Freestyle TIps on installing footholds in a ski with existing footholds?

[Stunts]

I have a RN now with small footholds that don't hold for cr@p so I am looking to install thrust lock downs. I have never installed holds before or even glassed for that matter. I want to get my old holds out and everything ready for when my new holds come in. I don't have any pattern to go off of but I am thinking of how to remove the old holds without messing anything up for the new ones. Anyone ever reinstalled different holds? How'd it go? Any pointers? Thanks.

 

[mademan9]

I know this guy just finish doing the same thing Al//gsx//sj‎ . here is a link to help you install them. its not that hard to do.
https://www.wamiltons.com/pdfs/footholds_installation.pdf

 

[Al//gsx//sj]

haha you beat me too it...Yep, just did the exact same thing recently and also moved them forward ~2” inches. wouldn’t have attempted this without my Oscillating tool from HF (they may still be on sale for $20 w/coupon). My removal is probably not the norm because the epoxy I used 2 months ago didn’t bond well at all, so they came out fairly easy. Surprisingly no wet foam and didn’t screw up the bottom tray or sidewalls, almost like I didn’t install them at all. Removing the turf wasn’t bad either, but the underpadding was a PITA. I tried break cleaner and Goof Off. Both work about the same, but the fumes from the break cleaner can be strong. I used a heavy duty paint scraper, chisel, razor blades, screwdrivers, anything with a semi-blunt tip to get the majority off. To finish the tight spots I used SS toothbrushes. Spray, brush, spray, brush... I used my small grinder with a abrasive disc/sanding pad to remove all the layers of glass…in hindsight I should have just used the grinder to start off with…

 

[Stunts]

Ok, I think I am ok with removing and installing since my old footholds are small and the new ones are pretty big. I am not sure how they are mounted though, screwed, rivoted etc. I am just going to cut out whatever goes into the ski though, leaving the outer edges of the old hold. Once I get the template, I'll cut whatever else I'll need. I heard lacquer thinner works best to remove the old glue/padding etc?

I plan on screwing in the holds with 5200, curing for 24 hours then remove the screws and filling in holes with more 5200. Then I have to lay the glass down but do I need anything more then epoxy and maybe a hardening agent, is a thickener needed? I've been told I can buy everything at West Marine which I have one close to me, I'd rather not order online (uscomposites) because I need to get this done asap and get back into the water. They have the cloth, epoxy, hardener but I didn't see any thickening agent, so is that needed? As far as glassing goes, just brush on the epoxy resin onto the hull and the contact side of the cloth (or both sides?) and then just roll it on? Anything I am missing? Thanks for the help.

 

[Stunts]

Will this epoxy resin/hardener work for glassing in my holds?

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...toreNum=10104&subdeptNum=10296&classNum=10297

Using this cloth

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...toreNum=10104&subdeptNum=10296&classNum=11071

So all I will need is some 5200 for screw holes and bonding it when its screwed down. I may or may not use some 2 part foam, I think my ski is defoamed anyway.

 

[icecoled007]

Will this epoxy resin/hardener work for glassing in my holds?

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...toreNum=10104&subdeptNum=10296&classNum=10297

Using this cloth

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...toreNum=10104&subdeptNum=10296&classNum=11071

So all I will need is some 5200 for screw holes and bonding it when its screwed down. I may or may not use some 2 part foam, I think my ski is defoamed anyway.

I wouldent use 5200. I would you an epoxy resin mix to peanut butter constancy. I riveted my holds in and lets the rivets there. Pulled the holds to the ski nicely. You will need 2 part foam with different holds. you need the reinforcement behind the holds

 

[Al//gsx//sj]

I didn’t cut mine out, more so as I pried them out. I used the tool blade between the foothold and the hull, kinda like using a knife to cut open an envelope. Everything I’ve read before install suggest not using 5200 anywhere. I picked up everything local at West Marine

West systems 105(32oz)/205(.44pt) epoxy, 404 high density filler, Mini Pump Set and west systems 12oz E-glass (Episize #745 30x30 sheet). Habor Frieght 3/16"x1/2" aluminum pop-rivets. cheap clear plastic cups, paint stiring sticks and latex gloves from Walmart

oh yeah, also what Steve said too :smile: . i epoxied/pop rivited mine in first, then shot the foam in from the gap, cut and shaped the foam first, then glassed over them..

 

[icecoled007]

What he said