why but the prior owner took it off. I need the entire thing and they are not easy to come by.
 
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