A few quick questions to make sure I want to do a resto

[jakedaawg]

Hi folks,

I have always wanted to restore a fiberglass boat. I have a couple quick questions because I can not seem to master this search function.

I am thinking of picking up a sleek 21' outboard hull. It is rough, real rough. It is also free. As I read through everyones threads they all speak of "grinding". What are you grinding? I get it that it is fiberglass you are grinding but what specifically? are you just grinding to get down to clean mat? Is it prep for the additional glass that goes in when replacing stringers and such? Are you grinding every square inch of the inside of the hull or just where the new stuff will be applied?

I do realize that this will be a huge project but I have the facilities. I am a marine mechanic with 8 years of my own shop. I have done very little hull work though. I believe I can learn and do it. Sure would be a good skill set to have and better to learn on my own stuff than on a customers.

 

[JASinIL2006]

Re: A few quick questions to make sure I want to do a resto

Generally, when people speak of grinding, they're referring to getting rid of old fiberglass that was either tabbing (to hold/support stringers or transom), thickened resin (aka peanut butter) that was used as a filler and/or adhesive, or glass that has some contaminant stuck to it that would prevent good adherence between old glass and new glass (e.g., grinding of carpet adhesive or foam to get to clean fiberglass).

From my somewhat limited experience, and from reading lots of threads, it seems that for many people, grinding down to the original hull during a full restoration is the goal. For example, when I removed my transom, I had to grind off a good quarter-inch or more of thickened resin that held the old transom to the hull. In some instances, though, it's probably more important just to get down to good, clean fiberglass so your new work adheres well.

I'm sure others will weigh in, too.

Best,
Jim

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: A few quick questions to make sure I want to do a resto

Welcome to iBoats!

You will be using a 4 1/2" or 7" grinder with a back up pad and resin coated sanding discs to grind off the old glass that normally has a wax finish coat in it. This will expose good fresh resin and glass below and allow a much better bond for the new glass to adhere too. You will use Acetone to clean the surface prior to installing the new glass. By the time you're done you will practically have sanded and ground the entire bottom interior surface of the hull, the transom and some of the sides. Very itchy nasty business. This will give you an idea of what's required...

(Click the pic to Download and view the PDF File)

View attachment MaterialsList.pdf

 

[Pmccraney]

Re: A few quick questions to make sure I want to do a resto

Grinding is not only itchy and nasty, but potentially very dangerous.

Be sure you use proper protective equipment (respirator, not a "dust mask", tyvek suit, eye protection, and ear protection doesn't hurt either - it's loud). Sounds like you have good shop space, but its also nice to grind in a controlled environment where you can contain the particles... A central dust vacuum would be a huge bonus...

To each his own: I love the look and performance of a fiberglass boat, but I will never attempt to restore one again, in large part because of the grinding.... All my boat projects from here on out will be wood or metal...

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: A few quick questions to make sure I want to do a resto

the ability to do hull work would help in a marine shop environment.

I can not add much more to the posts above, other than fiberglass work should be partitioned off (read as hermetically sealed from) everything else in the shop. Fiberglass grinding dust gets everywhere, and I mean everywhere

I did some grinding work in my storage unit, and quickly moved to the great outdoors because I had coated everyones stuff in other storage bays with a layer of white dust, and each bay had walls that went to the ceiling. there were just enough gaps in the wall joints to allow the dust to get everywhere.

 

[GT1000000]

Re: A few quick questions to make sure I want to do a resto

Basically, what all of the above said...
I would add that a full face respirator will be your best friend, the investment is minimal and the major benefit is complete protection of your lungs and eyes along with much clearer vision than trying to go with a respirator and goggles...
A Tyvek suit and baby powder are your next best friends...
Keep in mind that unless you grind and clean the hull, then continue to immediately install stringers, transom, etc...after about a week or so the surface of the fiberglass resin will have fully cured and the desired mechanical bond will no longer exist and you will need to grind the area, albeit lightly, to open up the pores again...
Be assured that if you decide to tackle this learning experience, we will be here to help answer any questions you may have along the way...
If you do decide to go for it, make sure you start a thread on the restoration of your boat and post plenty of pictures so we can all ride along.
Best of luck and have Fun!
GT1M

 

[jakedaawg]

Re: A few quick questions to make sure I want to do a resto

Thanks for all the responses. I do think I will be proceeding with this project. Have to finish up the last couple shrinkwraps and get the shop ready. I will post some pictures once i figure out how to get them from the Iphone to the computer with the miserable hughes net satellite connection that i have. And the fact that I am so computer illiterate (I can plug it into an e-tec but thats about it).

I have been scouring the net researching this hull # GSW19460A183"G?" GSW comes back as Orig American Offshore. I called them but they said they got the "GSW" in '91. Previously it may have belonged to California Boats but I cant find any info on that company on the net.

My goal is to learn fiberglass repair/restoration and possibly end up with a mid-70's MPH boat. Can't hurt to try.

 

[jakedaawg]

Re: A few quick questions to make sure I want to do a resto










that is the cracked knee (test to see if text is in proper place.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: A few quick questions to make sure I want to do a resto

Your boat is related to the Sleekcraft which is similar to many of the smaller go fast ski boats.

Here is an excellent example of a completed project http://forums.iboats.com/completed-...ki-boat-complete-restore-splashed-413369.html

I am also working on a 16' Sidewinder. I will admit it is a commitment. So, you are looking to get into the 70 mph range with a 21' boat......... I hope you have some serious power lined up.........like 175 or better.

 

[jakedaawg]

Re: A few quick questions to make sure I want to do a resto

Bob Vt, not sure if the speed goal is realalistic-just a personal goal. I do have access to the as much HP as I need in several different packages. Not sure which will be right. Even if the speed does not work out this will primarily be a learning project. A functional go-fast that looks awesome would be the ultimate goal but getting some experience to see if glass work is a saleable skill for me is more the motivation. The idea I have in my head is to try. If successful see if I can find a part time winter month job working for a glass repair/resto guy. Learn the trade. I feel that as a mechanic it is going to get increasingly harder to operate as an independant shop without having factory support. The more services I can offer the better I will be able to sustain my small business.

As far as the sidewinder goes..So Cool!!! A buddy of mine just picked one up. Metallic green survivor. Am pretty sure it was indoors for a long time. It has a tower of trouble on it but that can be remedied (had good compression).