fixing holes
Here's what I did to fix holes in bottom. Hole size was about 3 inches across. Grind out around the holes on the inside - buy Don Casey's book on repair, it gives details- also grind out a bit on the outside but not much. Next step is to clean the inside and outside of the hole where its ground down with solvent. Wear gloves. Next tape release fabric on the outside of the hole - back it with cardboard on the outside to hold the hulls shape. Mix up some thickened epoxy, use west system, its easy and brush it on the inside of the hole- then pour enough to cover the hole. Let it sit for 15 minutes or so and then start glassing from the inside. Read the west system instructions on how to do it. Let it cure and then come back, pull off the release fabric and sand the outside smooth. I then painted the outside of the sanded hole with thin epoxy and then just painted it with bottom paint. Tip: Be very very organized with the epoxy. Have an assistant to hand you things. Have a trash can to put waste in. Cover up everything around you with cardboard and tarps. The epoxy is nasty. It sticks to everything and it doesn't come off when its hard. And cover up, buy the west sytem gloves. I was fine with the stuff getting on me for a while and then I suddenly started breaking out after a few times around the stuff. Good luck.
