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26M fiberglass question
Posted: Tue May 11, 2021 1:31 pm
by Beaverpilot
What are you using for edge protection on the fuel tank lockers and the swing up seat? My M had some clear tube that was slit and somewhat siliconed on from the PO, id like to redo and want to know what is the best method.
Thanks in advance
John
Re: 26M fiberglass question
Posted: Tue May 11, 2021 5:28 pm
by NiceAft
Excuse me for asking, but why is this a concern
In fifteen years of owning my

, I don’t think this is something that was ever on my radar.
Re: 26M fiberglass question
Posted: Tue May 11, 2021 9:37 pm
by Bilgemaster
My

's fuel tank lockers still have the OEM snap-on fabric covers in semi-decent shape, so like 'NiceAft', I've never given it the least thought. Still, with the right edging I suppose it
could tart up the appearance and "finish", but perhaps at the expense of giving those cruds even more nooks and crannies to coalesce in.
Quick googlings of "edge strip", "edging trim" or "U channel stripping" or the like should give you plenty of options and colors to suit your taste. For best results the old carpenter's maxim holds true: "Measure twice, cut once."
Re: 26M fiberglass question
Posted: Wed May 12, 2021 4:02 am
by OverEasy
Maybe the tubing was added by PO to protect from gel coat chipping or sharp factory edges?
Edging can be found from places like the “McMaster-Carr” and “Graingers” catalogs.
Not sure of clear or colored tubing type that is ‘pre-slit’ though. Companies like “SMC” I believe has a variety of plastic tubings in a variety of diameters and colors.
If you wanted to, make a manual slitting tool to ensure that the slit didn’t twist along the length would be a good idea.



Re: 26M fiberglass question
Posted: Fri May 14, 2021 2:18 pm
by Inquisitor
I didn't really like the free edge on the lip of the forward sliding hatch. I took a piece of the white 1/2" PEX tubing. I slit it using the table saw and it snapped on the edge. Gives a nice look and feel to the free edge. It might work for your situation. Might have to heat it up to form over the curves and hold it till it cools.
Re: 26M fiberglass question
Posted: Fri May 14, 2021 6:54 pm
by OverEasy
Which edge?
Do you mean the edge that I keep clocking myself on or the edge that try’s to trim my fingers?

Re: 26M fiberglass question
Posted: Tue May 18, 2021 7:19 am
by Beaverpilot
NiceAft wrote: ↑Tue May 11, 2021 5:28 pm
Excuse me for asking, but why is this a concern
In fifteen years of owning my

, I don’t think this is something that was ever on my radar.
It is starting to wear through the gel coat on the edges of the lockers and there is some chipping as well.
Re: 26M fiberglass question
Posted: Tue May 18, 2021 7:28 am
by Beaverpilot
OverEasy wrote: ↑Wed May 12, 2021 4:02 am
Maybe the tubing was added by PO to protect from gel coat chipping or sharp factory edges?
Edging can be found from places like the “McMaster-Carr” and “Graingers” catalogs.
Not sure of clear or colored tubing type that is ‘pre-slit’ though. Companies like “SMC” I believe has a variety of plastic tubings in a variety of diameters and colors.
If you wanted to, make a manual slitting tool to ensure that the slit didn’t twist along the length would be a good idea.


bingo!! There are chips and wearing issues on the gelcoat...I am working when-able to fix/repair them I just want to prevent future issues