How to fix fiberglass rowboat, doesn't need to float-- sandbox

[mo0902]

Hello-

I just bought a cheap older fiber glass row boat to make a sandbox for my son. He loves boats and thought it was a fun idea. I am handy, but not familiar with working with fiberglass. There is a crack about 6-12'' down the front of the boat and the 2x4's that are lining the edges are falling off. I need to take the 2x4s of and replace those with non-rusted screws and fix the crack in addition to sanding down some of the edges also to make it safe for childern to climb in/out of.

Any suggestions for cheaply fixing the crack before I sand and paint the rest? I don't need it to be water resistant, but I'm not sure what materials might be strong enough...

Any suggestions would be greaty appreciated!

Thanks

 

[tpenfield]

Re: How to fix fiberglass rowboat, doesn't need to float

Re: How to fix fiberglass rowboat, doesn't need to float

Got a picture or two ???

Does the crack really need to be fixed? Safety or cosmetic ?

since it does not need to be structural, perhaps you could fix the crack with bondo body filler that is sold at auto supply stores. Much easier than learning about fiberglass.

I used a wooden rowboat as a sand box many few years ago. It had a nice way of self destructing as the kids grew out of it . . .

 

[Grub54891]

Re: How to fix fiberglass rowboat, doesn't need to float

Re: How to fix fiberglass rowboat, doesn't need to float

For something like that you could just make an alunimum plate,bolt it on the outside,paint the same color of the boat.get some regular 2x4's and just replace them with stainless hardware.I wouldnt get treated wood as the kids will be touching them alot.If it were me I would sink it in the ground a bit so they could get in/ out easily.It should have some kind of holes in the bottom screened off so you will have good drainage.
Grub

 

[mo0902]

Re: How to fix fiberglass rowboat, doesn't need to float-- sandbox

Great ideas- I will take a couple pictures tonight when I get home. I think it's more for saftey than cosmetic. I think something like the plate idea might work best, since the boat overall seems a bit flexible- the crack doesn't help. Once I have the sand in it, new 2x4s, and I think I will sink it in the ground a bit I'm hoping it won't feel as flexible.

 

[gm280]

Re: How to fix fiberglass rowboat, doesn't need to float-- sandbox

WOW with those requirements (it doesn't have to float), there should tons of advice on here... Usually folks want a quality floatable repair... :high5:

 

[Grub54891]

Re: How to fix fiberglass rowboat, doesn't need to float-- sandbox

If ya do drill holes for drainage,and sink it in the ground,I think it should have a gravel base under it,line it with landscaping fabric and set the boat in.that will help the water go away better.unless your dirt drains well already.
Grub

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: How to fix fiberglass rowboat, doesn't need to float-- sandbox

Just be advised......... fiberglass particles are not skin friendly so.....be sure to paint it with a good epoxy type paint to protect the children.

 

[MTboatguy]

Re: How to fix fiberglass rowboat, doesn't need to float-- sandbox

If It were me, when I drill the holes for drainage, I would use something like a hull through grommet so the edges are smooth and don't deteriorate over time.

To add, to bad your not local to me, I have a couple of different boats I would be willing to give away!

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: How to fix fiberglass rowboat, doesn't need to float-- sandbox

Well you have a son .. forget about safety ..

No really you can use some heater hose from your local auto mart .. slice it to make a Grasp kinda thing and that takes care of the top edge. .. the crack I would fill with a tube of 5200 fast cure after you de-burr the crack edges.

Should be good to go for a sand box

Any Filler would have a chance to POP and create sharp edges when you least expect. .. I would use only Caulk in this case.

Good luck

YD.