How To Repair A Cracked Fiberglass Hull

[Zachd875]

Last night I went out about 5 miles before I noticed my fiberglass tri-hull was taking on heavy water. I decided it might be best if I headed back. Once getting back home I found an very bad crack in the front of the hull. My question is how do I go about fixing this. I'm fairly decent at glassing but I can't figure out how to fix it without access to the inside. Any suggestions will be appreciated.
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[Woodonglass]

Pics aren't working. Depending on the size and location you might be able to do an outside repair but...It's a lot easier if you have access to the inside. Make sure to use Epoxy for this kind of Outside in Repair. Short version for the repair is to open the crack by grinding both edges until it's about 1" wide. Then on the bench create a fiberglass backup piece about 3" longer than the crack and 3" wide. then with your fingers and sandpaper reach inside and sand the inner surface as best you can. Butter the Backup piece with PB and get some on the inside too. drill a small hole in the patch and thread some twine into the hole. Insert the patch into the crack and position properly then use the string to pull it tight against the back side. Hold in place for 1 hour.. Now you can finish on the outside using normal repair procedures. If you want more details just ask.

You might find this helpful as well... Read Section #4

http://www.westsystem.com/wp-content...anual-2015.pdf

 

[Zachd875]

WoodonGlass. Thanks for your reply. The pics should be working now

 

[savetexomabeaches]

No Title

Tape it off, open up crack, build backer, sand, glue in backer

 

[Woodonglass]

It's location makes it possible to repair from the outside as previously described I did the same basic repair on my boat after a loading mishap with my trailer

 

[Zachd875]

Good deal. You boys have really made me feel better. I was worried I was better blowing it up with tannerite

 

[savetexomabeaches]

No Title

Build up with glass, sand, gelcoat