Gearhead62
Seaman
- Joined
- Aug 5, 2008
- Messages
- 66
Fiberglass Veterans - These forums are the best - lots or experience and different perspectives
Please advise -
Just getting ideas here. I lean towards "aggressive / fast" vs "best way"....and I assume all risk. I've read several threads on fiberglass repair but can't seem to find one that addresses my situation. I am very mechanical, have all tools, but no glass experience
I just removed a 4-yr old sloppy resin / mat repair (from prev owner) on the keel of a 14' tri-hull Forester (early 70s?). This is my kids' boat - they have modified it for bowfishing at night and they're itching to get back on the water, given all the warm weather. Minimal investment ($200) in boat itself but it has a 5K Gen, 5 Halogens, supported by SpeedBar. mounting.
I have attached photos that show the damage - current state. It appears that repair was done from underneath? as there is resin slop on trailer below - likely from an auto store / glass repair kit.
I know that most will logically state you have to hit it from inside, removing deck, and then the outside, etc... and I agree with that - maybe next year. But I'm looking for a hack / workable method that allows a decent patch to be applied, fully aware that life expectancy will be lower than pro method.
After cleanup, appears I am into the original gash, can see wood stringer on the keel which is slightly damp - trying to remove whatever is bad. Yes - stringer(s) likely needs replacement. Glass adjacent to hole seems strong and on the linear ends of the crack I have found dry solid wood. I've heard of some wood restorer, heard about Marine-Tek, and a couple other tube items that might get me a season or two?
Please post any ideas - I assume all risk and know it should be done the right way, but the boat will likely be retired after I can squeeze a couple more seasons out of it until they upgrade - perfect for my young aspiring boaters / north suburban carp slayers.
Gonna step away for a few hours - Happy St Pat's to all.........Thanks in advance
Please advise -
Just getting ideas here. I lean towards "aggressive / fast" vs "best way"....and I assume all risk. I've read several threads on fiberglass repair but can't seem to find one that addresses my situation. I am very mechanical, have all tools, but no glass experience
I just removed a 4-yr old sloppy resin / mat repair (from prev owner) on the keel of a 14' tri-hull Forester (early 70s?). This is my kids' boat - they have modified it for bowfishing at night and they're itching to get back on the water, given all the warm weather. Minimal investment ($200) in boat itself but it has a 5K Gen, 5 Halogens, supported by SpeedBar. mounting.
I have attached photos that show the damage - current state. It appears that repair was done from underneath? as there is resin slop on trailer below - likely from an auto store / glass repair kit.
I know that most will logically state you have to hit it from inside, removing deck, and then the outside, etc... and I agree with that - maybe next year. But I'm looking for a hack / workable method that allows a decent patch to be applied, fully aware that life expectancy will be lower than pro method.
After cleanup, appears I am into the original gash, can see wood stringer on the keel which is slightly damp - trying to remove whatever is bad. Yes - stringer(s) likely needs replacement. Glass adjacent to hole seems strong and on the linear ends of the crack I have found dry solid wood. I've heard of some wood restorer, heard about Marine-Tek, and a couple other tube items that might get me a season or two?
Please post any ideas - I assume all risk and know it should be done the right way, but the boat will likely be retired after I can squeeze a couple more seasons out of it until they upgrade - perfect for my young aspiring boaters / north suburban carp slayers.
Gonna step away for a few hours - Happy St Pat's to all.........Thanks in advance