Classic speedboats demand serious structural integrity. When our Fiberglass Warehouse customer, Mike, took on the restoration of a legendary Cigarette Cafe racer, they knew they needed marine-grade products designed to withstand stress and constant moisture. 

This customer spotlight highlights a complete structural overhaul, focusing on the transom and stringers. By replacing outdated materials with advanced composites, Mike is ensuring this classic vessel dominates the water for decades to come.

Upgrading the Transom and Stringers

The foundation of any high-performance boat relies heavily on its stringer system and transom. For this project, Mike stripped away the old materials and replaced the core with Coosa board. Coosa is known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and complete resistance to rot.

To lock the new board securely into the hull, Mike utilized our high-strength vinyl ester putty. This specialized adhesive creates a rock-solid, permanent bond between the fiberglass hull and the new structural components, eliminating any weak points in the framework.

Lamination for Maximum Strength

Once the Coosa board was glued in place, the structural reinforcement began. Mike laminated the entire framework using Fiberglass Warehouse vinyl ester resin, paired with Chopped Strand Mat (CSM) and 1708 fiberglass .

The 1708 stitched biaxial fiberglass provides incredible multi-directional strength, making it a favorite for heavy-duty marine construction. Meanwhile, the vinyl ester resin acts as a superior binding agent, offering excellent blister resistance and waterproofing characteristics.

Achieving a Flawless Exterior Finish

Structural integrity is vital, but the exterior needs to look as fast as the boat performs. Moving to the outer transom, Mike glassed in all unnecessary holes left behind by old hardware, creating a clean and seamless surface.

To protect the fresh fiberglass repairs and give the boat a pristine finish, Mike applied Fiberglass Warehouse gel coat. The final coats of gel are being sprayed shortly, bringing the heavy lifting of this restoration project to a beautiful close.

Next up, Mike will be doing a one off engine hatch with vinyl ester resin and gelcoat. We can't wait to see how it turns out.

Start Your Own Marine Restoration

Planning a boat rebuild or a simple structural repair? Equip yourself with the right materials for the job. Browse the full selection of resins, fiberglass, and gel coats at Fiberglass Warehouse to get professional, long-lasting results.

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