Fiberglass Cloth

[gregmercer]

I know you guys are sick of answering this question, but I am wondering what kind of cloth to use on the floor of my boat.<br /><br />Its a 18' bowrider, I am using poly resin, I have replaced the floor now plan on using a layer of 1.5 ounce mat then a layer of cloth on top of that. I have searched to try to find an answer to this question but everyone has mixed feelings.<br /><br />Thanks!<br /><br />Greg

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Fiberglass Cloth

I just used 10 oz cloth on mine. Not sure if there is a better formula for necessary protection and or strength but the 10 oz seemed to be adequate.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Fiberglass Cloth

greg, for what you are doing, i think your'e on the right track. again a compliment, i've been a finished tirm carpenter for 30 years. looking at you detail i would hire you in a heart beat. the majority of 18 year olds, have no idea of how to install a screw.

 

[dmarkvid2]

Re: Fiberglass Cloth

I would use an epoxy resin instead of a poly

 

[BillP]

Re: Fiberglass Cloth

It depends on boat use but 10oz cloth will give good ding protection and 1.5oz mat with 3, 6, or 10oz cloth over it will give a bullet proof surface. 1.5 oz mat alone with a fill coat to sand on will give a bullet proof surface too.

 

[gregmercer]

Re: Fiberglass Cloth

Tashasdaddy - thanks for the compliment<br /><br />I think I might just use 1.5 oz matt alone unless someone really thinks I shouldn't. The floor is already really solid and this will save me some money. <br /><br />I plan on using it to just cruise around and do some wakeboarding behind. There is also going to be line-x sprayed on top of the fiberglass so that will add a little strength.<br /><br />Greg

 

[Realgun]

Re: Fiberglass Cloth

Use at least a 6 oz cloth on the floor. You need the strength there for sure. the other parts can get away with a lighter cloth unless it is structural. You never know when your going to be out and the weather will turn nasty. <br /><br />I used a 10 inch tape around the floor area to hull interface. then cover in 6oz S-cloth. 30% stronger than e-cloth for the same weight. Oh and to save money just cut the cloth from the fabric you have like I did. Just over lap about 4 iches on the ends and you will never knowe its not 1 piece of tape.

 

[gregmercer]

Re: Fiberglass Cloth

So I should put down a layer of 1.5 oz mat, let that harden, put the fiberglass tape on the floor/hull seams, let that harden, sand it then put another layer of 6 oz cloth down? Does that sound right?<br /><br />Greg

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Fiberglass Cloth

It's easier and turns out better if you do it all at one time, there's no need to let any of it get hard and then come back and do more.

 

[gregmercer]

Re: Fiberglass Cloth

Do you guys usually butt the pieces up together or overlap the seems? I would think that if you overlapped the two pieces of mat, then two pieces of cloth in the same space, there would be a noticable lump of fiberglass right down that seam when it was done... Any suggestions?<br /><br />Sorry for all the questions and thanks for the help!<br /><br />Greg

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Fiberglass Cloth

That's why I like to use cloth for what amounts to basically, non structural covering protection. It overlaps better than mat.

 

[gregmercer]

Re: Fiberglass Cloth

Will the fiberglass cloth stick to my floor though? I herd that you first need a layer of the mat for the cloth to stick. <br /><br />Greg

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Fiberglass Cloth

Originally posted by gregmercer:<br /> Will the fiberglass cloth stick to my floor though? I herd that you first need a layer of the mat for the cloth to stick. <br /><br />Greg

Old wifes tale GM. What is important is that you use enough resin to satisfy the absorbtion requirement of the base material. If the base sucks too much of the resin in, the bond to the cloth or mat would be weak. <br /><br />All of my new flooring was pre-resined before it was laid.( both sides and edges) Plus, if your are not commited, epoxy, under any circumstance, will provide a superior bond over polyester.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Fiberglass Cloth

If you stagger the overlaps then there won't be a big lump, plus you can shred the edges of the mat so it will taper out to the edge, then you overlap the tapered part. If you are using 1.5 oz mat, you can split it in two and have two 3/4 oz pieces. lay a 3/4 oz piece over the seem. If you're using polyester don't use cloth as a first layer, you will get a poor bond that can be pulled off easily. If it's done correctly and is in a low stress area it may last a long time, but the bond will still not be very good.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Fiberglass Cloth

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Fiberglass Cloth

sorry for the triple post