Super Jet Footholds help

[IWannaYama]

Hey guys I decided that i want to put foot holds on my 00' SJ. Did a bit of research but got mixed reviews on which ones to get. I was leaning towards watercraft factory. This will be my first time doing this install, i have no experience in cutting or fiberglass work. All I have done myself was, 0 bars, billet throttle, bilge pump, hydro turf, and removed/installed carbs on my own.
I was hoping someone can point me to do a good how to write up on the install process. Also, all the materials ill need and if there's a place I can buy all the materials in one shot.
Thanks!

edit- jump to 2nd page. Im stuck. Pics are up
Page 3 lots of progress pics

 

[TOBY]

http://www.x-h2o.com/threads/1357-How-to-install-footholds

 

[TOBY]

http://www.x-h2o.com/threads/101665-Foothold-BLOW-OUT-get-em-now-stocked-up-75-shipped

 

[smoofers]

If you follow those write ups they are great. However, whatever you do, DON'T install your holds with 5200. Use thickened epoxy (thicken using cabosil or glass bubbles). 5200 is almost as flexible as rubber and you want that interface to be just as rigid as the glass around it. I glue the holds in with thickened epoxy and rivets. After it has cured, drill off the rivet heads, sand the interface smooth and glass over the interface (overlap foothold and gunwale) with 2 layers (at least) of 9oz twill or similar.

 

[IWannaYama]

Just ordered those from Toby

 

[IWannaYama]

If you follow those write ups they are great. However, whatever you do, DON'T install your holds with 5200. Use thickened epoxy (thicken using cabosil or glass bubbles). 5200 is almost as flexible as rubber and you want that interface to be just as rigid as the glass around it. I glue the holds in with thickened epoxy and rivets. After it has cured, drill off the rivet heads, sand the interface smooth and glass over the interface (overlap foothold and gunwale) with 2 layers (at least) of 9oz twill or similar.

Good info thanks. I found a install guide by wamilton as well. I'll post it in a few let me know what you think

 

[IWannaYama]

https://www.wamiltons.com/pdfs/footholds_installation.pdf

 

[smoofers]

Wamilton's is spot on. For gluing in the holds he uses some sort of thick epoxy, this is where you will use your own thickened epoxy. Other than that I like to go a bit farther out on the gunwales with the final glass, using one large piece instead of strips (still use 2 layers or so).

 

[750sux]

Toby FA SHO, quick shipping, great product and you actually get a quick reply unlike a coupe others on here.

 

[Iland Trader]

I've done a few pairs so far. Last set got marinetex'd in and glassed over. I agree with what's above but to come to the defense of 5200. I had a set of outboard replaced years ago and after all the bolts were out the motor still would not break loose. I picked the back of a 33' boat up off the trailer with a forklift attached to the engine block to break the bond. I honestly think 52 million would work in this case but I have not used it. It's not an elastomer or even close to a rubber in terms of material bond strength.

 

[IWannaYama]

I've done a few pairs so far. Last set got marinetex'd in and glassed over. I agree with what's above but to come to the defense of 5200. I had a set of outboard replaced years ago and after all the bolts were out the motor still would not break loose. I picked the back of a 33' boat up off the trailer with a forklift attached to the engine block to break the bond. I honestly think 52 million would work in this case but I have not used it. It's not an elastomer or even close to a rubber in terms of material bond strength.

Thanks man. I see your in boynton. Im In delray. was thinking of riding out boynton inlet tomorrow. you interested?

 

[Skinz]

