Expo Solar Sailer

[ArleneT]

I have a 1994 expo solar sailer, 14'-6". In a blow it was rocking at it's mooring and the mast sawed thru the deck and fell down. Not sure how to repair this. the mast step pulled out and there is no apparent blocking to attach it to and no reinforcement. Any ideas would be welcome. Phone # for the company is "not in service"hnaks
Thanks

 

[dlochner]

Arlene,

A few photos would be helpful. You'll probably need to clean up the hole in the deck, place some more reinforcement beneath the mast step, and then repair the deck with new fiberglass. That's a broad and general answer. Photos would help us be more specific.

 

[solosailier]

LINK:

NEAT LIL BOAT

Arlene,

A few photos would be helpful. You'll probably need to clean up the hole in the deck, place some more reinforcement beneath the mast step, and then repair the deck with new fiberglass. That's a broad and general answer. Photos would help us be more specific.

 

[ArleneT]

Hopefully the photos will post

 

[BudGates]

I'm afraid you're going to have to replace that entire fiberglass section. I'd start by cutting out all the torn and/or delaminated area away and feathering the edges. You can then bond a panel of fiberglass sheeting to the inside and build the rest up from there. Pop-rivets work well to hold the sheet in place while it cures and can be easily removed afterwards.

If fiberglass sheeting isn't available try screwing a piece of 1/4" plywood covered with several layers of plastic wrap to the inside and layering the fiberglass up from there. After two or three layers the plywood can be removed and the plastic wrap will peel off.

Good luck.

 

[agprice22]

Can you go back to the manufacturer and ask if they have a fix or some compensation?

 

[Chief RA]

Is it insured? Chief

 

[ArleneT]

Thank you

 

[ArleneT]

It appears the manufacturer is gone

 

[ArleneT]

Insurance won't cover it

 

[justsomeguy]

Fiberglass work is very forgiving, and you'll learn a new skill.

 

[dlochner]

That's going to be a tough one to fix because of the mast step area. It is fiberglass and with time, patience, and money it can be fixed, maybe even improved.

If you are adventurous you might want to redesign the mast step. Some kind of a box or tube that is glassed to the hull. This would transmit the loads directly to the hull and help prevent this from happening again. The deck would then be easier to layup and it would help stabilize the new mast step.

Is there easy access to the area under the deck, through a small cuddy cabin perhaps? If so, it may be easier to turn the boat over so that you can get gravity working for you, at least for the first couple of layers of glass. Once there is a base to work from, flip the boat back over and lay up the finishing layers.

 

[Chief RA]

Dave your on the concept that I have been looking at. With a strong couple layers of wet resin fabric on the back side it would be possible to flip it and cut out fibre fabric inserts into the damaged areas up to surface level. Then cover with a couple more layers of wet resin fabric and it will be really strong. A post inside will likely get in the way of her sleeping berth. Maybe make a removable post? Chief