fiberglass work on a boat - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

theemaan · 08-01-2004, 07:47 AM

I bought "project" boat and it neds a bit of fiberglass repair. There are some spots that need work that have jelcoat already on them. Do I need to remove all the jelcoat for the fiberglass resin to adhere or is a little sanded jelcoat ok.
If anyone has suggestions for the best brand of resin(or epoxy)to use it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for any help

tfpfreak · 08-02-2004, 10:23 AM

I tried to fiberglass my boat without taking the gelcoat off... BIG MISTAKE!!! Take the time to get the gelcoat off, you will be saving yourself in the longrun!

JusticeForPhat · 08-09-2004, 12:40 PM

I'd stick with a west system epoxy . . . i've used a bunch of their stuff for 5 years now and never had a problem. They have several combinations of epoxy and hardener you can use to get optimal pot life and soak through. A gallon of epoxy and a juggy of hardener are about $80 from aircraft spruce.

BoomTruck · 08-17-2004, 08:16 PM

As much as I hate anything involving fiberglass, I have found something that helps. LIGHTLY sandblast the surface being repaired. It makes everyrthing work so much better.

theemaan · 08-18-2004, 03:01 AM

Thanks for the help-- she comes out of the water next week for new engines and sanding and painting. I forcast a much lighter wallet in the near future.

08-01-2004, 07:47 AM	#1 (permalink)
theemaan Tilted	fiberglass work on a boat I bought "project" boat and it neds a bit of fiberglass repair. There are some spots that need work that have jelcoat already on them. Do I need to remove all the jelcoat for the fiberglass resin to adhere or is a little sanded jelcoat ok. If anyone has suggestions for the best brand of resin(or epoxy)to use it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for any help

08-02-2004, 10:23 AM	#2 (permalink)
tfpfreak Crazy Location: MS	I tried to fiberglass my boat without taking the gelcoat off... BIG MISTAKE!!! Take the time to get the gelcoat off, you will be saving yourself in the longrun! __________________ Never grow a wishbone where your backbone ought to be. ~ Clementine Paddleford

08-17-2004, 08:16 PM	#4 (permalink)
BoomTruck Insane Location: On a gravel road rough enought to knock fillings out of teeth.	As much as I hate anything involving fiberglass, I have found something that helps. LIGHTLY sandblast the surface being repaired. It makes everyrthing work so much better. __________________ Judge me all you want, but keep the verdict to yourself.

08-09-2004, 12:40 PM	#3 (permalink)
JusticeForPhat Crazy Location: Philly	I'd stick with a west system epoxy . . . i've used a bunch of their stuff for 5 years now and never had a problem. They have several combinations of epoxy and hardener you can use to get optimal pot life and soak through. A gallon of epoxy and a juggy of hardener are about $80 from aircraft spruce.

08-18-2004, 03:01 AM	#5 (permalink)
theemaan Tilted	Thanks for the help-- she comes out of the water next week for new engines and sanding and painting. I forcast a much lighter wallet in the near future.