Topsides

Bevel the framework the same as you did with the sponson sides and pads, and fit and install the plywood in the same manner.

The topside does not have to meet the sponson side in a precise way. This area will later be planed flat and half-round rubrail installed.

Flotation

Flotation is a good idea in any case, and is required in APBA racing. By the rules, GT Pro boats must have a minimum of two cubic feet of flotation foam. That's about enough to support 120 lbs., which is the approximate weight of a 25 hp motor.

That's cutting it too thin for me. I put about 3 cubic feet in my Dillon Mini.

PLEASE TAKE NOTE

Pictures and text below show how I installed foam in my Dillon Mini. But I ran into a problem while building the Mini Vee which is also instructive here.

I poured the foam into the Mini Vee after the deck was installed. Later, I noticed a distinct convave area in the deck between the bulkheads where the foam was poured. It would seem that after the foam expands, it actually shrinks back a bit, and in this case pulled the deck down with it. Luckily, it did not distort the bottom very much. Similar effects have shown up on my Sport C boat.

For the Dillon Pro Vee, I lined the area with poly before pouring the foam. When the foam shrinks, it will simply pull away from the plywood and framing.

Foam Installation

BEFORE PROCEDING, SEAL WITH EPOXY ALL PLYWOOD SURFACES THAT WILL BE INACCESSABLE AFTER THE FOAM IS POURED.

Mix and pour the foam as the directions on the product instruct. You will get best foaming action if the chemicals are warm -- 70 degrees F or above.

I put my foam between frames 2 and 3, and between the middle deck batten and the sides. Make a barrier out of plywood or other convenient board. Cover the barrier with plastic, making some effort to plug possible leaks.

Trim off excess with a handsaw.