how to install footholds

use a templet that is provided and put them as far back as possible match up the foothold so you still have room to screw it in and it doesnt hang out past the sides or the tray hull
-cut w a dremel
-chizzle out foam all the way up to the top and to the out side of the hull
-sand the hull tray around the cutout w 36 grit and the footholds front and back to make it really ruff and wipe w acetone and then use 2 part epoxy to glue to foothold in
-then use number 8 screws (i use self tappers) and screw them in start at the bottom then do the top or visa versa which ever way u want (i start at the bottom then the top)
-wipe everything down again w acetone and use a paint brush to spread your apoxy. cut strips of fiberglass that overlay both surfaces by an inch and a half
-spread the epoxy onto back side of foot hold strips and lay them on
- spread the epoxy over the top now
- let cure in environment of about 70 degrees use a little space heater about a foot or two away over night in garage if needed
-let it harden up for about 12-24 hours whatever the directions say for the particular brand
-cut a hole on the top of the hull rail about the center of the foothold use a funnel and pour in 2 part foam to backfill the foothold when the foam rises and gets close to the top plug the hole w your thumb and the foam will start to spread out and fill in all voids.(best way to do it and stronger than just chizzling out the foam till the foot holds fits!) repeat prep process and patch the hole w glass and epoxy sand after cured
-let it harden up for about 12-24 hours whatever the directions say for the particular brand
- sand w about 60 grit or so and your done.
- when u re furf make sure u ruff up the hull so the glue bonds really well save u hassle of re gluing down turf that has come unbonded

everyone has their own opinion of how to do this. this is mine and had great results. all materials can be found at TAP plastics if you live in nor cal. otherwise your local boater supply will have what you need.

i use i use woven roving fiberglass sheeting 18 oz. and i buy foot holds from toby they are awesome as pictured

 

[IWannaYama]

^^ Thanks for the info! I will def use that! Do you also recommend laying glass in between holds or all throughout the tray?
Should I also get a lifter style wedge like you have n the back?

 

[Skinz]

No glass I between holds just epoxy. When I re did my turf I got a 1 inch pad from hydro turf and cut that w a razor blade . I act had to cut the bottom of my tray and re foam it. It's not neccisary to lay a piece of glass but always a good idea to do it to reinforce a little if u ride the surf

 

[IWannaYama]

Yeah I ride surf a lot and also jump boat wake.

 

[baxt3r]

Don't waste your time with a chisel on the existing foam. Use a wire wheel on a drill and you'll be done with it in no time. Used the wire wheel on mine after taking a few stabs with a chisel. No comparison.

For putting down the epoxy, go with a chip brush. It's a short paint brush. Worked better for me. I felt like I had much more control over what I was doing and where I was putting the epoxy.

 

[IWannaYama]

Don't waste your time with a chisel on the existing foam. Use a wire wheel on a drill and you'll be done with it in no time. Used the wire wheel on mine after taking a few stabs with a chisel. No comparison.

For putting down the epoxy, go with a chip brush. It's a short paint brush. Worked better for me. I felt like I had much more control over what I was doing and where I was putting the epoxy.

Got it thanks. I noticed that where I will be cutting into the fiber glass on exhaust side is a lot narrower compared it other side. I'm told
This is due to the exhaust over the years heating and cooling can cause the boat to "warp". Could this be a fitment issue??

 

[baxt3r]

I have no idea but I would like to hear an answer.

 

[icecoled007]

Got it thanks. I noticed that where I will be cutting into the fiber glass on exhaust side is a lot narrower compared it other side. I'm told
This is due to the exhaust over the years heating and cooling can cause the boat to "warp". Could this be a fitment issue??

Huh interesting! I have never heard that before, but I did notice my SJ was a little warped there on the side. I didnt have an issue (used toby holds too - good move) but it was a tighter fit.


Edit: Just ran out to the garage to take a look. Actually I can see where the "warp" was pushed out by my foothold. Its nothing major, but its not as smooth as the other side. SO weird I never knew what that was caused by. I thought it was a manufacture defect.

 

[icecoled007]

Also, I ran a piece of biaxial mat across the tray. Not he entire tray, but the space between the holds. I dotn ride surf, but it was a cheap piece of insurance... This install is definitely something you dont want to halfass or cheap out on.

Some small recommendations I would make:
- make sure you cover up the rest of your ski when working. I didnt make a mess on the side of my ski but I see how it could be easy to do.
- Cutting the foam will make you all itchy. I chiseled at foam and tried to fit. Chiseled. fit. chiseled. fit
- To part foam drys fast.....faster than you think. Very messy part. Ruined some tools - forever covered in foam.
- I wasted alot of epoxy.... it was curing in my can. Dont mix so much at once, mix just a little to do one or part of one foothold.
- Buy several paintbrushes, they are a one time use deal. I went to harbor freight and bought like 10 for $7.50. Tossed them all when done.