Fiberglass boat build

[joshfish]

Picked up a mold today for an 8ft hull. Want to build a couple boats from the mold. I have experience working with fiberglass but not with building a hull. Need to know what weight of fiberglass? Should I use mat or cloth? Polyester or epoxy resin? Any help appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[matt167]

Re: Fiberglass boat build

Many older boats were built with Woven Roving and 3/4 oz mat between layers, which is what I would build with. Tried and true for hull construction. You can use other materials if you want. Biaxial cloth like a 1708 or 1808 would probably do well also.. You will only need poly resin

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Fiberglass boat build

Welcome to iBoats. . .

Post some pictures of the mold when you can.

Polyester resin should be fine. Epoxy would be pricey. +1 to what Matt said about the layering of the cloth. You will probably need to consider the interior layout of the boat for seats, flotation, etc., depending on what you have for a mold.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Fiberglass boat build

This is a 2 part video showing how the gelcoat is applied to the mold and then the glass etc is applied. I think you'll find it educational.

Panga Boat Mold Making

 

[joshfish]

Re: Fiberglass boat build

Can't seem to upload pics from my phone so I'll have to load them on my computer a try again. The mold isn't perfect but should be able to get a boat out of it that will work for ponds and small lakes. As far as seating goes I don't think I'll put any in it. I'll just sit on an icechest or maybe put one in the midden with storage under it.

 

[matt167]

Re: Fiberglass boat build

You have to have cross sectional support on a small boat. Good idea for floatation also