Fiber glassing Boat Floor Question.

[StrapsTivis]

Hello All! Looking for some advice here. I have a 1977 17' Tri-Hull boat that I got for a steal. I removed the 3/4" plywood floor someone put over the old fiberglass floor and found some spots that were weak, I drilled holes in the weak spots and cleaned out the rotted foam and refilled the boat with foam. Now I'm ready to put some 4 new Fiber glass layers on. I have done some work with fiber glass before, but nothing this scale.

SORRY for the long lead in, but I'm wonder if I want to put hardener in the resin that I use between layers, or just the last one?

Also, is there something clever I can use to Auto-Level the floor before doing the fiber glass mats?

 

[Woodonglass]

Uhmm I hate to tell you but I think you need to do a LOT more investigating on your boat before you do this "Patch" job. she's 39 years old and most boats of this vintage need to be totally restored. The stringers that are buried in the foam are the "Backbone" of your boat. The foam helps too but for sure it NOT just waterlogged in that one spot. All of it is and it's adding Hundreds of pounds of additional weight to the boat. It will NEVER dry out and needs to be totally removed and replaced. I'm betting you'll find the glass encased stringers that have wood cores are also wet and rotting. The Transom will also need to be investigated for wet rotting wood. I'm betting you'll find she needs a total restoration in order for her to be safe and sound.

 

[StrapsTivis]

You are probably correct. I will talk with my Wife, and Parents and see if they want to invest that kind of Time and/or Money

 

[StrapsTivis]

For future reference, and now my own curiosity... what would have been the answers to my questions.. if I was completely ready

 

[JASinIL2006]

Hello All! Looking for some advice here. I have a 1977 17' Tri-Hull boat that I got for a steal. I removed the 3/4" plywood floor someone put over the old fiberglass floor and found some spots that were weak, I drilled holes in the weak spots and cleaned out the rotted foam and refilled the boat with foam. Now I'm ready to put some 4 new Fiber glass layers on. I have done some work with fiber glass before, but nothing this scale.

As others have suggested, this is the sign of someone who patched over significant problems.

SORRY for the long lead in, but I'm wonder if I want to put hardener in the resin that I use between layers, or just the last one?

I'm not sure what you mean by this. If by "hardener", you mean the MEKP catalyst that causes the resin to harden, then you put it in each batch of resin you use to wet out the fiberglass. On the other hand, if "hardener" refers to the wax that allows the final layer to fully cure (and not remain tacky), that is generally added only to the final coat.

Also, is there something clever I can use to Auto-Level the floor before doing the fiber glass mats?

Not sure I understand the question.

It sounds like you would really benefit from checking out the boat more thoroughly. It seems unlikely, but you might find there isn't that much damage beneath the decks. But you rally need to check before you take people out on the boat.

Good luck, and if you do decide the boat needs restoration, there is lots of help here for you!

 

[Woodonglass]

If you decide to just patch the soft spots. you'll mix the resin with the hardener and then apply a liberal coat to the plywood. Let it set for an hour and then apply another coat of resin and lay some 1.5oz CSM down on top and use a short nap roller to smooth it down and apply a bit more resin when and where needed. Less is more Use just enough resin to make the glass go clear. Make SURE and coat the edges well and get glass on them as well. Take a look at this and I think you'll find it helpful...
Fabricating Decks, Stringers, and Transoms