Experinced opinions on poly replacement
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Experinced opinions on poly replacement
I have to change the poly on my alumitech. Existing poly is screwed off with a few nuts where needed. Question is, do those of you that change out poly weld the old holes and drill new or reuse existing holes maybe installing a larger diameter screw.
- pontoon outlaw
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Re: Experinced opinions on poly replacement

Re: Experinced opinions on poly replacement
I wonder why no one uses aircraft rivets?
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Re: Experinced opinions on poly replacement
Fill in the old holes first.
Straighten out the hull
Weld up anything needing attention
Lay on new poly and start securing
Bk
Straighten out the hull
Weld up anything needing attention
Lay on new poly and start securing
Bk
https://www.bkmarineservices.com
https://m.facebook.com/BKMarineServices
502 BBC on a 18' Alumitech 2.68 Stinger box, w/84" 4 blade Whisper Tip Whirlwind blades.
https://m.facebook.com/BKMarineServices
502 BBC on a 18' Alumitech 2.68 Stinger box, w/84" 4 blade Whisper Tip Whirlwind blades.
Re: Experinced opinions on poly replacement
If you elect to fill the holes make sure you chase them first. I've seen some welds pop out of non cleaned holes. I personally use the existing holes with brass nylocks and washers. It does take two people to do it.
- techelp3215436655
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Re: Experinced opinions on poly replacement
I wrote an article on installing polymer correctly you could call air boating magazine for the article or 321-543-6655 airboatdave@gmail.com
- AirRanger
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Re: Experinced opinions on poly replacement
X2pontoon outlaw wrote:did mine twice and have used same holes both times, of course some were stripped out then I put a nut on it... of course everybody said it wouldn't work ha ha I run the Hill like a raped ape..

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Re: Experinced opinions on poly replacement
Don't forget to taper the edges on the poly.
Bk
Bk
https://www.bkmarineservices.com
https://m.facebook.com/BKMarineServices
502 BBC on a 18' Alumitech 2.68 Stinger box, w/84" 4 blade Whisper Tip Whirlwind blades.
https://m.facebook.com/BKMarineServices
502 BBC on a 18' Alumitech 2.68 Stinger box, w/84" 4 blade Whisper Tip Whirlwind blades.
Re: Experinced opinions on poly replacement
Out of curiosity, what tool or tools work best to taper the poly once installed?

Citrus County Airboat Alliance (Member)
"USMC"

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Re: Experinced opinions on poly replacement
Thanks for the input. Looks like ill be cleaning, welding, drilling, countersinking and drinking beer in a couple weeks (its an unspoken rule that beer must be drank while working on Airboats). Thanks for the input.
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Re: Experinced opinions on poly replacement
electric hand held plane works best for mefhp6 wrote:Out of curiosity, what tool or tools work best to taper the poly once installed?
16ft alumitech/406sbc/2.38w/3-80in.R's
Re: Experinced opinions on poly replacement
Thank you!

Citrus County Airboat Alliance (Member)
"USMC"

- nebraskaairboater
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Re: Experinced opinions on poly replacement
When I replaced the poly on my aluminum hull I reused the existing holes with no problems. I did use nylock nuts and washers though.
Dan Porter, Jr.
Fremont, NE
16 x 8 1971 Flat Bottom Fiberglass Hull / 454 Chevy/ 2.38:1 OX Drive / 80" 3-Blade Sensenich S
Fremont, NE
16 x 8 1971 Flat Bottom Fiberglass Hull / 454 Chevy/ 2.38:1 OX Drive / 80" 3-Blade Sensenich S
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Re: Experinced opinions on poly replacement
Exactly.swamper2 wrote:electric hand held plane works best for mefhp6 wrote:Out of curiosity, what tool or tools work best to taper the poly once installed?
Or cut it with a circular saw set at an angle.
Bk
https://www.bkmarineservices.com
https://m.facebook.com/BKMarineServices
502 BBC on a 18' Alumitech 2.68 Stinger box, w/84" 4 blade Whisper Tip Whirlwind blades.
https://m.facebook.com/BKMarineServices
502 BBC on a 18' Alumitech 2.68 Stinger box, w/84" 4 blade Whisper Tip Whirlwind blades.