Question on Epoxy

I plan to epoxy the frame on my '83. The question I have is the need to install the tramp and preload the frame prior to allowing the epoxy to cure.

Any experiences or thoughts would greatly be appreciated.

It's not necessary to install the tramp before you glue the frame.

Do not, under any circumtances, glue the sidebars to the front/rear castings. They need to be able to "float" and do not provide any significant structural rigidity by themselves.

Thanks Matt -

So just the posts/castings and front/rear crossmembers.

One of my sidebars floats considerably, while the has little to no movement. Is this acceptable?

That's fine - the reason for the "float" is to accomodate thermal expansion, so a little movement is OK. When you install the trampoline (tight), it will stop the "rattling" of the sidebars.

Craaaaaaaaaap .... NOW ya tell me........ several questions come to mind
Why do they "Need" to float?
What bad and terrible things will happen now that they ARE glued?
Now that I have committed this sin against my Hobie, what should I do ?
Why didn't I talk to you before I did this project back in January.

Stephen

Swami says:

"I see a cracked corner casting in your future . . . "

Nothing to do until it actually breaks - which it probably won't for a while.

Not until you're in the lead of the best race of your life.

Even when it does, it'll be the "cups" on the end of the crossbar that hold the sidebars - not a catastrophic failure, but a really annoying one.