Seakeeper 16/18/12HD Installation Manual (90549-2)
Fiberglass Hull Preparation
- Position installation fixture (Figure 8) on hull girders noting recommended clearances for maintenance from Figure 2 (in Section: Selection of Installation Location). Check that the screws fastening the saddles to the installation fixture are tight (Figure 6).
- Mask hull area (Figure 9) around foundation saddles for easy clean-up and to create an outline of surface area to receive adhesive as shown in Figure 8. Ensure that the bond gap is within adhesive manufacturer’s recommended thickness, or 3 mm if using Plexus MA590.
- Raise fixture clear of foundation. Check all four mounting areas are co-planar to within .13 in. (3 mm) to each other, as well as parallel to the water line plane, as shown in Figure 8.
- Remove any paint or gel-coat from bond surfaces so that adhesive will bond directly to laminate fibers and resin.
- Thoroughly sand girder bond surfaces with 80 grit sandpaper. (IMPORTANT – BOND STRENGTH MAY BE REDUCED IF THIS STEP IS SKIPPED.)
- Wipe surfaces clean from dust with alcohol or acetone using new paper towels, not shop rags.
- Re-position installation fixture on girders and double-check that the adhesive gap is within the adhesive manufacturer’s maximum recommended thickness. Seakeeper recommends a maximum gap of 3 mm if using Plexus MA590.
Note: If bonding saddles to a non-composite hull, contact Seakeeper for hull preparation instructions.